Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the most prominent glucocorticosteroid, and it is essential for the maintenance of several body functions. The most important physiological effects of cortisol are that it raises blood sugar levels (enhances gluconeogenesis, or breaks down glucose) and lowers inflammation and the immune system.

This test for adrenal insufficiency includes 4 measurements of your salivary Cortisol level during one day. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone" can be either too high or too low which may be a sign of adrenal distress.

The reverse T3 test has to be done at the same time you do the free T3, and you then measure the ratio between the two by dividing the RT3 into the Free T3. The body produces the benign RT3 naturally to rid itself of excess of T4, but in some cases, such as high or low cortisol, RT3 is produced in excess, which can clog cell receptors from receiving T3. FT3 is usually twenty or more times higher than RT3. NOTE: Reverse T3 is analyzed using a specific technique called liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). There's a special place in the U.S. where these precise machines needed for LC/MS panels run only on two specific days a week. So, sometimes the clock ticks a bit while we wait for samples to return from their initial collection points. Results may take 7 business days.

This test measures levels of drenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is also called adrenocorticotropin and corticotropin, a hormone made in the anterior pituitary gland that tells the adrenal glands to release cortisol, DHEA, and aldosterone. The ACTH plasma test quantifies the blood's level of ACTH. A patient's blood is drawn for the test and then sent to a lab for examination. The test findings enable the diagnosis of ailments such as Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, and adrenal tumors

Comprehensive and All-Inclusive Lab Test Panel for clients of The Wellness By Design Project.  The panel includes:  Testosterone Free with Total, Estrogens Total, Estrone, Estradiol, DHEA-S, Progesterone, Pregnenolone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), FSH/LH, Cortisol, Prolactin, TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Anti TPO, AntiTG, C-reactive protein (high sensitivity), Homocysteine, Apolipoprotein B, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), Insulin, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), Vitamin D 25-hydroxy, Complete Metabolic Panel, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Lipid Profile, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Magnesium (serum), Phosphorus (serum), LDH, Uric Acid, Iron Serum, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Iron Saturation, Ferritin, and Fibrinogen activity.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, also known as IGF-1, is used as a biomarker for blood levels of human growth hormone. It is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues which affects growth-promoting activities and glucose metabolism. The blood level of IGF-1 appears to fluctuate over 24 hours and is found to be related to growth hormone secretion.

The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also made in the brain. DHEA leads to the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.

This panel is the most inclusive of all offered on the site for men who want a wide picture of their health or who are considering starting testosterone replacement therapy.  It provides a baseline overview of your sex hormones, thyroid gland, adrenal function, metabolic function, cholesterol, prostate, and overall health.  Tests included: 

• CBC
• CMP
• Lipid Panel
• Testosterone
• Total (LC/MS) Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive
• DHEA-s
• TSH
• Free T3
• PSA
• LH
• FSH

To find out if sperm count is normalized in men using hCG plus TRT, several studies have found that 17OH-P blood level is correlated to intratesticular testosterone (ITT) required for the testicles to make sperm, so testing for this hormone could not only save time while optimizing HCG dose/frequency but also eliminate the need to perform testicular aspirations, a very difficult procedure to do. Sperm count does not stabilize until 6-8 weeks after starting hCG plus TRT, so knowing your 17OH-progesterone blood level can give you a quick way to determine if your hCG dose and frequency is adequate before your first follow-up semen analysis after 8 weeks.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health and many metabolic processes. The body derives it from sunlight and food sources. Many people do not get enough sunlight or do not consume enough vitamin D rich foods. This test is important to determine if you need vitamin D supplementation or if your current supplementation is effective.

Renin, also known as angiotensinogenase, is an enzyme that the kidneys produce to regulate aldosterone production. It’s also essential in the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) which maintains your body’s fluid balance and blood pressure. Aldosterone is the primary of several endogenous members of the class of mineralocorticoids in humans. Aldosterone tends to promote sodium and water retention, and lower plasma postasium concentrations.

Pregnenolone is known as the mother hormone. All other steroids including testosterone and estrogen are derived from this important hormone. For this reason, optimal blood levels of pregnenolone are critical for a healthy hormone balance.  This test uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, the most accurate assay for hormones.