Male Hormone Profile
There is growing awareness that hormone fluctuations play a vital role in a man’s health over the course of his lifetime. In particular, changes in the production of testosterone can exert a profound influence on sexual function, bone density, fat metabolism, mood states, energy levels, and even physical appearance of skin and muscle tone.
Optimal health is often dependant on the balance of these hormones, not just a single hormone.
Testosterone is the major anabolic hormone with levels peaking around the age of 20 years, and declining steadily thereafter. It is produced by the testes and adrenal glands. Production in the testes is sensitive to stress, smoking, environmental toxins, oestrogen and nutritional deficiencies. The increase in these factors has resulted in a growing incidence of male infertility, a doubling of testicular cancer and a decrease in male sexual function.
The hormone melatonin is a major modulator of annual and circadian biorhythms in the body, and has a far-reaching biological influence over most of the autonomic, hormonal and behavioural functions of the human body.
Stress is cumulative and the body perceives emotional, physical and metabolic stress in a similar way. Despite its origin all types of stress affect the body in the same way. Chronic maladaption to stress signalled by imbalances of cortisol and DHEA can lead to the most common health complaints of the 21st century. Since both excesses and deficiencies of DHEA and cortisol have been implicated in the aetiology of various illnesses, preventative and therapeutic approaches should emphasis the critical importance of maintaining the proper equilibrium of these adrenal hormones.
Signs and symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances:
- Insomnia
- Early morning waking
- Headaches/migraines
- Low libido
- Infertility
- Male impotence
- Low energy
- Low motivation
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Decreased muscle mass
- Diminished facial/body hair
- Premature aging
- Night sweats
- Low bone density
- Depression
- Immune disorders
How does the test work?
The Male Hormone Profile, which simply requires 4 saliva samples, is an accurate, convenient, non-invasive saliva assay that evaluates testosterone activity in men. It also includes an analysis of the stress hormones (cortisol and DHEA) and melatonin, providing a more complete picture of how theses hormones may also be playing a role in testosterone imbalances.
