$21.00
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Metabolism & organs
Leptin test
Hormone made by fat cells signaling satiety; can be elevated in obesity and decreased in malnutrition.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Leptin is a hormone made by your fat cells. It tells your brain how much energy your body has stored, which helps control hunger.
Why it matters for women
Leptin is one of the signals your brain uses to judge whether your body has enough energy for periods and pregnancy. Very low levels, from eating too little or training very hard, can go along with periods that stop. Women can naturally have higher levels than men, partly because they carry more body fat.
You might check it if…
- your periods stopped or became irregular while dieting or training hard
- you’re working with a doctor on weight or appetite
What your result may mean
High Leptin: what it may mean
High leptin may go along with obesity, because fat cells can make more of it as body fat grows. The brain can then stop responding well to leptin's message to curb appetite, which is called leptin resistance. Levels can also run higher in women than in men, partly because women can carry more body fat, and they can rise in pregnancy, when the placenta can make leptin too. High leptin can also go along with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. A high level may not cause symptoms by itself, and it can shift with recent weight change.
Low Leptin: what it may mean
Low leptin may point to low body fat, severe calorie restriction or, rarely, a leptin deficiency present from birth (congenital leptin deficiency). In women, very low levels can go along with hypothalamic amenorrhea, when periods stop because the brain senses too little stored energy, as can happen with eating disorders or very hard training. Some people may notice missed periods, trouble getting pregnant or feeling cold, and others may have no symptoms. Recent fasting or quick weight loss can push leptin down, so one result may need to be read with your eating and exercise habits in mind.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.