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Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it regulates the sex drive and controls bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Heavy alcohol use, liver disease and using steroids can cause a decrease in testosterone levels. Women taking oestrogen therapy, however, may have increased testosterone levels.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal gland. It's vital for survival as it's involved in various important functions such as immunity, regulating blood pressure and releasing insulin for blood sugar maintenance. Cortisol has been termed 'the stress hormone' because it's also secreted in higher levels during the body's 'fight or flight' response to stress, and is responsible for several stress-related changes in the body.
Raised cortisol can inhibit the production of testosterone.
We send you an easy-to-use kit to collect your blood sample.
Post your sample to our lab in the prepaid envelope provided.
View results securely in your own personal dashboard.
Our tests are not a substitute for seeing your doctor, especially if you are suffering symptoms. Our doctors will interpret your results based on the information you have provided, but will not diagnose, consult or provide any treatment. You will be advised to see your doctor for any necessary follow-up action.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone which is produced in the testicles of men and, in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women. It is responsible for bone and muscle strength, as well as mood, energy and sexual function.
Testosterone levels decline with age and it is unusual to find naturally elevated levels in men. Low testosterone is more common than raised testosterone in the absence of supplementation.
In women, raised testosterone can result in male characteristics such as body hair, greater bulk, a deeper voice and acne - all symptoms of polycystic ovaries, a condition in which elevated testosterone is commonly seen.
Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is vital to survival given its role in functions such as immunity, regulating blood pressure and releasing insulin for blood sugar maintenance.
Raised cortisol levels (Cushing's syndrome) can lead to rapid weight gain, especially around the waist, excessive body hair (in women) and loss of libido and erectile dysfunction (in men).
Low levels of cortisol (Addison's disease) can lead to fatigue, nausea, skin discolouration and low blood pressure.
The Testosterone/Cortisol (T:C) ratio is good measure of whether athletes are recovering well after intense training. Testosterone is an anabolic hormone which helps to build muscle, produce red blood cells and increase aerobic metabolism in muscles. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone working antagonistically with testosterone, inhibiting protein synthesis and blocking anabolic signalling. The T:C ratio is more sensitive to the stresses of training than either measure alone. Over time it can be trended to see how well you are recovering.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels in the body, breaks down muscle and weakens the immune system. For both endurance and strength training athletes, the T:C ratio provides a useful marker of possible over-reaching and over-training syndromes, which is where the body does not sufficiently recover after exercise. Poor recovery can lead to a decline in performance, physiological stress and low mood.
A 30% decrease in T:C ratio has been suggested as an indicator for insufficient recovery and can point towards overtraining. If this is the case it is extremely important to reflect on your training routine and make sure you recover sufficiently to prevent long-term ill-health.
We will send you your Testosterone & Cortisol finger-prick blood sample collection kit which contains everything you need to take your blood sample in the comfort of your own home. If you are unsure about completing a finger-prick blood sample collection you will have the opportunity to select a clinic-based venous blood sample option during the checkout process.
How to collect a finger-prick blood sampleYour Testosterone & Cortisol includes 1st class postage and packaging for you to send your blood sample directly to our laboratory for analysis. If you live in an area where you cannot rely on the post or you simply want to ensure that your sample arrives at the laboratory the following day, you may wish to send your blood sample guaranteed next day delivery for extra reassurance.
Your blood sample will be analysed at one of our chosen laboratories. You can be assured of fast, accurate results from one of our accredited independent providers of clinical diagnostic tests.
Our medical team will comment on out-of-range blood results and give you follow-up advice where necessary. If you need it, a PDF copy of your Testosterone & Cortisol results can be downloaded for your doctor.
Once you have placed your order you can visit my.medichecks.com where you can manage your account, track your orders and view your Testosterone & Cortisol results.
Stay motivated by filling in your online health and lifestyle questionnaire and seeing how improvements in your lifestyle can influence your results. Your medical and family history gives us vital information when interpreting your results.
