Performance Check
Why should my hormone levels be tested?
Testosterone plays a vital role for men and women in lean muscle
and bone development, lean body mass, and cardiovascular health. DHEA-S is the most
abundant hormone in your system and serves as the source for testosterone production.
Cortisol activates your body when stress is imposed upon it, maintaining and even
increasing your energy levels, as well as sustaining your blood pressure at proper
levels. Hormones are essential for the proper function of your body. Whether you're
exercising as part of a healthy lifestyle, training as part of your involvement in a
specific sport, or into serious bodybuilding, hormones such as testosterone, cortisol,
and DHEA-S assist your body to function at its maximum potential. Low hormone levels
have been know to be the underlying cause for:
Muscle and bone development
Lack of Energy
Fatigue
Sleep Disorders
Loss of Libido
High Blood Pressure
Impaired Thyroid
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 PerformanceCheck can help to establish the cause.
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 business
days.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
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.
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