Women's Health

The average age of menopause for American women is 52 and knowing that it’s probably a long way off has allowed women to wait to have children until their 30s or later.  The problem is that some women may experience the onset of menopause as early as 35 so most women don’t know how long they can put off childbearing.

A hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), has been discovered that is directly related to a woman’s fertility (the number of a woman’s ovarian follicles) and can help to determine when a woman will begin menopause.  Women showing lower levels of the hormone earlier in life tend to go through menopause at a younger age than average.  Women with an increased level of AMH may be experiencing symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (POCS).

The Anemia Panel is a comprehensive panel that includes a CBC, Ferritin, Folates, Total Iron Binding Capacity with Iron, Reticulocyte Count, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) looks at important parameters of your blood including hemoglobin level, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.  The Ferritin, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity tests work together to indicate if you have an iron deficiency, which is the most common form of anemia. The Reticulocyte  Count  can  help  determine  if  you  are  producing  enough  red  blood  cells  and  can  help determine the cause of different types of anemia. Finally, this panel will determine any Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid deficiency, often the reason for the onset of anemia.

The Annual Check‐Up is the perfect panel for evaluating your overall health.  The panel consists of 5 tests that are typically ordered by a physician during an annual physical examination.

Most important, this is a good panel to establish your “baseline.”   Your baseline consists of all the numeric test results (levels) including your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and thyroid function values. By knowing these levels, you can begin to manage your own health to see if they fluctuate over time.

Our comprehensive female panel will help you recognize and address hormone imbalances as well as the overall condition of your health. This panel is designed for women at all stages of their life to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare goals. It includes blood counts, a metabolic panel which includes kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and nutritional status.

The Heart Health Panel provides an overview of your heart health status. This panel can be used as a baseline assessment of your heart health and possible risk. There are four components provided within the Heart Health Panel.

The Blood Typing and RH Factor Test determines your blood type [either A, B, AB, and O] and Rh factor [negative or positive].  Did you know there are several benefits in knowing both?

Blood type is determined by the types of antigens (or markers) on your blood cells.  Antigens are proteins on the surface of your blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system – which is good in fighting disease.

The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells.  Red blood cells that contain protein are called Rh‐positive and the red blood cells that don’t are Rh‐negative. If you have Rh‐negative blood, it can be given to anyone because it can’t be identified as foreign in other people’s bodies (because it doesn’t have an antigen.)

The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can help your physician monitor breast cancer treatment and therapy.

Both the CA 15‐3 and CA 27.29 are proteins that are normally produced by breast cells. In persons with breast cancer, the levels can increase. The protein amounts can rise with breast cancer tumor growth and fall with treatment.

The carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that may be present in people with cancer, including breast cancer.   The CEA Test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. CEA is normally detected in healthy adults, but at a certain range (see below Normal Range).

These three tests can also help your physician offer a more accurate prognosis (or prediction of your health).

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Folate is necessary for normal red blood cell (RBC) formation, repair of tissues and cells, and synthesis of DNA, the genetic material in cells. Both are nutrients that cannot be produced and must be supplied by the diet.  

The Micronutrient Test measures your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.  This non-fasting blood test tells if you have a vitamin deficiency and gives you a plan for how to correct it.

More importantly, the results can help you reduce the risk of illness and disease related to such deficiencies.

The  Lipids  Panel  can  determine  if  you  have  abnormal  cholesterol  or  triglyceride  levels.  These  are important because they can also help you and your doctor determine if you’re at risk for heart disease or other coronary (heart) illnesses.

Cholesterol is fat that is produced by the liver. It can also be obtained from foods like cheeseburgers, pizza, etc. There are two kinds of cholesterol – the good and the bad.

1. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) = Good cholesterol.
2. Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) = Bad cholesterol.

About 50% of people who have suffered heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol numbers (NHLB I – The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute).  It is the number and density (size) of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, “LDL” or “bad” cholesterol that provides the clearest picture of a person’s cardiovascular risk.  The smaller LDL particles carry cholesterol throughout the body, but it is the large number and smaller density of these particles, not the cholesterol within them, that causes plaque buildup in the arteries.  People who have low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) numbers or high triglycerides are more likely to be at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and undetected risk factors such as very small, dense lipoproteins.

The LPP+™ test is the most advanced test available to predict heart disease risk, much more so than standard cholesterol testing.  It measures the lipoprotein particles directly giving a more precise evaluation of their size.  High numbers of small, dense LDL particles can ultimately cause cardiovascular disease.  The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has identified new lipoprotein risk factors to help identify potential heart attack victims with these “normal” numbers.  The new risk factors, Remnant Lipoprotein (RLP), Small Dense LDL, Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a), and HDL 2b & 3, will not show up in a standard cholesterol test.  The first three lipoproteins are high in 25% of the population, while the last, the “good” HDL types, large, buoyant particles that pick up excess cholesterol from the blood, is low in 25% of the population but those who haven’t had the LPP+™ test do not know whether they are at risk.

About 50% of people who have suffered heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol numbers (NHLB I – The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute).  It is the number and density (size) of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, “LDL” or “bad” cholesterol that provides the clearest picture of a person’s cardiovascular risk.  The smaller LDL particles carry cholesterol throughout the body, but it is the large number and smaller density of these particles, not the cholesterol within them, that causes plaque buildup in the arteries.  People who have low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) numbers or high triglycerides are more likely to be at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and undetected risk factors such as very small, dense lipoproteins.

The LPP™ test is the most advanced test available to predict heart disease risk, much more so than standard cholesterol testing.  It measures the lipoprotein particles directly giving a more precise evaluation of their size.  High numbers of small, dense LDL particles can ultimately cause cardiovascular disease.  The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has identified new lipoprotein risk factors to help identify potential heart attack victims with these “normal” numbers.  The new risk factors, Remnant Lipoprotein (RLP), Small Dense LDL, Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a), and HDL 2b & 3, will not show up in a standard cholesterol test.  The first three lipoproteins are high in 25% of the population, while the last, the “good” HDL types, large, buoyant particles that pick up excess cholesterol from the blood, is low in 25% of the population but those who haven’t had the LPP™ test do not know whether they are at risk.

If you’re taking cholesterol medicine, your doctor may request a Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel before a refill is prescribed.  It’s also perfect for people who need to have their cholesterol and liver functions tested on a routine basis or for those simply interested in knowing their cholesterol level.v

This panel checks to see if your current total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglyceride  (blood  fats) levels have changed. While not a common side effect, changes in liver enzymes can be directly associated with your current prescription; therefore, this panel will also check the liver enzymes that can be affected.

Start the conversation about colorectal cancer screening before signs and symptoms occur. Fewer than half of people found to have colorectal cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. Are you at risk? Do you have one or more of the following risk factors? Getting screened gives you greater peace of mind.

Some risk factors:

• Are over 45 years of age
• Had colorectal polyps or cancer in the past
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer (in parent, brother, sister, or child)
• Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Eat a diet high in fat and low in calcium, fiber, and folate
• Smoke cigarettes
• Have certain genetic conditions

A CBC is a great test to take to give you a “snapshot” of your health.  This test gives important information about the kind and the number of cells in your blood. Physicians use this information to evaluate symptoms, help diagnose conditions and treat certain illnesses (like infections).

The  Saliva  Hormone  Test  is  the  best  non-invasive  method  for  discovering  any  type  of  hormone  imbalance  in either  males  or  females.  Hormone  imbalance  can  occur  at  any  age  and  can  be  due  to  a  multitude  of  reasons.

The  ovaries  produce  many  of  the  hormones  in  females,  which  also  communicate  with  the  brain  to  either  in-crease  or  decrease  the  release  of  various  other  hormones. The  imbalance  within  the  body  can lead  to  symptoms  experienced  during  a  short  period  of  time  or  for  many  years.

In  men,  the  testes  produce  mainly  95%  of  all  testosterone,  which  is  balanced  by  the  adrenal  gland. The  brain  also  regulates  the  increase  or  decrease  of  hormones  released  within  the  body. The  irregularity  of  testosterone  within  the  body  may  contribute  to  decreased  bone  density,  decreased  muscle  strength  and  decreased  libido.

The Saliva Cortisol test is the least invasive way to measure the level of cortisol in the body.  Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and regulated by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, and the pituitary gland.  Cortisol is a critical hormone that helps to break down fat and protein.  The level of cortisol in the body stimulates liver glucose production and helps to maintain blood pressure and regulate the immune system affecting inflammation.  It also helps us react to physical and emotional stress. Free cortisol, which is unbound to a protein, is found in the urine and in the saliva and cortisol levels normally fluctuate throughout the day, with levels being highest in the morning and lowest after midnight.

High levels of cortisol may be caused by Cushing Syndrome, a relatively rare disorder that could result from taking glucocorticoid-steroids for a prolonged period or an adrenal tumor.

Addison’s disease (primary or secondary) or adrenal insufficiency cause low levels of cortisol and may be a result of an autoimmune response to the adrenal glands or an adrenal tumor.  70% of primary adrenal insufficiency is caused by an autoimmune process that ultimately destroys the adrenal cortex.

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is a hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.  When responding to a stressful situation cortisol prepares the body for a fight or flight response by increasing blood sugar, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism for increased energy.  Cortisol also prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation so it is used to treat diseases that cause inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies.

Although cortisol is critical for our survival, too much cortisol is damaging to the body and can cause hyperglycemia, abdominal fat production, obesity, decreased bone density, compromised immune and inflammation response, increased blood pressure, damage to the heart, and may lead to Cushing’s syndrome.  Too little and our bodies don’t function properly either.  Damage to the adrenal gland or an autoimmune disease can reduce the amount of cortisol produced leading to weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of consciousness.

The Estradiol Test measures the amount of estradiol (a female sex hormone which is basically a form of estrogen) in your blood. The test will determine your estrogen status, evaluate your ovarian function and monitor the follicular development during ovulation. In men, this test is used to assess estrogen production levels.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test measures the amount of FSH, a sex hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in your blood. In women, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)  stimulates production of eggs and a hormone called estradiol during the first half of the menstrual cycle.  In men, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates production of sperm.

The Ferritin Test measures the level of ferritin molecules in the blood.

Ferritin is a protein in the body that binds to iron.  The level of ferritin correlates with the total amount of iron stored in the body.   Ferritin is low in those with iron deficiency anemia and high when levels of iron are raised.  Liver dysfunction can cause elevated ferritin levels because the liver is unable to clear it from the body.  Ferritin may also be increased when the body is inflamed or an infection is present.

The Glucose (Serum) Test, also known as the Fasting Blood Glucose Test, is the most common test used to diagnose hyperglycemia (higher than normal levels of blood sugar), hypoglycemia (lower than normal levels of blood sugar) and diabetes. It’s commonly given by your doctor every year and during pregnancy. In addition, Diabetics self conduct this test multiple times a day to monitor their blood glucose.

This test is to determine if a person has an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in rye, barley and wheat. The IgE test looks for antibodies which are seen in people that have a particular allergy. Allergy testing can help identify or rule out an allergy if someone is experiencing symptoms.

The Hemoglobin A1c Test is a valuable measure of the overall blood glucose levels over a period of time (2‐3 months). This test can be used to help detect pre‐diabetes and diagnose diabetes.  If you’re diabetic, this test can help determine if your disease is under control.

The C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity, Cardiac) (CRP) is a blood test that measures the amount of protein (called C‐reactive Protein) in your blood that indicates inflammation.  It’s also used to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).  “High Sensitivity” means that this particular test can see if you have an increased chance of having a heart problem or heart attack.

The best way to utilize test results is to be tested two different times (typically taken two weeks apart). Your physician will take the average of the two test results to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease or the presence of inflammation.

High levels of CRP are caused by infections and many long‐term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.

The Luteinizing Hormone or LH Test measures how much of the hormone is in your blood.   The LH is produced by the pituitary gland in both men and women.

In females, this hormone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production.  It is common to see LH levels rise and fall during the monthly menstrual cycle.  It is also useful in the production of estrogen and progesterone.

In males, LH is responsible for the release of testosterone (which plays a role in producing sperm).

The Osteoporosis Risk Panel includes ten different tests that evaluate your risk for osteoporosis – a debilitating disease that causes bones to become more fragile.

Calcium and Vitamin D play a large part in diagnosing osteoporosis.  If you are deficient in these minerals, this panel will tell you.  The other tests help make the panel more comprehensive and give you and your physician a better evaluation of your bones and how your body processes the minerals needed to create bone.

Common tests that your surgeon may ask you to have before surgery.

The  Pregnancy  Test  with  Fetal  Age  Chart  is  a  blood  test  that  not  only  tells  you  “Yes” or “No”,  but  tells  you  how  far  along  you  are  in  your  pregnancy  (if  you  are  at  least  two  weeks  pregnant  at  the  time  off  the  test).

An OB panel is a group of blood tests done to check the health or a woman during early pregnancy.

Adrenal glands that are in balance produce adequate amounts of hormones to power us through the day. These hormones impact just about every process in the body, from energy production and immune activity to cellular maintenance and repair. They are key regulators of glucose, insulin and inflammation, and play a major role in bone and muscle building, mood and mental focus, stamina, sex drive and sleep cycles.

This kit tests the adrenal hormones DHEA-S and Cortisol, the master stress hormone. When individuals experience continuous stress, not only from emotional stressors (e.g., marital, financial, and occupational) but also from physical stressors (e.g., sleep deprivation, caffeine consumption, pain, extreme exercise), it can lead to changes in adrenal hormone levels, related to disorders ranging from anxiety to allergies and irritability to infertility.

This kit is available for purchase in-store or online.

More than 60 million Americans suffer from some degree of sleep loss. It’s no surprise that many of us are still unaware of the connection between hormones and sleep.

Common hormone-related causes of sleep loss:

• High cortisol results in insomnia, anxiety, sugar cravings, feeling tired but wired & increased belly fat
• Low Melatonin results in excessive fatigue, depression, anxiety & insomnia

To restore the vital balance of hormones, you need to start with an accurate measurement of hormone levels.

The Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit includes:

A dried urine test to measure Melatonin levels ( Melatonin (MT6s x 4))
A dried urine test to measure Cortisol levels (Free Cortisol (C x 4))

This kit is available in-store or for purchase online.

Skin vitality tests help you uncover the root causes for skin problems.

Our skin has a abundance of hormone receptor sites and our facial skin in particular, has a very high concentration of estrogen receptors so the effects of declining hormones typically make their first appearance on the face. Many people who experience premature aging, unexplained skin rashes, breakouts and excess facial or body hair are also likely to have an undetected hormone imbalance.

The Skin Vitality Take Home Hormone Kit consists of a dried blood spot test for measurement of thyroid and Vitamin D hormones and four saliva tests performed throughout the day to capture peaks and troughs of steroid and adrenal hormone production.

Test results can pinpoint hormone deficiencies or excesses that may contribute to skin problems.

This kit is available for purchase in-store or online.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front part of your neck. Its job is to secrete hormones that control growth/development during childhood, regulate your metabolism and body temperature, and drive the production of neurotransmitters that help you feel good and others that motivate you to accomplish your goals: serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

8 Factors that Inhibit Healthy Thyroid Function:

• Excess stress and cortisol production
• Selenium deficiency
• Deficient protein, excess sugar
• Chronic illness
• Compromised liver or kidney function
• Cadmium, mercury, lead toxicity
• Herbicides, pesticides
• Oral contraceptives, excessive estrogen production

Thyroid disease or dysfunction can explain a wide variety of symptoms, yet it is notoriously under-diagnosed. The American Thyroid Association estimates that over 12% of the US population will develop thyroid disease during their lifetime, and that as many as 60% of people with thyroid disease are not aware of it.  Many elements that can affect the thyroid are present in the food we eat, air we breathe, and water we drink and are tasteless and odorless, so they are impossible to detect without testing.

This kit can be purchased in-store or online.

THESE 5 TESTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL:

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
2. Total T4
3. Free T4
4. Free T3
5. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO)

WHAT DOES THE THYROID GLAND DO?

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy through the production of hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

There are three main hormones in the thyroid system that should be balanced:

1. TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is the most important of the hormones in the thyroid system, this stimulates or acts on the thyroid gland, telling it how much of the actual thyroid hormones need to be made.
2. T4: Hormone is produced by the thyroid and travels throughout the body and is converted into T3.
3. T3: The active form of T4.  This is the hormone that goes into the cells and controls their function throughout the body.

A thyroid hormone panel screens for thyroid function and can help diagnose potential thyroid disease by examining your body’s production, levels, or usage of the different thyroid hormones.  There are two types of thyroid and thyroid hormone-related disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss, or a persistently fast heart rate.

WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?

If there is a thyroid level imbalance in your body, you may be more susceptible to everything from osteoporosis and heart disease to infertility and fatigue.

Thyroid disorders are more common in women and they often occur with changes in other hormone levels, such as with pregnancy or with older age.

The Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies test assists in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases such as endemic goiter, Graves Disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison’s Disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Hashimoto’s Disease, and polyendocrine auto-immunopathies.

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy. The thyroid also produces hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test checks your body’s production of TSH and helps screen  for thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

There are two types of thyroid disorders including:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss or a persistently fast heart rate.

The Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test measures the amount of iron in your blood.  Having too much or too little iron in your blood can cause medical problems.  However, this test is mainly used to determine certain types of anemia.

The Urinalysis can determine a number of health problems. It will see if your kidneys are functioning normally, if sugar is present in your urine, if you’re burning fat or if you have a urinary tract infection.  In addition, it can locate substances that may be causing everything from metabolic problems to kidney disorders.  Some doctors request a Urinalysis before surgery or during the early stages of pregnancy.

A bacterium known as Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes the majority of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fortunately, this microorganism is treatable with several antibiotics, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin.  For most people the infection will be easily eliminated with one of these antibiotics. Some doctors prescribe an antibiotic without performing a urine culture but the test can definitively identify a UTI.

The urine culture tests for the presence of a single type of bacteria.  If high counts are found the test is generally considered a positive urine culture.  If there are multiple bacteria strains, the culture may have been contaminated and the urine culture may need to be redone.  Symptoms of a UTI include pain and burning when urinating and a frequent urge to urinate.  If symptoms are present, but the urine culture is negative, you may want to consult your doctor who may order a specialized urine culture to look for a wider range of the non-diluted urine to determine if bacteria at lower counts or other microorganisms may be causing the symptoms.  The presence of low number of bacteria and the presence of white blood cells may indicate a condition known as acute urethral syndrome.

Undetected hormone imbalance can be the missing link as to why achieving and maintaining your optimal weight has been unsuccessful, despite your best efforts with diet and exercise.

The Weight Management kit is ideal for women and men who are struggling with weight issues, menopause or andropause and anyone wanting to get to the root of general health concerns.

The Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit consists of a dried blood spot test and a saliva test. The test measures bioavailable hormone levels for those with unexplained weight gain, obesity, abdominal fat, high BMI and low metabolism.

This kit is available in-store or for purchase online.