Laboratory testing may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis.
This testing is used to help diagnose hormone imbalances. Salivary hormones are an excellent indicator of bio-available, or tissue hormone levels.
- Adrenal Function Panel (Cortisol/DHEAs)
This panel helps to measure the body’s ability to cope with stress. The physiological response to stress results in an increase in adrenal hormone production. Results of the adrenal function panel illustrate the extent to which the body has been affected by stress, helping to indicate the treatment strategies necessary. Symptoms of adrenal stress can be far-reaching, but may include fatigue (particularly morning fatigue), insomnia, allergies, increased susceptibility to infection, depression, and low sex drive.
- Female Panel (Estradiol, Progesterone, DHEAs, Cortisol, Testosterone)
Female hormonal imbalances can create a foundation for weight gain, depression, sleep disturbances, menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, bone loss, breast cancer, menstrual regularities, and fertility issues. Naturopathic clinical approaches for restoring hormone balance are indicated by test results.
- Male Panel (Cortisol, DHEAs, Estradiol, Testosterone)
Imbalances of hormones in the male panel may negatively impact health. Conditions associated with male hormone imbalances include bone loss, erectile dysfunction, memory loss, apathy, depression, increased abdominal weight gain, breast enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Identification of hormonal imbalance and naturopathic restoration of hormone balance is indicated in the treatment of the above conditions.
- Estrogen Metabolism Ratio
The estrogen metabolism ratio looks at how estrogens are broken down by the body. Two of the metabolites of estrogen are 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16OHE1) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE1). A proper balance between these two metabolites is important to maintaining good health. 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone is a more potent estrogen and may therefore promote growth of hormone dependent cancers like breast cancer. Conversely, 2-hydroxyestrone may be protective against breast cancer. Determining the estrogen metabolism ratio, and using naturopathic modalities to help raise the estrogen metabolism ratio is an excellent approach to breast cancer prevention.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the antibody involved in delayed onset allergic reactions, known as Type III delayed hypersensitivity reactions. These antibodies are produced for between several hours to days after exposure to an allergen, making it difficult to pinpoint the origin of the reaction. Delayed reactions to ingested allergens may result in headaches, hypertension, asthma, recurrent infections, eczema, joint pains, sinusitis, and many other health conditions, often of an inflammatory nature. Reactions to ingested or inhaled substances that occur immediately after exposure are referred to as Type I immediate hypersensitivity reactions, and are caused by the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Insulin resistance is an excellent indicator of whether someone will go on to develop type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is essential for moving glucose from blood into tissue stores. Glucose transported to tissue stores is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. The 13C glucose breath test measures expired 13CO2 before and after ingestion of stable 13C universally labeled glucose (non-radioactive). Insulin resistance is also correlated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Clinical interventions for insulin resistance include lifestyle and nutritional interventions to help increase insulin sensitivity.
Hair tissue mineral analysis can detect deficiencies and excesses of minerals in the body, the presence of toxic elements including aluminum, lead and mercury, and can also reveal the presence of metabolic disturbances.
Test for specific gravity, pH, and various disease markers including leukocytes, nitrites, protein, glucose, ketones, urobilinogen, bilirubin, and blood in urine.
Assessment of zinc tissue levels.
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