Metabolism Test Panel — Basic

About this test

This panel checks four hormones that play central roles in your body's energy regulation, metabolism, and stress response. It's useful for people experiencing unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, changes in body composition, low libido, or difficulty with energy and mood.

Hormonal imbalances in these markers are common and often overlooked. Identifying an imbalance is the first step toward a targeted treatment plan. Results are best interpreted in context with your symptoms, age, and medical history.

Components

• Cortisol: The body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol regulates metabolism, blood sugar, and the immune response. Chronically elevated cortisol (from stress or a condition like Cushing's syndrome) can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, and muscle loss. Very low cortisol may indicate adrenal insufficiency.
• Testosterone (Total): An important hormone for both men and women, affecting muscle mass, bone density, energy, libido, and mood. Low testosterone is common and often causes fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and low sex drive. This test measures all circulating testosterone (bound and unbound).
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with reflex to Free T4: TSH is the pituitary's signal telling the thyroid how much hormone to produce. An abnormal TSH triggers automatic follow-up Free T4 testing, which directly measures the active thyroid hormone circulating in your blood.
• DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): A hormone made by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. DHEA-S naturally declines with age. Low levels may contribute to fatigue, low mood, and reduced vitality; elevated levels can cause hormonal imbalance symptoms.

Who is this test for?

This panel is a good fit for adults noticing changes in weight, energy, or body composition that are difficult to explain. It is also appropriate for anyone with symptoms that could point to a thyroid or hormonal issue, such as fatigue, temperature sensitivity, mood changes, or low libido. It serves as a useful starting point before consulting with a doctor about metabolic concerns.