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A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test measures the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) in the blood. DHEAS is a steroid hormone that is present in both males and females. It is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts produced by ovaries in females and testicles in males. 

DHEAS plays a role in developing male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty. The body can convert it into more potent androgens like testosterone and androstenedione. Also, it can be converted into the female hormone estrogen. 

A Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate test helps diagnose and differentiate certain endocrine disorders, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of hormonal balance in the body.

The Testosterone Free test measures the level of unattached or free testosterone in the blood. It is called free testosterone or free T because it is not attached to other molecules, especially proteins. The body actively uses free testosterone as signaling molecules that regulate metabolism and other cellular functions.

The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin test measures the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) protein in the blood and is most often used to help evaluate you for testosterone deficiency or excess. SHBG is produced by the liver and it helps in the transport and regulation of sex hormones, primarily testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estrogen. 

When the SHBG protein binds to sex hormones, your tissues can't use those hormones. Your tissues can only use sex hormones that are "free," which means they aren't attached to proteins, such as SHBG. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of hormone used by the body’s tissues. 

In men, SHBG binds to sex hormones like testosterone and regulates their levels in the blood. When SHBG levels are higher , less free testosterone is available for the body to use. However, when SHBG levels are lower, more free testosterone is available. This balance is important for maintaining overall health and hormonal function in men. 

In women, SHBG plays an integral role in regulating the levels of bioavailable male sex hormones (androgens) and estrogens circulating throughout the body. SHBG has a higher affinity for the androgens testosterone and DHT, and so with the low SHBG, women may have signs and symptoms related to androgen excess.

The Androstenedione test  measures the levels of androstenedione, a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the body’s endocrine system. Produced primarily by the adrenal glands and the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females), androstenedione acts as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. This makes it a vital marker for evaluating hormonal balance and identifying potential disruptions. Elevated or decreased levels of androstenedione can signal a variety of health issues, such as adrenal gland disorders, including adrenal tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). By measuring androstenedione levels in the blood, doctors can gain important insights into the functioning of the endocrine system, diagnose underlying hormonal disorders, and develop targeted treatment plans to address specific hormonal imbalances and related conditions.

The Testosterone Total test measures the level of testosterone hormone in the blood. Testosterone is a steroid hormone primarily produced in the testes in men, although it is also present in smaller quantities in the adrenal glands. In women, it is made in small amounts by the ovaries. It is predominantly associated with male physiology and significantly influences physiological functions in both men and women. 

The pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH), which regulates testosterone production. As testosterone levels rise, LH production decreases, slowing down testosterone production. Conversely, when testosterone levels fall, LH production increases, stimulating testosterone production.

Most of the testosterone circulating in the blood gets attached to two proteins, albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and some of it remains unattached, called free testosterone. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also known as bioavailable testosterone, as they are readily available for the body to use for proper functioning.

The 17 Alpha Hydroxy Progesterone test measures the level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the blood. It is an important intermediate in the production of cortisol, an essential hormone for stress response, metabolism and immune function. This test is used to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that affects the hormone production in the adrenal glands. 

By measuring the levels of 17-OHP , doctors can identify the abnormalities in the hormone production that may lead to conditions such as CAH, PCOS, or adrenal tumors.