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Saliva Testing for Bio-Identical Hormone Treatment

Company: Diagnos-Techs

Traditionally, age-related male hormone changes were not considered problematic because fertility in men persists until an advanced age. More careful evaluation in males shows progressive age-related changes including:

• Decreased muscle mass & strength
• Decreased vigor, low energy
• Decreased libido
• Insomnia
• Nervousness & Depression
• Hair loss

These changes usually begin in the fourth and fifth decades and point towards hormone imbalances and deficiencies which may be considered the male equivalent of menopause, i.e. the Andropause.

Testosterone production in males is mainly a testicular function. Pituitary sex hormones (FSH & LH) stimulate and regulate this function. Specifically, LH (Luteinizing hormone) stimulates testosterone production in the testicles. This process is under negative feedback, meaning that testosterone levels regulate LH secretion. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and testosterone stimulate sperm production.

What You Can Do About Male Hormone Imbalance

Optimal health is dependent on the balance of hormones, and not just a single hormone. Supplements and/or herbs can be prescribed by your doctor that will restore the balance of hormones. Your doctor can also suggest a diet for your specific situation.

Why Measure Male Hormones?

Baseline measurements will show normal and abnormal levels of six distinct hormones shown in boxes (See Diagram 1). If levels are too low, too high or hormone ratios are outside of expected limits, an objective treatment plan can be developed for the individual. Symptoms are not a substitute for measuring hormone levels because many symptoms may involve non-hormonal factors.

The roles of the six hormones we test are highlighted below:

DHEA – Is the precursor for both male and female hormones. Also, it is an anti- stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Androstenedione - Is a weak male hormone (androgen) and a precursor of both male & female hormones.

Testosterone- Is the main testicular androgen and is a precursor to the highly potent dihydrotestosterone male hormone.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – Is made from testosterone in certain tissues. The rate of its production is controlled by the level of free active progesterone.

Progesterone - This hormone is important in both sexes. It is a natural calming agent to our nervous system. It also keeps in check excessive DHT production and counterbalances the effects of excessive estrone.

Estrone - Is an estrogen that both sexes produce in the fat cells. The more fat, the more estrone which in turn itself promotes fat deposits. It is produced from androstenedione and excess of estrone can cause breast enlargement and contributes to prostate enlargement. In males, a certain low level of estrone is mandatory to balance the androgens.

What We Test & What it Tells You

Using your saliva sample, the regular MHP™ panel measures six hormones: DHEA, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Dihy-drotestosterone, Estrone & Progesterone. The eMHP™ panel measures these six hormones plus FSH & LH. The hormone levels in saliva reflect the active tissue concentrations, while blood contains mostly protein bound hormones, whose active levels can only be estimates at best. Urine contains both the active hormones and numerous metabolites and can only be used to gain gross estimate of hormone production over time. Active fraction measurements from saliva are superior to blood and urine total hormone levels in diagnosis and treatment.

This test is for you if you are…

Middle aged and having:

• impaired libido
• erectile dysfunction
• baldness and/or extremity hair thinning
• fat accumulation around the waist
• urinary symptoms: pain and/or frequency; urgency; interrupted stream
• change in sleeping habits
• lack of enthusiasm for life
• increase in bad cholesterol, decrease in good cholesterol

Young and having:

• impaired libido
• erectile dysfunction
• inability to lose weight
• early baldness

How do you benefit?

There are five distinct areas that you will benefit from using the saliva tests:

1. They are affordable and less expensive than blood or urine tests. You save $250 – $300 on six hormones.

2. Collection procedure spares you the biohazards and pain of venipunctures.

3. Results are more clinically reflective of your hormone status and needs.

4. Results can lead to an individualized and customized treatment plan.

5. With salivary hormone testing, guesswork is minimized.