Related Tests to Consider
Because hormones work together and influence each other in complex ways, an analysis of the hormones melatonin, DHEA and cortisol can give a more complete picture of how endocrine function may be influencing female reproductive health. Assays of these additional hormones are included in the Comprehensive version of the Female Hormone Profile or as components of two separate profiles (see below).
Depending on your individual circumstances, one or more of the following tests could be needed. To find out what test you need, you may take one of our free health tests or purchase the detailed hormone questionnaire as part of MyHealth Analysis.
The Adrenocortex Stress Profile is a powerful and
precise non-invasive test that evaluates levels of the body's important
stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA.
This profile serves as a critical tool for uncovering biochemical
imbalances that can underlie anxiety, chronic fatigue, obesity,
diabetes and a host of other clinical conditions. It's also a
crucial tool for monitoring DHEA and/or cortisone therapy.
Changing amounts of DHEA and cortisol over an individual's lifetime may signal important alterations in adrenal function that can profoundly affect his/her energy levels, emotional state, disease resistance, and general sense of well-being. That's because adrenal hormones exert a profound influence on the body's carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, immune response, thyroid function, cardiovascular health, and overall resistance to stress.
Changing amounts of DHEA and cortisol over an individual's lifetime may signal important alterations in adrenal function that can profoundly affect his/her energy levels, emotional state, disease resistance, and general sense of well-being. That's because adrenal hormones exert a profound influence on the body's carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, immune response, thyroid function, cardiovascular health, and overall resistance to stress.
Researchers theorize that sex hormones regulate melatonin production
by modifying beta-adrenergic mechanisms. This may partially explain why
significantly increased levels of melatonin are found in women during
the luteal phase of ovulation. Melatonin generally exerts a strong antioxidant
effect and a tendency to inhibit growth of estrogen-dependent tumors.
Oversecretion, however, is associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD), while deficiencies are strongly linked to a variety of sleep disorders.
This profile evaluates the circadian pattern of melatonin secretion over
a complete light-dark cycle.
It would be hard to overemphasize the importance of early identification
of bone loss. The Bone Resorption Assessment should be part of an overall
reproductive health evaluation for any woman over thirty, the age when
bone loss begins to accelerate. If bone loss is detected early enough,
interventions can arrest loss and protect against osteoporosis and bone
fractures in the years following menopause. By measuring current bone
turnover, this profile can help patients avoid future bone loss and fractures
while monitoring the effectiveness of preventative treatments such as
calcium supplementation.
Why are toxins serious? It is estimated that 60 to 80 percent of all cancers are
a direct result of chemicals in our air, water and food. Further, neuroscientists are now studying the role of
environmental toxins in the development of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
diseases, and in mental/behavioral disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and attention
deficit disorder.
Because the endocrine system relies on good nutrition for proper function,
maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients can interfere with normal
hormonal function and greatly affect a woman's reproductive health. If
a patient exhibits any indication of digestion problems, the Comprehensive
Digestive Stool Analysis and related tests of gastrointestinal function
are useful for identifying other factors that may be contributing to hormonal
imbalances.
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