
Comprehensive Sports and Fitness

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Venous Collection
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GP Report Included
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11 Biomarkers Tested
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Quick Turnaround
Understanding the Comprehensive Sports and Fitness Blood Test
This test will check your key hormones and proteins for sports performance and fitness.
Hormones have a huge impact on your fitness levels and performance, from how and where you store fat, to your muscle mass, bone strength and endurance levels. Our comprehensive test will check the main hormones for males and females so you can understand where you may have an imbalance that could be affecting your performance in the gym or box, on the track or on the road.
What is a Sports Blood Test?
A Sports Blood Test is essential for athletes to monitor their overall health and performance. It involves analysing various blood components, such as hormones and liver markers. By identifying deficiencies or imbalances, athletes can optimise their training and recovery routines. This test not only helps in preventing injuries but also enhances performance levels, ensuring that athletes can push their limits safely.
Benefits of Conducting Regular Blood Tests
Regularly conducting a Sports Blood Test is crucial for athletes for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to understand their body’s needs, so they can adjust their diet and supplementation accordingly. Secondly, monitoring key metrics consistently can lead to improved performance, as athletes can make informed decisions about their training regimens.
How to Prepare for a Sports Blood Test
Preparation for a Sports Blood Test is straightforward but important. Athletes should avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours before the test, as this can affect results. Additionally, staying hydrated is vital, but fluid intake should be moderated just before testing to ensure accurate readings. Lastly, being open about any supplements or medications taken is essential because some substances can alter blood composition significantly.
What biomarkers do we test?


Additional Information
Why take this test?
Our blood test will check all the key markers to identify your levels of sports performance and fitness to improve your physical abilities.
If you’re a fitness enthusiast, athlete, bodybuilder or gym bunny – this test is for you! Check your key hormone levels to understand if they are impacting your health, fitness and performance wherever you train or compete.
If you’re struggling with low energy, long recovery times or slow gains, your hormones may be having a big impact. Understanding whether you have an imbalance can help you make changes to your lifestyle, nutrition or behaviours to adjust your health and improve your fitness.
You must be over 18 years old to use this test.
Whats Included
DHEA-Sulphate
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone which is found in all bodies and plays important role in muscular and metabolic health. It is the second most abundant circulating steroid in the human body.
It starts to decline as you age and also then leads to a decline in testosterone and oestrogen levels, which are important for the body to create lean muscle. A drop in DHEA and therefore Testosterone will impact the loss of muscle mass and bone density as you age.
Understanding your DHEA level means you can understand whether you have normal levels for your age and gender, and whether this is a cause of reduced muscle mass or weakness.
Follicular Stimulating Hormone
FSH can be found in males and females, and is important for female reproduction and fertility, and male sperm count and sex drive.
It can be a good way to help measure your general health and fitness. Low FSH levels can also indicate energy deficiency, often seen in people who exercise excessively. Understanding your FSH levels mean you can determine whether you are generally fit and healthy, as well as whether your low energy levels may be due to hormonal imbalance, or from too much exercise and not enough calorific intake, or rest.
Free Androgen Index
Free Androgen Index or FAI is a ratio used to determine abnormal androgen status in humans. The ratio is the total testosterone level divided by the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) level, and then multiplying by a constant, usually 100.
A high value means you have too much active testosterone in your blood, whilst a low value means you have low levels of testosterone, which affects your muscle mass, fat mass, energy levels and bone strength.
Testosterone
Testosterone is made in the testes of men and, in smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women. It’s an important hormone which helps with the distribution of fat and muscle around the body, as well as energy levels and the ability to make and maintain lean muscle mass. Good levels of testosterone can help you develop larger, stronger muscles and stronger bone mass.
Understanding your testosterone levels will help determine whether you have a deficiency for your age and gender, which can be affecting your muscle growth, strength, endurance and outside the gym, your mood, fertility, libido and more.
Luteinising Hormone
Created in the pituitary gland, luteinising hormone impacts male and female reproduction abilities. For women it affects the ovaries and ability to conceive, whilst in men it affects the testes and testosterone levels.
A test for this hormone can show whether a female may have low or high testosterone levels or has entered the menopause affecting mood, strength and weight gain or increased fat levels. In men, this test alongside a testosterone check can identify whether low testosterone levels are caused by too much luteinising hormone in the blood, which can lead to reduced strength, low muscle mass, fatigue and weak bones.
Progesterone
Progesterone belongs to a group of steroid hormones called ‘progestogens’ and has an important role in the menstrual cycle and maintaining the early stages of pregnancy in females.
Lack of progesterone in the bloodstream can mean the ovary has failed to release an egg at ovulation, as can occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In males, progesterone is produced by the body to create testosterone, and it is produced in the adrenal glands and the testes. Low levels of progesterone in males can lead to increased risk of osteoporosis, arthritis and prostate cancer.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone created in the pituitary gland. Normally men and women both have low levels of prolactin in the blood, and during pregnancy for females, this increases to help stimulating milk production. High levels of prolactin outside of pregnancy, or in males, can cause infertility, impotence, reduced libido and limited sperm production.
High prolactin levels also interfere with the production of testosterone, which causes reduced energy, muscle mass development and strength.
Testing for prolactin can help determine whether low testosterone levels have been caused by excessive prolactin, which can be due to a tumour in the pituitary gland, underactive thyroid, medication or excessive stress.
SHBG
SHBG stands for sex hormone binding globulin. It’s a protein made by the liver and attaches itself to sex hormones found in both men and women.
Too much SHBG in your blood can be a sign that the protein is attaching itself to too much testosterone, making less testosterone available to your tissues. This will reduce strength, muscle mass and energy levels. High SHBG can also lead to weight increase and more fat mass, as well as low mood, insomnia leading to fatigue, and low sex drive.
Albumin
Albumin is protein mainly made in the liver. It helps carry nutrients, medications and hormones around the body. Low levels can lead to slow healing, tissue growth and tissue recovery – leading to longer recovery times for athletes and fitness fans.
Checking albumin levels can also help determine how much capacity your blood has for delivering hormones around the body to your tissues, which impacts the delivery of all the above hormones for sports and fitness performance.
Oestradiol
Oestradiol is a primary form of oestrogen, the hormone responsible for regulating reproductive and sexual health in both males and females. It plays a vital role in menstrual cycle regulation, fertility, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
For women, oestradiol levels can indicate the health of ovarian function and detect hormonal imbalances that might affect mood, weight, and bone health. For men, while oestradiol is present in smaller amounts, abnormal levels can impact testosterone balance and overall health.
How do blood tests work?

Choose Test
and Book

Sample taken and sent to the lab

Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of blood tests are available?
A: We offer a wide selection through Goodbody, Forth Medical and London Medical Labs including:
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General health and wellness profiles
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Thyroid, hormone, and menopause panels
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Iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels
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Liver and kidney function
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Cholesterol and diabetes (HbA1c) tests
If you’re unsure which test is right for you, our team can help you choose the most suitable option.
Q: Do I need a GP referral?
A: No referral is required. You can self-book a private blood test directly with us.
If results require medical follow-up, we’ll advise you to share them with your GP or a relevant specialist.
Q: Where are tests carried out?
A: Blood draws are performed in-clinic at Derma Clinic Clare or Derma Clinic Bury St Edmunds, in a comfortable and private environment by trained clinicians.
📍 9 High Street, Clare, Suffolk, CO10 8NY
📍 Morton Hall Health Club, Mount Rd, Bury St Edmunds IP32 7BL
Q: Who processes the samples?
A: All samples are handled by Forth Medical’s UK partner laboratories, which are fully UKAS/ISO accredited. Each result comes with clear ranges and clinical commentary where appropriate.
Q: How long do results take?
A: Most test results are available within 2–5 working days, depending on the type of test.
Specialist hormone or wellness panels may take slightly longer — we’ll confirm this during your appointment.
Q: How do I receive my results?
A: Results are securely delivered via Forth Medical’s online patient portal. You’ll receive a notification when they’re ready, and you can log in anytime to view, download, or share your results.
Q: Is the procedure safe?
A: Yes. Venepuncture is a routine, low-risk procedure carried out using sterile, single-use equipment by trained practitioners.
You might experience mild bruising, which normally resolves within a few days.
Q: How much do tests cost?
A: Prices vary depending on the panel. We’ll confirm all costs before booking.
We also offer stand-alone phlebotomy appointments if you’ve already purchased a blood test and just need your sample taken.
Q: What happens if my results are abnormal?
A: Your report clearly shows any results outside the normal range.
We’ll advise whether further tests, GP review, or lifestyle adjustments are recommended.
Q: Will my data be shared?
A: All information is managed securely and confidentially in line with GDPR.
Q: How do I book?
A: Online booking will be available shortly.
In the meantime, please call or email our team to register your interest or request more information:
📞 07464 992830
📧 hello@dermaclinicclare.com
Before Your Appointment
✅ Stay hydrated
✅ Follow any fasting or timing instructions
✅ Wear loose sleeves for easy access
✅ Let us know if you’re nervous about needles