Annual Review Women's Health

Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood. Some are necessary for good health, but when you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, a lot of it ends up being deposited in the walls of your arteries and other vital organs. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and alcohol intake can all influence cholesterol levels and your risk of developing heart disease.

The apo B/apo A1 ratio indicates the cholesterol balance between potentially atherogenic (bad) and anti-atherogenic (good) particles.

Insulin resistance can lead to difficulty losing weight, distinct abdominal fat, fatigue, bloating and sugar cravings. Identifying insulin resistance early and committing to lifestyle changes can ultimately help the progression to diabetes.

This hormone analysis includes an oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone test, as well as an LH and FSH test. These sex hormones (in conjunction with adrenal and thyroid hormones) exert powerful effects on the body. Knowing the function and levels of these hormones is a positive step in creating hormone balance and achieving wellbeing.

The full blood count measures red cells, white cells and platelets — foundational markers included in most health assessments. It is actually a group of tests that examine different parts of the blood. Results from the following tests provide the broadest picture of your health.

Your liver processes drugs and alcohol, filters toxic chemicals, stores vitamins and minerals, and makes bile, proteins and enzymes. This liver function test measures key liver enzymes and markers relevant to understanding your liver health.

Your kidneys filter waste from your body and regulate salts in your blood. They also produce hormones and vitamins that direct cell activities in many organs and help to control blood pressure. Your kidneys filter waste and regulate salts in your blood. This panel measures key markers of kidney function.

Calcium and vitamin D play a critical role in maintaining bone health. When you don’t get enough calcium, you increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and stress fractures. This blood test measures your total and corrected calcium levels, your vitamin D levels, and also checks for gout.

Inadequate recovery from exercise or overtraining can be associated with inflammation and muscle damage.

This ferritin test is a measure of how much iron you have stored in your body. Low ferritin can be a sign of anaemia caused by iron deficiency. This ferritin test measures how much iron you have stored in your body.

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) helps assess thyroid function, which plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, mood, energy levels, and reproductive health. Understanding your thyroid levels can provide useful information to discuss with your GP.