Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
9
Duration
15 min
Results
5 days
The enhanced athletic panel adding DHEA-S, cortisol, IGF-1, growth hormone, and insulin to the standard sports performance screen. Cortisol-to-testosterone ratio is a key marker of overtraining syndrome. IGF-1 and growth hormone reflect recovery capacity and anabolic status, while insulin provides insight into metabolic efficiency during training.
This enhanced athletic panel adds adrenal hormones, growth factors, and insulin to the standard sports performance screen — capturing the hormonal and metabolic systems most affected by training load, recovery, and nutritional status. It is the most comprehensive performance-focused panel available from Blood Test Perth. The cortisol-to-testosterone ratio is widely used in sports science as a marker of the anabolic-catabolic balance. When cortisol is chronically elevated relative to testosterone, the body is in a predominantly catabolic state — breaking down tissue faster than it can rebuild. This pattern is characteristic of overtraining syndrome and may persist for weeks or months if not addressed. DHEA-S provides additional insight into adrenal function, as it is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone and serves as a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen. IGF-1 and growth hormone are critical for tissue repair, muscle recovery, and adaptation to training stimulus. IGF-1 mediates most of growth hormone's effects and is a more stable marker for testing purposes. Low IGF-1 may indicate insufficient recovery, inadequate protein intake, or poor sleep quality — all of which directly affect training outcomes. Growth hormone itself is included for completeness, though its pulsatile release means a single measurement should be interpreted cautiously. Fasting insulin adds metabolic context that is increasingly recognised as important for endurance athletes. Insulin sensitivity generally improves with training, but overtraining, chronic inflammation, and high carbohydrate intake around testing can affect insulin levels. Monitoring insulin alongside glucose helps identify metabolic efficiency and may inform fuelling strategies. This panel is best suited for serious athletes, coaches working with performance data, and individuals investigating unexplained performance decline.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- ~25
- Added
- Adrenal + growth factors + insulin
- Results
- 3-5 days
Who Is This For?
Serious athletes, overtraining syndrome screening, recovery optimisation, endurance sport monitoring
What's Included
Preparation Required
Fast for 10-12 hours. Morning blood draw before 10am recommended. Avoid intense training 24 hours before test.
Panel Categories
Biomarkers Tested
9The primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Chronically elevated cortisol from stress contributes to weight gain, immune suppression, and metabolic dysfunction.
Metabolite of testosterone.
The primary iron storage protein. Ferritin reflects total body iron stores and is the first marker to drop in iron deficiency. However, ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can mask true iron deficiency.
A mineral essential for oxygen transport (in hemoglobin), energy production, and immune function. Serum iron measures the amount circulating in blood, but ferritin and TIBC provide a more complete picture of iron status.
Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including energy production, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Magnesium deficiency is common and associated with muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia, and increased cardiovascular risk.
A metal that causes allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. Occupational or dietary exposure to elevated nickel levels can affect the respiratory system and kidneys. Common sources include jewellery, coins, and certain foods.
A metal found in canned foods, solder, and industrial materials. While small amounts of inorganic tin are relatively non-toxic, high levels can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Organotin compounds are more toxic and affect the immune and nervous systems.
Essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. B12 deficiency can cause anemia, neuropathy, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Common in vegans, vegetarians, older adults, and those taking metformin or acid-reducing medications.
The best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is extremely common, especially in northern latitudes, and linked to increased disease risk.
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood (venous draw)
- Duration
- 15 min
- Results
- 5 days