Biomarkers & lab tests, A to Z
The numbers on your labs, explained.
Search by name, another name (hs-CRP, ferritin, 25-hydroxy) or a question (inflammation, thyroid, hormones). Misspellings are fine.
- 68markers & measures
- 9questions your labs answer
- 6test panels to ask for
Upload a report and see every marker against functional and conventional ranges, free.
What do you want your labs to tell you?
Pick a question to see the markers that answer it, the tests to ask for, and the tools that read them.
Normal isn’t the same as optimal
Every result on DrAxe.com is read against two ranges: the functional range first, then your lab’s conventional range.
Functional medicine ranges are the window where the body heals and functions optimally.
Your lab’s range is built to catch disease, so a result can sit inside it and still be outside the optimal range. That’s often where you can still turn things around.
Ranges from Dr. Axe’s 25 Markers guide, the same ranges the Lab Interpreter uses.
See what your report could look like
One report with a health score, an estimated biological age, your key markers against functional ranges, the patterns that connect them and a 90-day plan you can share with your doctor.
Tests to ask for
A standard panel skips many of the markers that show what’s happening early. Take these lists to your doctor, or see Dr. Axe’s recommended bloodwork.
- Fasting glucose
- Fasting insulin
- HbA1c
- Triglycerides
- Leptin
- Waist-to-height ratio
Popular and new in biomarkers
The biomarkers pages readers open most on DrAxe.com, and the newest ones.
Most popular
Ranked by recorded monthly readers
1Hormone11 min readIGF-1A growth factor the liver makes in response to growth hormone.
2Blood testTriglyceridesMeasures the main type of fat circulating in your blood.26 min read
3Blood testBeta-hydroxybutyrateThe main ketone your body makes from fat, measured in blood ketone tests.12 min read
4Body processAMPKAn enzyme that senses low energy in cells and switches on fuel burning.10 min read
5HormoneLeptinA hormone from fat cells that signals fullness and energy stores.22 min read
Just published
The newest biomarkers pages
Nutrient levelMagnesiumA mineral used in hundreds of reactions, from muscle and nerve work to energy.24 min read
HormoneCortisolYour main stress hormone, made by the adrenal glands on a daily rhythm.20 min read
Nutrient levelElectrolytesCharged minerals like sodium and potassium that control fluid, nerves and muscles.26 min read
Blood testApoBCounts the particles that carry cholesterol into artery walls.13 min read
Body processMethylationA chemical tagging process cells use to control genes, detox and repair.10 min read
HormoneOxytocinA hormone released during touch, childbirth and nursing that supports bonding.14 min read
Blood testHomocysteineAn amino acid in blood that builds up when B12, B6 or folate run low.15 min read
Every biomarker and lab test, A to Z
Pick a letter, filter by goal or type, or search the list. Other names are listed too.
72 entries
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7F2-IsoprostanesThe gold-standard oxidative stress markerOptimal< 1.0 ng/mg creatinineLabVariable by lab
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12FerritinIron status — deficiency and overload both killOptimalWomen 50–150 · Men 75–150 ng/mLLabWomen 15–150 · Men 15–400 ng/mL
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16Thyroid PanelThe complete thyroid picture, not just one numberOptimalTSH 0.5–2.0 · fT3 3.4–4.4 · fT4 1.3–1.6 · TPO/TgAb < 9LabTSH 0.4–4.5 · fT3 2.3–4.2 · TPO < 35
- 17
- 18GI-MapThe hidden ecosystem behind every illnessOptimalBalanced flora, no pathogens, low calprotectinLabStandard stool culture misses 80%
- 19
- 20Free TestosteroneThe bioavailable vitality hormoneOptimalMen 15–25 · Women 1.5–2.5 pg/mLLabMen 5–21 · Women 0.1–6.4 pg/mL
- 21EstradiolThe dominant female sex hormoneOptimalMen 20–30 pg/mL · Premenopausal women (draw day 19–21) 80–200 pg/mL, with progesterone >10 ng/mL · Postmenopausal women 20–60 pg/mL on HRTLabMen 8–40 pg/mL · Premenopausal women (draw day 19–21) 40–250 pg/mL · Postmenopausal women <30 pg/mL
- 22ProgesteroneThe calming hormone of cycle and sleepOptimalLuteal 15–25 ng/mL · Postmen < 1LabLuteal 5–20 ng/mL
- 23DHEA-SAdrenal reserve and longevity markerOptimalMen 200–400 µg/dL · Women 150–300 µg/dLLabMen 80–560 µg/dL · Women 35–430 µg/dL (age-banded)
- 24
A
3 entries- AMPKAlso called AMP-activated protein kinaseAn enzyme that senses low energy in cells and switches on fuel burning.
- ApoBAlso called Apolipoprotein B · Apo BCounts the particles that carry cholesterol into artery walls.
- AutophagyThe way cells break down and recycle their own worn-out parts.
- ALT → see Liver function
- AST → see Liver function
- ATP → see Mitochondria
B
8 entries- Basal metabolic rateAlso called BMRThe calories your body burns at complete rest to keep basic functions going.
- Beta-hydroxybutyrateAlso called BHBThe main ketone your body makes from fat, measured in blood ketone tests.
- BiotinAlso called Vitamin B7A B vitamin that helps turn food into energy and supports hair, skin and nails.
- Blood pressureAlso called BPThe force of blood pushing on artery walls as the heart beats and rests.
- Blood sugarAlso called Blood glucoseThe amount of glucose, your body's main fuel, circulating in your blood.
- Body compositionThe share of your weight that is fat versus muscle, bone and water.
- BMR → see Basal metabolic rate
- BHB → see Beta-hydroxybutyrate
- BP → see Blood pressure
- BRI → see Body roundness index
- B12 → see Vitamin B12
C
9 entries- C-reactive proteinAlso called CRP · hs-CRPA liver protein that rises in the blood when there is inflammation.
- CalciumThe body's most abundant mineral, needed for bones, muscles, nerves and heartbeat.
- CatecholaminesStress hormones, like adrenaline, that drive the fight-or-flight response.
- CholesterolMeasures the waxy fat your blood carries in LDL and HDL particles.How to lower cholesterol naturally
- Chronic inflammationAlso called Systemic inflammation · Low-grade inflammationA long-running immune response that can quietly wear on tissues over time.
- CopperA trace mineral that helps make red blood cells, collagen and cell energy.
- CortisolYour main stress hormone, made by the adrenal glands on a daily rhythm.
- CytokinesSmall proteins immune cells release to signal and steer inflammation.
- CRP → see C-reactive protein
D
1 entriesE
3 entries- ElectrolytesCharged minerals like sodium and potassium that control fluid, nerves and muscles.
- EpinephrineAlso called AdrenalineThe fight-or-flight hormone your adrenal glands release under stress.
- E2 → see Estradiol
F
2 entries- FolateAlso called Vitamin B9A B vitamin needed to make DNA and new cells, including red blood cells.
G
4 entries- Galectin-3Also called Gal-3A protein tied to inflammation and tissue scarring, measured by a blood test.
- GhrelinA stomach hormone that rises before meals to signal hunger.
- GlucagonA pancreas hormone that raises blood sugar when it drops too low.
- GlycogenThe stored form of glucose that your liver and muscles keep for energy.
- Gal-3 → see Galectin-3
- GGT → see Liver function
H
4 entries- HDL cholesterolAlso called HDL · High-density lipoprotein · Good cholesterolMeasures cholesterol in HDL particles, which help carry it away from arteries.
- Human growth hormoneAlso called HGH · Growth hormone · SomatotropinA pituitary hormone that drives growth, tissue repair and body composition.
- HGH → see Human growth hormone
- HCl → see Stomach acid
I
4 entriesK
1 entries- KetosisA metabolic state in which the body burns fat and makes ketones for fuel.
L
4 entries- Lactic acidAlso called LactateA byproduct muscles make when they burn glucose faster than oxygen can keep up.
- Leaky gut testAlso called Intestinal permeability testChecks how easily substances pass through the lining of your intestines.
- LeptinA hormone from fat cells that signals fullness and energy stores.
- Liver functionHow well your liver filters blood, processes nutrients and clears toxins.
M
5 entries- MagnesiumA mineral used in hundreds of reactions, from muscle and nerve work to energy.
- MethylationA chemical tagging process cells use to control genes, detox and repair.
- MitochondriaTiny structures inside cells that turn food and oxygen into usable energy.
- MTHFR mutationAlso called MTHFR gene variantA gene for the enzyme that turns folate into its active form.
N
2 entries- Nitric oxideA gas the lining of your blood vessels makes to relax and widen them.
- NorepinephrineAlso called NoradrenalineA stress hormone and brain messenger that raises alertness, heart rate and blood pressure.
O
3 entries- Omega-3Also called Omega-3 fatty acidsEssential fats from fish and seeds that support the heart, brain and cell membranes.
- Oxidative stressAlso called Free radical damageCell damage that happens when free radicals outpace the body's antioxidant defenses.
- OxytocinA hormone released during touch, childbirth and nursing that supports bonding.
P
2 entries- pH balanceAlso called Acid-alkaline balance · Body pHThe acid-base balance of body fluids, often checked at home with urine strips.
- PotassiumA mineral and electrolyte that steadies heartbeat, muscles and fluid balance.Signs of low potassiumHigh potassium (hyperkalemia)
S
4 entries- SeleniumA trace mineral used by antioxidant enzymes and the thyroid.
- Skin turgor testAlso called Skin pinch testA quick pinch test of how fast skin springs back, a clue to hydration.
- SodiumAlso called Serum sodiumAn electrolyte that controls fluid balance and nerve and muscle signals.
- Stomach acidAlso called Hydrochloric acid · HCl · Gastric acidThe acid your stomach makes to digest protein and absorb key nutrients.
T
5 entries- TelomeresProtective caps on chromosomes that shorten as cells divide and age.
- TestosteroneThe main male sex hormone, also vital in women, for muscle, libido and energy.Testosterone in women
- ThiamineAlso called Vitamin B1 · ThiaminVitamin B1, which cells need to turn carbohydrates into energy.
- TriglyceridesMeasures the main type of fat circulating in your blood.
- TroponinAlso called Cardiac troponinA heart muscle protein that leaks into the blood when heart cells are damaged.
- TIBC → see Iron
U
1 entries- Urine colorAlso called Pee colorWhat the shade of your urine suggests about hydration and urinary health.
V
6 entries- Visceral fatAlso called Intra-abdominal fat · Belly fatDeep belly fat stored around the organs, linked to metabolic health.
- Vitamin CAlso called Ascorbic acidAn antioxidant vitamin needed for collagen, immunity and iron absorption.
- Vitamin DAlso called 25-hydroxy vitamin D · 25(OH)D · CalcidiolMeasures the main storage form of vitamin D in your blood.Signs of low vitamin D
- Vitamin KA vitamin the body needs for blood clotting and strong bones.
Z
1 entries- ZincA mineral essential for immunity, wound healing, taste and hormones.
Read your own numbers
Four free tools, built on the same functional ranges.
Upload your report and see every marker against functional and conventional ranges, with the patterns that connect them.
Upload my labs Lab InterpreterCheck one value, or 3–5 together: ferritin, vitamin D, hs-CRP, fasting insulin, HbA1c, ApoB and more.
Read a number Bloodwork Readiness QuizA few questions to see which tests matter most for you right now.
Take the quiz Ask Dr. Axe AIAsk what a result could mean and what to test next, with sources from the library.
Ask a question
Get the 25 Bloodwork Markers That Matter Most, free
Your starter kit will be emailed as soon as the guides are approved.
- The Healing Diet Shopping ListWhat to buy and what to skip, aisle by aisle
- Dr. Axe’s Top 10 SupplementsWhere to start, what each one does and how to take it
- The 25 Bloodwork Markers That Matter MostYour key markers and their functional ranges
Free, no spam, unsubscribe in one click.
About biomarkers & lab tests
How to read your numbers and what to test. Medically reviewed articles carry a review badge and date. How we review.
Dr. Uma Naidoo
Dr. Daniel Amen
Dr. Alejandro Junger
Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy
Dr. Taz BhatiaWhat’s the difference between functional and conventional ranges?
Functional medicine ranges are the window where the body heals and functions optimally. Your lab’s conventional range is wider and built to flag disease. On DrAxe.com a result outside the functional range shows as “Outside optimal range” in yellow, and a result outside the lab’s range shows in red.
Which blood tests should I ask for?
Beyond a standard panel, the markers that show the most, earliest, are ApoB, hs-CRP, fasting insulin, HbA1c, homocysteine, vitamin D, ferritin and a full thyroid panel (TSH, free T4, free T3 and antibodies). The test lists above group them by question.
How do I read my results?
Upload your bloodwork to see every marker against functional and conventional ranges, with the patterns that connect them, or check one value in the Lab Interpreter.
How often should I retest?
Most people retest after 3 to 6 months of changes to diet, supplements or lifestyle, which is long enough for markers like HbA1c, ferritin and vitamin D to move.
Can a normal result still be a problem?
Yes. A result can sit inside your lab’s range and still be outside the functional range. A vitamin D of 32 ng/mL is inside the lab’s range, yet well below the functional range of 50–80.
Does this page diagnose anything?
No. It explains what each marker measures and what can move it, so you can have a better conversation with your doctor.