TEST GLOSSARY
Please note: The following tests mentioned in 9 Months Is Not Enough are not included in our panels as these are tests that we have found are easily run with your doctor and are often covered by insurance - ABO Group, Rh Type, Antimullerian Hormone (AMH), Antibody Screen, Rubella, Varicella, STIs including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis (RPR), Trichomonas. As we are constantly monitoring guidelines and emerging science, we have also included additional markers not listed in the book, including blood status (Transferrin, TIBC), metabolic status (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, GGT, Leptin, Oxidized LDL, ApoB, PLAC) and nutrient status (Magnesium).
Complete Blood Count
[10 markers]
Includes hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, MPV, platelet count, RBC count, RDW, WBC count. Evaluates overall health and detects conditions like anemia or infection.
Anemia or infections may disrupt ovulation in females and lower sperm quality in males.
Ferritin
Indicates the body’s iron storage levels and helps diagnose iron deficiency or overload.
Low levels can cause ovulatory dysfunction in females and reduce energy for sperm production in males.
Transferrin
A protein that transports iron in the blood; its levels reflect iron status.
Abnormal levels may affect egg health in females and sperm development in males.
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
[2 markers]
Includes UIBC and Iron. Measures the blood’s capacity to bind iron with transferrin, often used to assess iron deficiency.
Imbalances can potentially impact hormonal balance in females and males.
DHEA Sulfate (DHEA-S)
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands; it reflects adrenal function and is a precursor for sex hormones.
Disruption can affect ovarian health in females and testosterone production in males.
Estradiol
A form of estrogen critical for reproductive and sexual function.
Regulates ovulation and uterine health in females; in males, it balances testosterone and supports sperm health.
Free Testosterone
The biologically active form of testosterone that is unbound and available to tissues.
Essential for libido and ovulation in females and critical for sperm production in males.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
*female test only
Regulates reproductive processes, including egg and sperm production.
Disreuptions can impact egg maturation in females and sperm production in males.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
*female test only
Triggers ovulation in females and testosterone production in males, crucial for fertility in both.
Prolactin
*female test only
A hormone involved in lactation and may indicate pituitary issues if elevated outside pregnancy.
High levels can suppress ovulation in females and reduce testosterone levels in males.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
A protein that binds sex hormones, affecting their availability to tissues.
Elevated levels can affect hormone function in both females and males.
Total Testosterone
Measures all testosterone in the blood.
Supports follicle development in females and is vital for libido and sperm production in males.
Dihydrotestosterone
*male test only
A potent derivative of testosterone involved in male sexual development and hair loss.
Critical for sperm development and function in males.
Cortisol
The primary stress hormone, reflecting adrenal gland function and stress response.
Chronic elevation may disrupt ovulation in females and impair testosterone production in males.
Free T3
Measures the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine, critical for metabolism and energy regulation.
In addition to its affect on metabolic rate, it affects ovulatory function in females and sperm production in males.
Free T4
Assesses the unbound thyroxine hormone, reflecting thyroid function and hormone production.
It is a critical component of thyroid health, which regulates menstrual cycles in females and testosterone production in males.
Reverse T3
An inactive form of T3 that can indicate thyroid dysfunction or stress-related thyroid suppression.
Elevated levels can signal stress or thyroid dysfunction, potentially disrupting ovulation in females and sperm quality in males.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
*female test only
Detect autoantibodies targeting thyroglobulin, often used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid conditions.
This can affect ovarian function and miscarriage risk in females and sperm function in males.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies *female test only
Identify autoantibodies against TPO, linked to Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.
This can affect ovarian function and miscarriage risk in females and sperm function in males.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Regulates thyroid hormone production and is a primary marker for thyroid health.
Healthy thyroid function is essential for ovulation in females and hormone regulation in males.
Total T3
Measures all triiodothyronine in the blood, including both bound and free forms.
Abnormal levels can impact menstrual regularity in females and sperm production in males.
Total T4
Measures all thyroxine in the blood, including both bound and free forms.
It is crucial for pregnancy maintenance in females and metabolic balance in males.
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
A screening test that detects autoantibodies that may indicate autoimmune diseases.
May increase the risk of miscarriage in females and impair sperm function in males.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
[14 markers]
Includes Albumin, ALT, AST, Alkaline Phosphatase, Bilirubin (total), BUN, Calcium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Creatinine, Glucose, Potassium, Protein (total), Sodium. Assesses kidney and liver function, electrolytes, glucose, and overall metabolic health.
Imbalances can affect egg quality in females and sperm production in males.
Hemoglobin A1c
Reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months, used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
Elevated levels may signal insulin resistance, which disrupts ovulation in females and reduces testosterone in males.
Insulin
Measures circulating insulin to assess pancreatic function and insulin resistance.
High insulin levels can lead to disrupted ovulation in females and impair testosterone/sperm production in males.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Evaluates liver function and alcohol use or liver damage.
Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction, impacting hormone metabolism in both sexes.
Leptin
A hormone regulating appetite and fat storage, with levels reflecting metabolic health and energy balance.
High levels can impair ovulation in females and reduce testosterone and sperm production in males.
Adiponectin
A hormone involved in fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity; low levels may indicate metabolic dysfunction.
Low levels can affect ovarian health in females and sperm motility in males.
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1)
Reflects growth hormone (GH) activity and is involved in growth and tissue repair.
Supports ovarian follicle development in females and sperm maturation in males.
Lipid Panel
[6 markers]
Measures cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL) and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular health.
Imbalances can disrupt estrogen and progesterone levels in females and testosterone levels in males.
Oxidized LDL (oxLDL)
Indicates oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol, associated with cardiovascular disease risk.
High oxidative stress can damage eggs in females and sperm DNA in males.
Small dense LDL (sdLDL)
A subtype of LDL cholesterol that is more atherogenic and linked to heart disease.
High levels are linked to cardiovascular risk, indirectly affecting reproductive health in both sexes.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
ApoB is a protein produced in the liver and intestine that provides structure to triglyceride carrying atherogenic lipoprotein particles. ApoB reflects the number of atherogenic lipoproteins, a key marker of cardiovascular risk. ApoB is also an estimate of LDL particle concentration / particle number since LDL comprises ~90% of the atherogenic lipoprotein particles.
Elevated levels may impair blood flow to reproductive organs, reducing fertility in both sexes.
PLAC (or Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2, LpPLA2)
Measures an enzyme linked to inflammation in blood vessels and cardiovascular risk. Increased blood levels of LpPLA2 are associated with soft, active growing plaque.
High levels of inflammation can affect egg quality in females and sperm function in males.
Homocysteine
A marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk, elevated in vitamin B deficiency or metabolic dysfunction.
Elevated levels can impair egg quality & affect implantation in females and sperm DNA integrity in males.
High sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Indicates low-grade systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
Elevated levels can impair egg quality & affect implantation in females and sperm DNA integrity in males.
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
Reflect dietary balance and inflammation, with omega-3 promoting anti-inflammatory effects.
Proper balance supports hormone production, reduces inflammation, and enhances egg and sperm quality in both females and males.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell production; low levels can indicate deficiency or anemia.
Vital for DNA synthesis and prevents neural tube defects in pregnancy; in males, it supports sperm DNA integrity.
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Critical for nerve function and red blood cell production; deficiency may cause anemia or neurological issues.
Crucial for egg health and ovulation in females and improves sperm count and motility in males.
Magnesium
A mineral essential for muscle, nerve, and enzyme function, with deficiency linked to various health issues.
Regulates hormone function, supporting ovarian and uterine health in females, and enhances sperm motility in males
Vitamin D
A hormone-like vitamin crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall wellness.
Essential for reproductive hormone regulation in females and improves testosterone and sperm quality in males.