Science Training Check - female

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.

IGF-1 is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including bone growth, muscle growth and repair, and the development of the nervous system. It also helps regulate metabolism, including glucose metabolism and fat metabolism.

Cortisol and DHEA-S play important roles in regulating physiological processes in the body. Cortisol has a catabolic effect which mobilises the body’s nutritional resources for fuel. DHEA-S has an opposing anabolic effect and converts food into living tissue. In order to achieve your fitness goals cortisol and DHEA-S must be in proper balance.

The link between low-grade inflammation and chronic disease is widely recognised. Research indicates that following an anti-inflammatory diet may help fight off inflammation.

Insulin resistance is a condition where cells fail to respond to the normal actions of insulin which is produced by the pancreas. When the body produces insulin under conditions of insulin resistance, the cells in the body are resistant to the insulin and are unable to use it as effectively. This can lead to high blood sugar and pancreatic dysfunction.

Blood omega-3 fatty acids are a strong reflection of dietary intake and considered a risk factor for coronary heart disease. As a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, an Omega-3 Index in the 8-12% range may help to maintain heart, brain, eye and joint 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 the salts in your blood. Bodybuilders and extreme athletes are more at risk of kidney failure due to high protein intake, excessive muscle breakdown from intense exercise, as well as anabolic steroid use. Your kidneys filter waste and regulate salts in your blood. This panel measures key markers of kidney function.

Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down by stomach acids, enzymes produced by the pancreas, and bile from the liver. This process also releases micronutrients. This blood test measures the levels of enzymes produced by the pancreas.

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.

Trace minerals, also known as microminerals, are essential minerals that the human body requires in small amounts (less than 100 milligrams per day) to maintain good health. Although they are required in smaller amounts compared to macrominerals, they are still important for many biological functions in the body.

Macrominerals, also known as major minerals, are essential minerals that the human body requires in relatively large amounts to maintain good health.

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body. The body absorbs what it needs and then usually excretes the excess in your urine. The body needs a continuous supply through a steady daily intake. B vitamins are a class of water-soluble vitamins which play important roles in cell metabolism, converting food into fuel and metabolising fats and proteins. They are important for the nervous system and brain function as well as a healthy liver, hair, skin and eyes, and they also strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin D is essential for bone strength as it helps the intestines absorb calcium. Calcium and vitamin D play a critical role in developing and maintaining your overall bone health, and when you don’t get enough you increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and the incidence of stress fractures.

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.