Female Hormone Profile
Research has shown that imbalances of Oestrogen and Progesterone can contribute to osteoporosis, breast cancer, infertility and cardiovascular disease. In response to aging, stress and other environmental anatagonists, hormone production and utilization can be significantly impaired.
The monthly fluctuation in Oestradiol and progesterone plays a vital role in shaping the course of the menstrual cycle. Prior to menstruation, an imbalance of Progesterone and Oestrogen can produce physical and emotional discomfort for women – causing PMS (low sex drive, appetite, mood and disturbed sleep patterns).
Another hormone manufactured by women, albeit in smaller quantities than in men, is testosterone. A deficiency of testosterone is known to produce a decline in libido and a decreased overall sense of well being in women. Elevated levels of testosterone are frequently seen in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which accounts for an increase in certain features such as body hair and acne.
Anyone suffering from the following should consider having the Comprehensive Female Hormone panel:
- PMS
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Infertility
- Menopause
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of lean body mass
- Poor muscle and bone development
- Fatigue
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety/Depression
- Loss of libido
- Migraines
- Hot flushes
- Water retention
- Endometriosis and PCOS
- High stress levels
- Osteoporosis
- Decreased general wellbeing
- Loss of motivation and drive
- Excess hair in male distribution areas
- Hair loss
- Prone to acne
How does the test work?
The Comprehensive Female Hormone Panel consists of two tests.
Firstly it measures the levels of Progesterone, Oestrodial and testosterone over 28 days, using 12 saliva samples. Collections of the hormones in the saliva is a convenient non-invasive and stress free procedure revealing critical information about hormones as, unlike blood samples, they represent the free, bio-available fraction of the hormone.
The Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) test enables a detailed assessment of the adrenal hormone cycles by measuring saliva, Cortisol and DHEA levels and their ratios throughout the day. Melatonin is another hormone that plays a vital role in the regulation of various hormones. It helps regulate body temperature, and also influence female reproductive hormones and cardiovascular function. The ASI and Melatonin test is a simple, non-invasive test that uses four saliva samples to measure the adrenal rhythm in a 24 hour period to be carried out on day 21 of the menstrual cycle.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which plays a vital role in the regulation of various hormones according to the natural daily cycles. It has a far reaching biological influence over most autonomic, hormonal and behavioural processes in the human body. It helps to regulate body temperature, influence female reproductive hormones and cardiovascular function. It functions as a potent antioxidant and enhances the immune system by stimulating natural killer cells. Melatonin is produced in abundance before puberty, but declines steadily after then until old age, when virtually none is produced.
Excessive and deficiencies of Melatonin are equally important and may relate to physical and psychological symptoms. Abnormalities of melatonin have been clearly linked to a variety of behavioural changes and mood disorders.
Conditions associated with a Melatonin imbalance:
- Abnormal sexual development
- Headaches
- Menstrual irregularities
- Cardiovascular disease
- Immune disorders
- Premature ageing
- Cancer
- Infertility
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome
- Insomnia
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Depression
- Jet lag
- Stress
Adrenal Stress
Stress can have a profound effect on our emotional and physical well-being, affecting everyone at some point and causing symptoms ranging from weight gain, depression, digestive problems and many more. Continued imbalance of stress hormones can wear the body down, triggering chronic fatigue.
A powerful, precise and non-invasive assay, the adrenal stress test serves as a reliable marker of the stress response and is a critical tool for revealing adrenal imbalances that may be subtly or dramatically influencing your health.
The adrenals are responsible for the secretion of the body’s major stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. These hormones are not released constantly throughout the day, but are secreted in a cycle called the circadian rhythm, with the highest values being in the morning and the lowest at night.
Conditions associated with Cortisol and DHEA imbalance:
• Allergies • PMS • Poor concentration and memory
• Asthma • Cancer • Insomnia
• Depression • Autoimmune diseases • Heart disease
• Loss of libido • Systemic lupus erythematosus • Diabetes
• Digestive disturbances • Multiple sclerosis, • Crohn’s disease,
• Impaired immunity • Recurrent infections • Bloating
• Stomach aches • Ulcerative colitis • Chronic levels of stress pains)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome • Osteoporosis
