A single fasting growth hormone (GH) level is of limited value. The secretion of GH is episodic and pulsatile. GH has a half-life of 20 to 25 minutes. Testing for growth hormone deficiency or excess is best done as part of a dynamic test involving specific stimuli (see the online Endocrine Appendices: Growth Hormone Stimulation and Growth Hormone Suppression). Insulin-like growth factor-1 can also be useful in assessing growth hormone status.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, also known as IGF-1, is used as a biomarker for blood levels of human growth hormone. It is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues which affects growth-promoting activities and glucose metabolism. The blood level of IGF-1 appears to fluctuate over 24 hours and is found to be related to growth hormone secretion.

Approximately 95% of IGF-1 and IGF-II are bound to IGFBP-3, which makes this protein the major carrier of the insulin-like growth factors in circulation. The function of the binding protein is to extend the half-life of the growth factors in the circulation.

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)

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.

 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 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.

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor is often evaluated in patients suspected of having any form of arthritis or destructive articular disease even though positive results can be due to other causes, and negative results do not rule out disease. But, in combination with signs and symptoms, it can play a role in both diagnosis and disease prognosis. It is part of the usual disease criteria of rheumatoid arthritis.

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.

A blood pregnancy test is a medical test used to determine if a woman is pregnant by detecting the presence of the hormone hCG in her blood. Shortly after the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining, the developing placenta produces the hormone known as hCG. This test is the Quantitative hCG test (also known as a beta hCG test) and measures the specific amount of hCG present in the blood. It can help determine how far along a pregnancy is, monitor the progress of the pregnancy, and detect potential issues like an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.

Blood pregnancy tests are more sensitive than over-the-counter urine pregnancy tests and can detect pregnancy earlier – as soon as 6 to 8 days after ovulation.

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.

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.

This panel includes comprehensive testing of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in addition to free thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3).

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Red blood cells need iron to form normally and carry oxygen around your body. Low levels of ferritin lead to iron deficiency anemia, which means you have too few red blood cells. High levels of ferritin can damage your joints, heart, liver, and pancreas.

This test measures Zinc levels in red blood cells (RBC). Red blood cell (RBC) analysis is an invaluable method for assessing insufficiency or excess of elements that have important functions within cells or on blood cell membranes. It may be more accurate than testing Zinc in blood serum.

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.

Epstein-Barr (EB) virus is a herpes group virus that is ubiquitous. It leads to infectious mononucleosis and may play a role in the development of Burkitt lymphoma, some nasopharyngeal carcinomas, and a few rare genetic lymphoproliferative disorders. Antibodies to early antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), and antibodies to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) are all part of the EBV test.

B12 and folic acid blood testing help doctors diagnose central nervous system disorders, anemia, and malabsorption syndromes. B12 and folic acid also play an important role in energy level, muscle strength and memory. Because B12 and folate are derived solely from dietary intake, such as egg yolks, beef, poultry and fish, many people are deficient in these important vitamins.

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.

THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE TESTOSTERONE TEST IN THE U.S. The most accurate way to measure total testosterone is with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. This panel also shows free testosterone percent by equilibrium dialysis and free testosterone calculated from percent free T. This test is more accurate for low and high testosterone blood levels (for men who expect high testosterone blood levels over 1,500 ng/dL, women, and children who usually have low T levels). It has no interferences with supplements or anabolics. Note: Results may take 5-7 business days. For a faster turnaround, choose this test instead: Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total (With Lower & Upper Limit) plus SHBG

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.

This diabetes panel includes important tests usually prescribed for anyone living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It includes A1c, CMP, Urinialysis, Insulin, and Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).

This Arthritis Panel Includes Sedimentation Rate, Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), Rheumatoid Factor, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Serum Uric Acid

To find out if sperm count is normalized in men using hCG plus TRT, several studies have found that 17OH-P blood level is correlated to intratesticular testosterone (ITT) required for the testicles to make sperm, so testing for this hormone could not only save time while optimizing HCG dose/frequency but also eliminate the need to perform testicular aspirations, a very difficult procedure to do. Sperm count does not stabilize until 6-8 weeks after starting hCG plus TRT, so knowing your 17OH-progesterone blood level can give you a quick way to determine if your hCG dose and frequency is adequate before your first follow-up semen analysis after 8 weeks.

Alkaline Phosphatase (AP) The isoenzymes test, a diagnostic tool, measures the various forms of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme that are present in the blood. The body has the enzyme ALP in a variety of tissues, with the liver, bones, kidneys, and intestines having the largest quantities. Isoleucines are the slightly different forms of ALP that various tissues produce.

The serum iron test measures the amount of iron in your blood. The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test looks at how well the iron moves through your body.

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)

Allergy Mold Panel, Complete -

This panel tests for specific IgE antibodies to 6 molds that are commonly associated with allergies. Allergen-specific serum IgE testing is considered comparable to skin testing and may be preferred in some clinical situations. However, a positive test result only indicates that a patient is sensitized to the allergen of concern. Many IgE-sensitized individuals do not develop any symptoms when exposed to the allergen. Only a qualified medical professional who has conducted a thorough clinical evaluation should make an allergy diagnosis. These are the 6 molds tested:

Alternaria alternata (m6)

Alternaria is one of the most common outdoor molds and a frequent cause of mold allergies. When Alternaria spores are inhaled, they can trigger an allergic response in susceptible individuals. This can lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and asthma exacerbations.1

Aspergillus fumigatus (m3)

Aspergillus is a genus of molds that can cause both allergic reactions and infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Aspergillus fumigatus is a common indoor mold that can trigger allergic rhinitis, asthma, and a rare condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).2

Cladosporium herbarum (m2)

Cladosporium is one of the most common outdoor molds and a frequent cause of mold allergies. When breathed in by sensitive people, Cladosporium spores can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma symptoms. 1

Mucor racemosus (m4)

Mucor is a genus of molds that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Inhaling Mucor spores may lead to symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and asthma exacerbations in those with a Mucor allergy.

Penicillium notatum (m1)

Penicillium is a common indoor mold that can cause allergic reactions. When Penicillium spores are inhaled, they may trigger symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and asthma in individuals with a Penicillium allergy.1

Stemphylium botryosum (m10)

Stemphylium is a genus of molds that can be an allergen for some people. Inhaling Stemphylium spores may lead to allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy/watery eyes in those with a Stemphylium allergy.In conclusion, when sensitive people inhale the spores from these common mold species, they can all cause allergic reactions. The allergic symptoms typically include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and asthma exacerbations. Avoiding exposure to these molds is key for managing mold allergies.12