Cortisol affects several aspects of your body including regulating your stress response, immune system and inflammation, blood pressure, heart rate, glucose metabolism. Cortisol levels can impact your cardiovascular health, risk for diabetes, immune system, fertility, and even cognition.
What is it and how does it affect me?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and delivers it to different tissues in your body. Red blood cells use iron to carry oxygen around your body. Other parts of your body, such as your liver, bone marrow, and muscles, also need iron to function properly.
What is it and how does it affect me?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that impacts many areas of men’s health such as sleep, sex drive, bone density, cognition, ability to build muscle, hair growth, and sperm production. Testosterone helps build muscle mass, increases bone density, and improves exercise capacity. Testosterone can be improved by getting more sleep, eating healthy foods, and by exercising regularly.
What is it and how does it affect me?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, or TSH, is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. TSH levels are affected by a number of factors, including stress, diet, and certain medications. An imbalance of TSH levels may indicate an underactive or overactive thyroid, which can cause fatigue and diminish your ability to effectively exercise.
What is it and how does it affect me?
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) plays an essential role in red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and the production of DNA. Metformin is a common and effective treatment for diabetes and pre-diabetes, but may lower your B12 levels. Measuring B12 can help a care provider determine if metformin is an appropriate treatment option for you or if you could benefit from B12 supplements.
What is it and how does it affect me?
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and regulates many other functions in your body, including inflammation, antioxidants, and neuroprotection. Healthy Vitamin D levels are associated with improved mental health, endurance, muscle function, and bone strength. High levels of physical activity in athletes may increase the body’s demand for Vitamin D.