Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone synthesized and secreted by the adrenal glands of the kidneys that plays a major role in regulating stress, metabolism, and immunity. It follows a diurnal rhythm that is affected by sleep- naturally rising in the early morning and falling in the evening. High cortisol levels are an indicator of acute (sudden), chronic (long-term), and/or traumatic (life-threatening) stress. Results outside the normal range might indicate a dysregulated circadian rhythm or a more serious health condition.

Moderate

Sleep, Stress, Exercise

Diurnal (daily) rhythm; >3 weeks with stress reduction techniques.

No

McEwen BS. What Is the Confusion With Cortisol? Chronic Stress (Thousand Oaks). 2019 Jan-Dec;3:2470547019833647. doi: 10.1177/2470547019833647. Epub 2019 Feb 27. PMID: 31608312; PMCID: PMC6788742.

TSH

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by your pituitary gland. Once released into the bloodstream, TSH is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland to produce hormones. A TSH test is done to find out if your thyroid gland is working the way it should. It can tell you if it’s overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). The test can also detect a thyroid disorder before you have any symptoms. The thyroid gland's chief function is to regulate metabolism but also plays an important role in maintaining normal growth and development, body temperature, and energy levels.

Hard

Medication, Diet, Genetics

4-6 weeks with medication, 6-12 without

Yes

Pirahanchi Y, Toro F, Jialal I. Physiology, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499850/

FSH ♀️

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone synthesized mostly by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is involved in sexual development and reproduction for both males and females. In females, FSH stimulates the production of estradiol and regulates the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation. In males, FSH works with testosterone to maintain normal sperm count and function.

Hard

Diet, Supplements, Age, Contraception, Pregnancy

4 - 12 weeks

No

Orlowski M, Sarao MS. Physiology, Follicle Stimulating Hormone. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535442/

Estradiol ♀️

Estradiol (E2), a type of estrogen hormone, is naturally produced by both males and females. In females, estradiol regulates the menstrual cycle, plays a role in fertility and ovulation, and can indicate the presence of PCOS. In males, this hormone is important for modulating libido, erectile function, and sperm synthesis. Estradiol also operates beyond the reproductive system, including bone health and brain function.

Hard

Weight, Age, Diet, HRT, Pregnancy, Contraception

4 - 12 weeks

No

Hariri L, Rehman A. Estradiol. 2023 Jun 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31747204.

DHEA-S ♂️

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the body's adrenal glands. The body uses DHEA to make androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens, the male and female sex hormones. If your DHEA levels are not normal, it may mean there is a problem with your adrenal glands or sex organs (testicles or ovaries). High DHEA in women may be the cause of acne, menstrual irregularities, excess body and facial hair, scalp hair loss, and increased muscularity. Men may not have any apparent symptoms of high levels. Low DHEA levels are associated with a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction in men, and thinning of vaginal tissues in women. Severely low levels may be a sign of an adrenal gland disorder with more serious symptoms. The adrenal glands start to produce less DHEA as we age. By age 60, we only have one-fifth of the amount of DHEA in our blood.

Moderate

Sleep, Supplements, Diet, Exercise

4 - 8 weeks

No

Leowattana W. DHEA(S): the fountain of youth. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet. 2001 Oct;84 Suppl 2:S605-12. PMID: 11853289.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells. A ferritin blood test is used to help check your iron levels. A lower-than-normal ferritin level indicates that one is iron-deficient, which may lead to iron deficiency anemia, weakness, fatigue, cold extremities and dizziness. A spike in the ferritin level can be seen in acute illnesses like bacterial infections. Chronically raised levels are seen in several conditions including hemochromatosis (also called iron overload), rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory disorders, liver diseases, alcohol abuse, leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and hyperthyroidism. Taking too many iron supplements can also lead to elevated ferritin levels.

Easy/Moderate

Diet, Inflammation, Supplements

4 - 12 weeks

No

Wang W, Knovich MA, Coffman LG, Torti FM, Torti SV. Serum ferritin: Past, present and future. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2010 Aug;1800(8):760-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.03.011. Epub 2010 Mar 19. PMID: 20304033; PMCID: PMC2893236.

Testosterone (total) ♂️

Testosterone is the primary male hormone responsible for sexual health and development, in addition to other physiological functions. Having proper levels of testosterone is essential not only for males but for females, too. An imbalance of testosterone can have negative effects on both reproductive and overall health. In men, testosterone regulates sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Symptoms of low testosterone may include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, and other emotional and physiological changes.

Moderate

Stress, Supplements, Exercise, TRT

4 - 8 weeks

No

Nassar GN, Leslie SW. Physiology, Testosterone. [Updated 2023 Jan 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/