ACTH

PTH is a hormone your parathyroid glands make, which helps control the calcium level in your blood. If calcium blood levels are too low, your parathyroid glands will release PTH to raise calcium levels. If calcium levels are too high, these glands will stop making PTH. This test helps diagnose hyperparathyroidism (too much PTH) and hypoparathyroidism (too little PTH), monitor kidney disease, and determine whether high calcium blood levels relate to parathyroid glands.

Testosterone, a hormone found in both men and women, plays a crucial role in functions such as muscle growth, bone strength, and mood regulation. The Free Testosterone Index (FTI) specifically measures the amount of “free” testosterone available for its function, as opposed to the testosterone bound to proteins. This test is utilized by doctors to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, low sex drive, and muscular or skeletal issues, potentially caused by low testosterone levels.

Sex Hormone-binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that sticks to sex hormones in your blood, preventing your body from using them. Your body can only use sex hormones that are not attached to SHBG. The SHBG test is mostly used to see how testosterone is working in your body. For men, it checks how much testosterone is available for the body to use, which can indicate problems like hormone imbalances or issues with having children. For women, SHBG does something similar but looks at how this protein handles both testosterone and estrogen. Even though women produce less testosterone, knowing about SHBG is important for women’s health and how they feel overall. High levels of SHBG in women can make less testosterone and estrogen available, which can affect many things, including having children and bone health. This test can help doctors understand women’s hormone levels and diagnose conditions like PCOS, early puberty, and menopause symptoms. Understanding SHBG levels in women is important for both reproductive and overall health.

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries in women. It plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Progesterone levels rise during the menstrual cycle after ovulation and help thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg. If the egg is fertilized, progesterone levels continue to rise, supporting the pregnancy until the placenta takes over hormone production.