Comprehensive Fitness Test

The Home Test Box At-Home Comprehensive Fitness Test measures hormones and markers involved in regulating overall fitness and metabolism. These markers include vitamin D, DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, TSH, and hs-CRP. Together, these hormones offer a comprehensive overview of your hormonal balance and how it may affect your fitness. The test requires a saliva and cortisol sample. 

The Home Test Box Comprehensive Fitness Test measures the following markers:

• DHEA
• Cortisol
• Testosterone
• TSH
• hs-CRP
• 25-OH Vitamin D

A fitness test may benefit men and women experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, or reduced muscle mass. 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone made by the adrenal glands and liver. It plays a role in estrogen and testosterone production. 

DHEA levels tend to decrease with age, which has been linked to reduced muscle mass, strength, and bone density. 

C-reactive protein (CRP) increases in response to inflammation. A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is more sensitive than a standard CRP test when measuring baseline concentrations and enables a measure of chronic inflammation. 

Physical fitness and regular exercise have been shown to decrease hs-CRP levels, likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of regular physical activity. Regular exercise can also help to lower other markers of inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular health.

However, it's important to note that HS-CRP is not a direct indicator of fitness, and other factors such as diet, stress, and smoking can also affect hs-CRP levels. Additionally, it's important to consult a healthcare professional if you have a high HS-CRP level to rule out any underlying medical condition. 

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. While it is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone," cortisol has many essential functions. It is involved in managing how your body uses macronutrients, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, and controlling the sleep-wake cycle. 

In healthy amounts, cortisol helps control and regulate energy metabolism, which can increase fitness. 

However, chronically elevated cortisol can slow our metabolism and hinder athletic performance. Over time, chronic stress and overproduction of cortisol can contribute to decreased muscle mass, strength, endurance, and motivation to exercise. It can also lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and depression, negatively affecting physical and mental well-being and overall fitness.

Testosterone is the primary androgen, meaning it stimulates the development of male characteristics.

Although it's commonly referred to as the "male sex hormone," testosterone is found in men and women. However, women produce much less testosterone than men. 

In general, higher testosterone levels can promote muscle growth and increase strength, enhancing physical fitness. Testosterone is also essential for maintaining bone density, which can decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition to its physical effects, testosterone can impact mental and emotional well-being. It can also influence mood, energy levels, and libido, affecting motivation and overall physical activity engagement.

TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of T4 (thyroxine) and (T43) triiodothyronine. These hormones are essential for various processes, including metabolism, heart rate, and digestion. 

TSH levels outside the normal range can lead to numerous side effects. High levels of TSH can indicate an underactive thyroid, which can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. 

On the other hand, low TSH levels can indicate an overactive thyroid, which can cause weight loss, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms. 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for absorbing calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for healthy bones and teeth. It also plays a role in the immune system and muscle function.

Regarding fitness, vitamin D has been shown to increase muscle protein synthesis, strength, jump height and power, exercise capacity, and physical performance.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone loss, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of fractures. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with decreased muscle function, strength, and endurance.