Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone as well as a medication. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three major endogenous estrogens in women and men: estrone, estradiol, and estriol. This test does not specify each of these estrogens.

The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also made in the brain. DHEA leads to the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.

Pregnenolone is known as the mother hormone. All other steroids including testosterone and estrogen are derived from this important hormone. For this reason, optimal blood levels of pregnenolone are critical for a healthy hormone balance.  This test uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, the most accurate assay for hormones.

FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland to control the production of sex hormones including testosterone and estrogen, and sperm and egg cells. They are both important in diagnosing primary or secondary hypogonadism, infertility, or potential pituitary adenomas.

Comprehensive and All-Inclusive Lab Test Panel for clients of The Wellness By Design Project.  The panel includes:  Testosterone Free with Total, Estrogens Total, Estrone, Estradiol, DHEA-S, Progesterone, Pregnenolone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), FSH/LH, Cortisol, Prolactin, TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Anti TPO, AntiTG, C-reactive protein (high sensitivity), Homocysteine, Apolipoprotein B, Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), Insulin, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), Vitamin D 25-hydroxy, Complete Metabolic Panel, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Lipid Profile, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Magnesium (serum), Phosphorus (serum), LDH, Uric Acid, Iron Serum, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Iron Saturation, Ferritin, and Fibrinogen activity.

Estrone (E1) is one of the three estrogens, which also include estriol and estradiol. Estrone is the least abundant of the three and is considered a pro-hormone of estradiol.

Tests included are:

Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Hemoglobin A1c
Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel
Urinalysis, Complete
TSH
Thyroid Free T3
Thyroid Free T4
Reverse T3
TPO Antibodies
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Homocysteine
Cardio C-Reactive Protein
CPK
Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive
Testosterone Total & Free (LC/MS- No upper limit)
DHEA – S
Prolactin
DHT
IGF-1
Progesterone
Estrone
Total Estrogens
LH + FSH
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
Vitamin D (25OHD)
Vitamin B-12
Folate
Ferritin
Iron & TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) is a globulin that binds thyroid hormones in circulation. It is one of three transport proteins (along with transthyretin and serum albumin) responsible for carrying the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the bloodstream. Of these three proteins, TBG has the highest affinity for T4 and T3 but is present in the lowest concentration. Despite its low concentration, TBG carries the majority of T4 in the blood plasma.

This is the most accurate progesterone test that has no potential interactions and can detect very low levels in men and women.  Since it is performed with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, results are available after 5 to 7 business days.

This test is not the sensitive estradiol test but the regular one. It is not recommended for men (it is adequate for pre-menapausal women).  The results from this test are usually available 2 business days faster than the sensitive estradiol test.

 Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. It is also present in men in smaller concentrations. Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays numerous roles within the human body. It is crucial to the production of sex hormones and corticosteroids, as well as playing a role as a neuro-steroid (brain function). 

This lab test panel includes main blood test makers involved in hair loss in women and men: Complete Blood Count (CBC)- Can detect potential low hemoglobin and infections that can lead to hair loss. Ferritin- Low ferritin, an iron storage protein, has been linked to hair loss and slow down of hair growth. Iron and Total Iron Capacity (TIBC)- Low iron anemia has been linked to hair loss.  Hyperandrogenism: Excessive male hormones (androgens): Total Testosterone (LC/MS), Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration), DHEA-S, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)  Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism: Thyroid Stimulation Hormone (TSH), Free Triidothyronine (Free T3)

This ultrasensitive estradiol test is recommended for men. The commonly used estradiol test may overestimate estradiol in men. That test uses immunoassay technology that cannot differentiate C-Reactive Protein (involved in inflammation) from estradiol, so it reads the combination of the two as estradiol. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that does not have that limitation. 

Important note:  The blood sample is sent out to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano, Caifornia.  Overnight delivery and testing is performed on Sunday and Friday.  Reports are available within 5-7 business days from the time the specimen is collected.

This panel is the most inclusive of all offered on the site for men who want a wide picture of their health or who are considering starting testosterone replacement therapy.  It provides a baseline overview of your sex hormones, thyroid gland, adrenal function, metabolic function, cholesterol, prostate, and overall health.  Tests included: 

• CBC
• CMP
• Lipid Panel
• Testosterone
• Total (LC/MS) Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive
• DHEA-s
• TSH
• Free T3
• PSA
• LH
• FSH

 A prolactin blood test is used by doctors to evaluate sexual dysfunction or very low testosterone blood levels of unknown causes in both men and women.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is the rate at which red blood cells sediment in a period of one hour. It is a common hematology test and is a non-specific measure of inflammation. To perform the test, anticoagulated blood is traditionally placed in an upright tube, known as a Westergren tube, and the rate at which the red blood cells fall is measured and reported in mm at the end of one hour. Elevated levels of ESR are usually found in people who have different types of diseases, such as autoimmune disease, anemia, kidney disease, cancer, and other health complications.

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the most prominent glucocorticosteroid, and it is essential for the maintenance of several body functions. The most important physiological effects of cortisol are that it raises blood sugar levels (enhances gluconeogenesis, or breaks down glucose) and lowers inflammation and the immune system.

This test measures the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the blood.  Low DHT has been associated with low libido and high DHT has been linked to acne, hair loss and benign prostatic inflammation in a minority of men.

The thyroid gland produces and secretes T4, otherwise known as thyroxine. Proteins bind to T4 and carry it throughout the bloodstream. Once in the tissues, T4 is released from the proteins and is now free to convert into the more active form called T3. For this reason, many doctors believe that measuring free T4 is a more sensitive test for thyroid hormone production.

This test measures the free (unbound to SHBG or albumin) estradiol and total sensitive estradiol in blood. The test is performed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). NOTE: This test is a send out test to Quest's Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano.  Testing schedule is Mon and Wed.  Reports are available within 4-14 days from the time the specimen is received at the send out testing lab. Test results may take up to 16 business days.