Women’s Health

An iron-containing protein within red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.

A measurement of the volume of red blood cells compared to the total blood volume (red blood cells and plasma).

A measurement of the average amount of haemoglobin in a single red blood cell.

A measurement of haemoglobin concentration in a red blood cell relative to the cells volume.

A component of blood that carries oxygen and carbon dioxide around the body.

A measurement of the mean size of red blood cells.

A type of immune white blood cell, found in the blood with enzymes that are released during allergic reactions.

A type of immune white blood cell, found in the blood and in lymph tissue.

A type of immune white blood cell that releases enzymes in response to gastrointestinal infection, allergic reaction.

A type of immune white blood cell that travel through the blood to kill micro-organisms and remove dead cells.

A type of immune white blood cell that has an important role in the immune system and helps the body fight bacterial infection.

A component of blood that are part of the body’s immune system, helping the body fight infection and disease.

A component of blood that prevent bleeding and allow blood to clot.

A total cholesterol blood test measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both HDL and LDL cholesterol. 

Commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, LDL is a fat that circulates in the blood, moving cholesterol around the blood stream.

Commonly known as ‘good’ cholesterol, HDL carries LDL (bad) cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver.

A type of fat that is the most common type of fat in the blood, used by the body for energy.

An HbA1c blood test, also known as a glycated hemoglobin test, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. 

A protein that binds to iron and stores it for use by the body.

A mineral the body needs to make haemoglobin, a substance in the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body.

A waste product left over from the breakdown of creatine, creatine is used to supply energy mainly to the muscles.

A measurement of the total protein test measures your albumin and globulin levels.

ALT is an enzyme found mostly in the liver which helps the liver break down proteins to make them easier for your body to absorb.

ALP is an enzyme found in the bloodstream. It helps break down proteins in the body and exists in different orgsns.

GGT is an enzyme found in the liver that helps with the metabolism of substances in the body.

Albumin is a protein found in the plasma of blood, albumin carries substances such as hormones, medicines, and assists with neutralisation of free radicals.

Globulins are made in the liver by the immune system. Globulins play an important role in liver function, blood cell clotting and fighting infection.

A protein that binds to iron and stores it for use by the body.

F: In females, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries.

M: In males, follicle stimulating hormone helps control the production and maintenance of sperm cells.

F: In females, LH stimulates the ovaries to produce oestradiol, triggering ovulation and development of the corpus luteum.

M: In males, Luteinising hormone stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which acts locally to support sperm production.

F: In females, oestradiol interacts with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to control the development of the follicle, ovulation and the menstrual cycle.

M: Oestradiol is a form of oestrogen, in men it is essential for modulating libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis.

F: Progesterone is a sex hormone produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries, it plays an important role in regulating menstruation and pregnancy.

M: Progesterone is a sex hormone produced by adrenal glands and testes in males, necessary for spermatogenesis binds testosterone

F: Prolactin is a hormone responsible for lactation, breast development, and hundreds of other actions needed to maintain normal bodily function.

M: Prolactin is a sex hormone produced by the pituitary gland, typically exists in low levels in men.

F: Testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands, it regulates many bodily processes including: fertility, libido, muscle mass, fat distribution.

M: Testosterone is produced in the testes and adrenal glands, it regulates fertility, muscle mass, strength, libido, fat distribrution.

Free testosterone is the portion of testosterone in the blood that is not bound to proteins such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin. It represents the biologically active form of testosterone that can enter cells and exert effects on tissues.

F: Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that transports androgens and oestrogens in the blood and regulates their access to target tissues.

M: In males, progesterone plays a crucial role in testosterone production and sperm development.

A test that measures the amount of a protein called CA-125 (cancer antigen 125) in a sample of your blood. Conditions that can cause an increase in CA 125 include many that aren’t cancerous, such as menstruation and uterine fibroids.

TSH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, acts on the thyroid gland to regulate thyroid hormone production.

T4 is a thyroid hormone responsible for many bodily functions including (but not exclusive to) the metabolism, mood, body temperature.

T3 is a thyroid hormone. It plays an important role in the body’s control of metabolism (the many processes that control the rate of activity in cells/tissues.