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Why should my hormone levels be tested?
Research has shown that imbalances of estradiol, progesterone,
and testosterone can contribute to osteoporosis, breast cancer, infertility, and
cardiovascular problems. In response to aging, stress, and other environmental
antagonists, hormone production and utilization can be significantly impaired.
Low hormones levels have been shown to be the underlying cause for symptoms
associated with:
These are just some of the major areas these three hormones
influence. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or conditions, a simple
diagnostic test such as FemaleCheck can help to establish the cause. Once abnormal
patterns are accurately detected, an effective treatment plan can be developed
to restore a patient's natural hormone levels. Female Check™ also serves as an
invaluable tool for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy and safeguarding
against excessive hormone levels.
How does the test work?
Saliva testing is a simple, stress free and a noninvasive means
that allows you to assess hormone levels relative to your age and gender. Included
with your test kit are an instruction sheet, three collection tubes, three labels,
a biohazard bag with absorbent pad, a prepaid mailing envelope, a return box (with
biohazard label) and a health screen request form.
Simply follow the enclosed instructions and mail your sample to Great Smokies
Diagnostic Laboratories. Your results will be mailed directly to your home within
seven to ten business days.
When do I collect the samples?
To accurately gauge the effects of intervention, you should always
collect saliva at approximately the same time of day--we suggest first thing in the
morning (before any hormone supplements are applied, if applicable).
In measuring levels of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, we recommend the
following sample collection schedule: If you are menstruating normally or even
sporadically, please collect saliva on day 20, 21, or 22 after the first day of
your last period. (It may be helpful for you to mark the appropriate days on your
calendar). Please collect during the time of your cycle when all hormone prescriptions
are being taken. If you are skipping periods for months at a time or are post-menopausal,
you may collect at any time.
Special Note
If you are taking Pregnenolone, Progesterone, Cortisol, DHEA,
Androstenedione, Androstenediol, Testosterone, Estrone, Estriol, Estradiol or any
other steroid hormone, please note the following special instructions for
collection:
Make sure at least one month has passed since you started
taking hormone supplements before beginning any of the HormoneChecks. Time is
required before the hormone reaches equilibrium with binding proteins in the blood,
specimens collected too soon do not accurately reflect hormone concentrations in
the saliva.
The specimen must be collected 24 hours after last dose.
Preferably, the specimen should be collected in the morning, before the daily
morning dose is taken. If you are taking one of the hormones or supplements
twice a day, consult with your Health Care Provider about reducing your dosage
to once a day. Since hormones all affect each other, these two rules apply to
ANY screen if ANY of the above items are being taken.
Note: If you need assistance with the
interpretation of any health screen result, please contact the Health &
Science nutritionist at +1-386-756-0194 (Monday - Friday. 1100 - 3:00.
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