Comprehensive Blood Panel for Women Interested in Hormone Replacement Therapy

Providing our patients the best possible care is of the utmost importance to the HRT Specialists at our Hormone Therapy Clinic. Hormone Therapy is low-risk and highly effective when prescribed and administered correctly. Before we offer Hormone Treatments to our patients, we conduct a thorough investigation of the patient's health with the help of a Comprehensive Blood Panel.

We work with industry leaders LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics to fulfill the preliminary requirements for diagnosis and treatment. The following is a list of blood tests we conduct for women interested in Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Estradiol Test

Estrogen is one of the most essential hormones associated with women's health. Around the time of Menopause, Estrogen Levels enter a state of erratic fluctuation before dropping precipitously. Estrogen Therapy can help women overcome the health issues that can crop up during this challenging time in a woman's life. Estradiol Testing allows doctors to design a Hormone Therapy Protocol built to fit your age and your current needs.

Pregnenolone Test

Pregnenolone is a base hormone that the body uses to construct more complex steroid hormones. Pregnenolone is the base of both Testosterone and Estrogen. It's also vital to neurological health. Like HGH and many other hormones, Pregnenolone Levels tend to fall into decline with age.

As Pregnenolone Levels fall, Cortisol Levels tend to increase, both of which have a negative impact on wellness and Hormone Balance. Pregnenolone Hormone Therapy is a useful tool that can benefit women struggling with Menopause, and it's also used to treat PMS, Endometriosis, and Fibrocystic Breast Disease.

Progesterone Test

Progesterone and Estrogen are the two central hormones associated with feminine reproduction. High Levels of Progesterone can cause symptoms related to PMS. Progesterone/Estrogen Balance is vital for women's health. Progesterone Deficiency can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, low sex drive, and hot flashes. Progesterone Therapy can help women overcome many frustrating symptoms of Menopause and Perimenopause.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Test

IGF-1 Testing is the most direct means to diagnose Human Growth Hormone Deficiency. HGH Levels are hard to track because Human Growth Hormone is produced sporadically and metabolized quickly. IGF-1 is a direct byproduct of HGH metabolism and remains present in the bloodstream at steady levels. By testing IGF-1 levels in the bloodstream, we can easily infer Growth Hormone Production and identify Human Growth Hormone Deficiency.

A1C Evaluation

Before starting any Hormone Therapy Regimen (but especially HGH Injection Therapy), it's necessary to be tested for Insulin Resistance. The AIC Glucose Test approximates your median glucose levels for the past three months, which is critical for diagnosing Pre-Diabetic Insulin Resistance and Diabetes.

Fasting Insulin Test

This test measures your baseline Insulin Levels on an empty stomach. It measures the amount of Insulin in your bloodstream when your digestive system is at rest and should be drawing energy from body fat. Along with the A1C Hemoglobin Test, this test looks for signs of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, or Hypoglycemia.

SHBG Test

The Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Test measures the volume of SHBG in your bloodstream, which impacts the expression of Estrogen and Testosterone. SHBG transports and stores Sex Hormones. If SHBG Levels are high, it can lead to symptoms of Sex Hormone Deficiency even if your body is producing plenty of the hormones.

FSH/LH Tests

Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone are two crucial sex hormones critical for normal sexual function. FSH triggers the production of Estrogen and Progesterone and stimulates the production of eggs. Luteinizing Hormone activates ovulation. Healthy LH/FSH Levels are vital for the normal function of the menstrual cycle and normal cyclical production of Progesterone and Estrogen.

Free/Total Testosterone Tests

While women don't produce nearly as much Testosterone as men, Testosterone still plays a significant role in women's health. Low Testosterone in Women is associated with diminished sex drive, depression, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. Because women produce so little Testosterone, symptoms of Low-T can manifest quite easily with small changes in Hormone Balance.

Thyroid Function Tests

The Thyroid is the command center for metabolism and sends signals to the various organs and systems of the body to control the rate of activity. It's central to basal metabolic rate and temperature regulation. Both Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism have significant consequences on baseline metabolic activity. The following tests are conducted to assess Thyroid Function:

• Free/Total Triiodothyronine (T3) – T3 is the strongest tool the Thyroid uses to modulate metabolism throughout the body.
• Free/Total Thyroxine (T4) – T4 acts on target cells to control metabolism and also encourages the production of more potent T3.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – TSH is released by the Pituitary Gland to induce the release of T3/T4 by the Thyroid.

Cortisol Test

Cortisol is a key hormone intimately involved in stress response. Cortisol is responsible for activating fight-or-flight. While Cortisol has a valuable and necessary function, it is quite prone to over-expression. Elevated Cortisol levels are associated with anxiety, chronic fatigue, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems and Hormone Imbalance. Correcting chronically high Cortisol Levels can help restore balance.

DHEA Sulfate Test

DHEA is a sexual precursor hormone. It helps produce both Estrogen and Testosterone. Elevated Levels of DHEA are associated with symptoms of masculinization in women. DHEA Deficiency leads to low libido and sexual dysfunction. High Levels of DHEA contribute to an Overactive Immune System.

Serum Ferritin Test

This test measures your body's ability to store iron for future utilization. If Serum Ferritin Levels are low, this is a strong indicator of Anemia and can also lead to Restless Leg Syndrome. Levels of Ferritin often increase as a response to infection and illness.

Complete Blood Count

These tests provide information regarding various cells/organelles in the bloodstream.

• White Blood Cells – These cells are your primary line of defense against illness and infection. A healthy white blood cell count is a sign of a healthy immune system.
• Red Blood Cells – These cells are responsible for supplying oxygen and extracting carbon dioxide from the circulatory system. Some Hormone Treatments can increase RBC count, which can lead to cardiovascular risks in some patients.
• Hemoglobin – Hemoglobin is the iron-based organelle which facilitates the transport of Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide by the Red Blood Cells. Low levels of Hemoglobin are associated with Anemia.
• Hematocrit – This test reveals the approximate volume of Red Blood Cells in the bloodstream. Some medications/treatments can slightly increase this volume, and certain health issues, such as Leukemia and Anemia, can suppress the volume.
• Platelets – These cells are the tools that your body uses to cause clotting. While clotting is a necessary function, high platelet levels can be dangerous and lead to heart attack/stroke. Low Platelet Levels contribute to increased bleeding and bruising.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

This collection of tests is designed to provide information regarding levels of 14 organic compounds and minerals that are critical to normal and healthy function. These tests evaluate the following aspects of your health:

• Kidney Function
• Fluid/Electrolyte Balance
• Liver Function
• Glucose Balance

Lipid Panel

These tests assess levels of Cholesterol and other lipid compounds found in the bloodstream and their relative concentrations. The following factors are evaluated:

• Triglycerides – The body converts unused energy taken from calories and converts them into triglycerides for storage. Elevated Triglycerides can be dangerous and increase the risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
• LDL Cholesterol - “Bad” Cholesterol Levels that must be kept in check to preserve cardiovascular health.
• HDL Cholesterol - “Good” Cholesterol that is negatively impacted by poor diet and lifestyle. Higher HDL Cholesterol Levels are a sign of good health.
• Total Cholesterol – The undifferentiated amount of HDL/LDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides in the blood.

These tests are also used to determine the individual ratios of HDL/LDL Cholesterol in comparison to total Cholesterol.

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