Advanced Health Check

Total cholesterol is a value made up of the different cholesterol components - HDL, LDL and triglycerides. It’s not just your total cholesterol that’s important, as it’s possible to have a healthy total cholesterol number but an unhealthy balance of the different types of cholesterol.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is known as bad cholesterol because it can transport more cholesterol around the body than needed, leading to a build up on the walls of arteries. The higher the levels of LDL the higher the risk of developing heart disease.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as 'good cholesterol' as it picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and transports it to your liver for removal. The higher your levels of HDL the lower the risk of developing heart disease.

The total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio is used to assess the balance of cholesterol in the blood. The lower the ratio the lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. For women, low levels of oestradiol can raise the cholesterol ratio increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Triglyceride is the main form of fat found within our bodies. It is important for maintaining energy and provides the fuel for muscles to work. When you eat, excess calories which your body doesn't need are converted into triglycerides. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

Measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is useful when assessing bone and liver health. Elevated levels can indicate bone injuries, stress fractures, liver damage or bile duct issues. Testing ALP is also useful for those with high training loads to gauge recovery status and reduce the risk of overtraining and injury.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme primarily found in the liver. Only small amounts are usually found in the blood. However, if the liver or muscles are damaged an increased level of ALT will be released into the bloodstream. Elevated ALT levels can be caused by alcohol, fatty liver, viruses, or intense exercise.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. The concentration of GGT within the bloodstream increases when there is either damage to the liver or bile ducts, or when there is increased production of GGT within the liver. This can occur due to taking many medications, smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption.

Total protein is the combination of both albumin and globulin levels. Proteins play a vital role in the development of the body's cells and tissues and are essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Testing total protein levels aids in detecting nutritional deficiencies and assessing liver function.

Globulins are proteins produced by the liver and immune system. High or low levels can impair the body's ability to fight infection, clot or carry nutrients to the muscles. Abnormal levels can indicate liver dysfunction, inflammation, or damage as well as liver chronic diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.

Albumin, a protein produced by the liver, plays several crucial roles in health: maintaining blood volume and pressure, transporting hormones, vitamins, and medications, and supplying essential amino acids for tissue growth and repair. Low albumin levels can signal inadequate protein intake or absorption, kidney or liver damage, and chronic inflammation​.

High sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a measure of the general level of inflammation within the body.  CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, inflammatory conditions, trauma or injury and increases with age. High levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Uric acid, or urate, is a natural waste product removed by the kidneys. Excess uric acid can form crystals in the joints, leading to gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis. A uric acid test can help assess the body's overall inflammation level and indicate conditions like gout and kidney stones.

Both urea and creatinine are good indicators of whether the kidneys are working properly. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when protein is metabolised. It is released into the bloodstream and carried to the kidneys where it is expelled within urine. If the kidneys are not performing correctly the level of urea will rise.

Uric acid or urate is a natural waste product produced when the body breaks down purines. Most uric acid is removed from the body by the kidneys. Too much uric acid can lead to the formation of solid crystals in the joints - known as gout. High levels can also lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Creatinine is a waste product which is produced by muscles when they break down creatine. It is excreted from the body by our kidneys in urine. Therefore, the levels of creatinine can give a good indication of how effectively the kidneys are working. Elevated levels suggest potential kidney stress or increased muscle metabolism.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. It helps detect kidney disease early and can provide an overall assessment of kidney function. The calculation is based on levels of creatinine and results can be influenced by a number of factors including muscle mass, weight and hydration.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, immune function, muscle performance, energy, mood and reducing inflammation. It's primarily produced through sunlight exposure so people in the UK are more prone to deficiency than warmer countries. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to fatigue, depression, bone injuries, musculoskeletal pain, and increased viral infections​.

Active B12 measures forms of B12 which are available for direct use by the body. This is a more accurate measure of health than total B12. This vital vitamin has an important role in red blood cell production and helps prevent anaemia. It helps to boost energy, improve mood, and enhances cognitive function.

A ferritin test measures the total level of iron stored in your body. Iron is crucial for energy production, immune function, cognitive health and muscle performance. Low levels can cause fatigue, weakness, low mood and lead to iron-deficiency anaemia. Women are more prone to low ferritin than men due to blood loss during the menstrual cycle.

Magnesium is a vital trace element essential for maintaining strong bones, regulating blood pressure, facilitating muscle contraction, and producing energy. Since the primary source of magnesium is through diet, testing your magnesium levels can identify deficiencies and help you make necessary dietary adjustments for optimal health.

Calcium is the most abundant and one of the most important minerals in the body. Calcium is vital for cell signalling, and the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart. Calcium can be measured in two forms; total calcium (free and bound) and corrected calcium (free, metabolically active form). Low calcium levels can weaken bones and muscles.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) regulates thyroid function by stimulating the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which control metabolism and energy production. Women are more likely to develop thyroid disorders than men. Abnormal thyroid levels impact weight, energy levels, mood, menstrual cycle and can cause erectile dysfunction in men.

A thyroxine (T4) test is used to check that the thyroid is performing properly. An overactive thyroid can cause too much thyroxine to be released whilst an underactive thyroid can lead to too little. Abnormal levels can impact weight, energy, and mood.

Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active form of thyroxine (T4). High T3 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism, with symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, irritability, and increased heart rate. Low T3 levels can suggest hypothyroidism, causing fatigue, weight gain, and muscle stiffness. Free T3 measures the free or unbound levels of T3.

White blood cell count (WBC) measures the total number of white blood cells in a volume of blood. White blood cells are crucial for fighting infections and are a key part of the immune response. A low WBC can increase susceptibility to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, impacting overall health.

Haemoglobin, found in red blood cells, carries oxygen throughout the body, enabling cellular respiration and energy production. Low haemoglobin levels can indicate anaemia, leading to reduced energy. By improving your haemoglobin you can improve your organ and tissue functions and increase your overall energy levels.

An RBC test measures the number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells are an important transporter of oxygen, taking it from the lungs to cells around the body. Low RBC is often an indication of anaemia which can be due to a number or causes including nutrition deficiency.

Testosterone is crucial for both men and women due to its diverse roles. It influences, libido, muscle mass, bone density, mood, energy levels and heart health. In men, it also supports sperm production and physical strength whilst in women, it aids ovarian function and menstrual health.

Oestradiol is an important hormone for both men and women supporting bone density, heart health, mood and cognitive function as well as skin health. In women, it is essential for reproductive health regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Whilst in men it plays roles in libido and sperm production.

Progesterone is crucial for reproductive health in women, regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy. In men, it serves as a precursor for other essential hormones like testosterone and cortisol and supports neurological health. Progesterone also plays roles in mood regulation and maintaining bone density​.

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds to sex hormones, primarily testosterone and oestrogen, regulating their access to tissues. Measuring SHBG levels helps assess the biologically available testosterone and oestrogen, providing a clearer understanding of hormonal balance and overall health.

Free Androgen Index (FAI) estimates the amount of free testosterone in the bloodstream using both total testosterone and SHBG levels.. Measuring FAI in women helps identify hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, and manage symptoms like hirsutism and acne.

Free testosterone is the portion of testosterone in the bloodstream which is not bound to proteins. Unlike bound testosterone, free testosterone is biologically active and readily available to tissues throughout the body.  This test is predominately used for men and calculates free testosterone in relation to total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin levels.

Prolactin has more than 300 functions including those relating to the reproductive system. Levels can be influenced by stress, so exercise or high-stress environments can lead to transient increases. Monitoring prolactin helps detect hormonal imbalances and potential pituitary disorders.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is essential for reproductive health in both sexes. In men, it regulates sperm production and helps maintain healthy testosterone levels. In women, FSH controls menstrual cycles, stimulates ovarian follicle growth, and aids oestrogen production. Low FSH levels can indicate hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, and testicular or ovarian dysfunction.

Luteinising Hormone (LH), produced by the pituitary gland, triggers ovulation in women, crucial for menstrual health and fertility. In men, it regulates testosterone production, vital for muscle strength, energy, and recovery. Measuring LH identifies hormone imbalances, aiding in diagnosing conditions like PCOS, pituitary disorders, and ensuring optimal reproductive health and physical development.