Everlywell Metabolism Test

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands and is released in response to stressors like illness and exercise. Cortisol is often referred to as your body’s “stress hormone,” but it has many roles in the body, including helping to control blood sugar levels and regulating energy metabolism. In most people, cortisol levels peak in the morning and are lowest in the middle of the night.

Testosterone is primarily produced by the testes or ovaries, respectively, with a small amount produced by the adrenal glands. Free testosterone is not attached to proteins, whereas total testosterone includes free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to the proteins (e.g. albumin and sex hormone binding globulin) in the blood. While commonly regarded as the primary male sex hormone, testosterone is important for bone density, libido, body fat distribution, and supporting muscle mass across all sexes.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for controlling the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. The hormone TSH is considered the most sensitive marker for screening for thyroid diseases and conditions.