Cortisone is the inactive form of cortisol. Cortisone shows minimal biological activity per se, reflecting negligible affinity for the glucocorticoid and aldosterone receptors. The kidney, colon and saliva gland have lots of activity for changing cortisol to cortisone (active to inactive) to keep cortisol off the aldosterone receptor. Cortisone is converted back in the liver, fat, etc. (inactive to active).

Free Cortisone (Night) can help to confirm the marker Free Cortisol (Night).

The marker Free Dehydroepiandrosterone (Free DHEA) is a crucial indicator of adrenal gland function and overall androgen status in women. DHEA, a naturally occurring steroid hormone, is primarily produced by the adrenal glands and is a precursor to both estrogens and androgens, including testosterone. In the context of the comprehensive hormone panel, measuring Free DHEA in urine provides valuable insights into the body's unbound and bioavailable DHEA, as opposed to total DHEA levels which include both bound and free forms. This distinction is important because it is the free form of DHEA that is biologically active and capable of influencing physiological processes.

Elevated levels of Free DHEA can be indicative of adrenal hyperactivity or an adrenal tumor, and they are often associated with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where there is an excess of androgens. Symptoms of high DHEA levels include acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth in areas where hair is normally minimal or absent), and irregular menstrual cycles. On the other hand, low levels of Free DHEA might suggest adrenal insufficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and mood disturbances.

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a 17-Ketosteroid produced primarily by the adrenal gland by side chain cleavage of 17-Hydroxy Pregnenolone. It is reversibly converted to Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate and Androstenediol. It is also converted to Androstenedione.  It is excreted in the urine as Sulfate and Glucuronide conjugates and unconjugated (Free) forms.

Free DHEA urine is excreted into the urine primarily from Free (unbound) blood DHEA. DHEA urine is one of the first androgens to increase significantly at the onset of adrenache. Levels increase throughout puberty until adulthood. In females, levels drop off sharply after menopause. DHEA may distinguish adrenal causes of overandrogenization from gonadal causes.

Navigating the complexities of hormonal health can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding 'Free Estradiol, Percent'. This marker is crucial for women who are monitoring their hormonal balance, fertility, or overall health. Estradiol is a primary form of estrogen, a hormone that plays a pivotal role in female reproductive health. It influences everything from your menstrual cycle to mood regulation. What sets 'free' estradiol apart is its bioavailability. Unlike total estradiol, which includes all estradiol in your blood (both attached to proteins and unattached), free estradiol refers exclusively to the unbound portion.

Free Estradiol Serum, a crucial component in evaluating hormonal balance, plays a pivotal role in both men's and women's health. Primarily known as a female hormone, estradiol is also present in men and is essential for modulating libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis. In women, estradiol is vital for the regulation of the menstrual cycle, affecting reproductive health and fertility. It's produced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts, by the adrenal glands and fat tissues.

Free insulin, a critical biomarker in diabetes research and management, refers to the fraction of insulin in the bloodstream that is not bound to proteins, making it readily available to regulate blood sugar levels. This marker provides a more accurate representation of insulin activity compared to total insulin, which includes both bound and unbound forms.

Light chains are proteins produced by immune cells called plasma cells. Also called kappa light chains, they link together with other proteins (heavy chains) to form immunoglobulins (= antibodies) that target and neutralize specific threats to the body (= bacteria & viruses).

Light chains are proteins produced by immune cells called plasma cells. Also called “Free Lambda Light Chains” they link together with other proteins (heavy chains) to form immunoglobulins (= antibodies) that target and neutralize specific threats to the body (= bacteria & viruses).

A T3 (=triiodothyronine) test is a blood test that helps diagnose thyroid conditions, specifically hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Healthcare providers typically order this test alongside other thyroid function tests.

High or low T3 levels may indicate an overactive or underactive thyroid.

According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), T3 tests are most useful for diagnosing hyperthyroidism. They are less helpful in diagnosing hypothyroidism.

Healthcare providers test T3 levels using blood tests. 

The tests for free T3 are generally less accurate than for total T3.

Free T3 or total T3 blood tests may be ordered to evaluate thyroid function if a thyroid disorder is suspected. They may also be used to evaluate pituitary gland problems, assess the severity and type of thyroid disease, and monitor treatment for a thyroid condition.

T4 (thyroxine) is the predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is an inactive hormone and is converted into its active form, T3 within cells. Free T4 is the non-bound fraction of the total T4 circulating in the blood.

Free T4, or free thyroxine, is an essential thyroid hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall health. While conventional thyroid function tests typically measure Free T4 in blood samples, it's less common to assess Free T4 in dried urine tests. Dried urine tests are more commonly used to measure certain other hormones and metabolites.

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone in humans. A healthcare professional may order a free testosterone blood test if you’re experiencing sexual problems or a secondary condition, like hyperthyroidism, is suspected.  

A free testosterone test for men is a critical diagnostic tool in evaluating and managing a variety of health conditions, primarily those related to hormonal balance and reproductive health. Testosterone, a vital male hormone, plays a significant role in several physiological processes including muscle mass and strength, bone density, fat distribution, and sexual function. While total testosterone measures the overall level of the hormone in the blood, free testosterone specifically refers to the fraction of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood and is therefore biologically active and readily available to tissues.

A free testosterone test for men is a critical diagnostic tool in evaluating and managing a variety of health conditions, primarily those related to hormonal balance and reproductive health. Testosterone, a vital male hormone, plays a significant role in several physiological processes including muscle mass and strength, bone density, fat distribution, and sexual function. While total testosterone measures the overall level of the hormone in the blood, free testosterone specifically refers to the fraction of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood and is therefore biologically active and readily available to tissues.

Free Testosterone is the bioavailable form of testosterone, a key androgen hormone responsible for regulating numerous physiological processes in both men and women. The Free Testosterone - Saliva test measures the amount of unbound testosterone in saliva, expressed in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Unlike total testosterone tests in blood, saliva testing specifically assesses the hormone’s biologically active fraction, which is readily available for use by the body’s tissues.

Although Testosterone is generally viewed as a male-only hormone, women’s ovaries also make small amounts of testosterone. It helps many organs and body processes in women. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also referred to as bioavailable testosterone. This is the testosterone that is easily used by your body.