Men's Health

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.

Routine lab testing is a great way to monitor your health. It is also a good way to establish a baseline; by knowing your baseline levels, you can begin to monitor these values to see how they change over time.

If you are ready to take control of your health but you are not sure where to start, the Annual Check-Up Panel can provide valuable information. This panel consists of 5 tests that are typically ordered by a healthcare provider during an annual physical examination. These tests provide information about your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, and thyroid function. 

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  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.

A lipoprotein is a small protein that carries different kinds of fats like cholesterol or triglycerides.  While the body produces many different kinds of lipoproteins, some of them can have positive or protective effects on heart health. However, too much of the same can also be a risk for your heart.

A standard cholesterol panel will include things like LDL, HDL and triglycerides.  Looking at cholesterol levels, specifically the LDL (sometimes called “bad cholesterol”) and HDL (sometimes called “good cholesterol”) is important; this is a very common tool of many healthcare providers.  A more in-depth look at the different parts of this system can provide an even better idea of the balance between risk factors and protective factors. 30% of the population can have “normal” cholesterol values, but have elevated lipoprotein particle numbers. This- along with other factors and tests- could indicate an elevated risk for heart disease.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver; it can also be obtained from the foods you eat, like meat, dairy products, etc. High cholesterol is also known as “hyperlipidemia”. Having high cholesterol can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. 

High cholesterol can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. Sometimes, the medications used to treat high cholesterol can cause liver issues. Although this is not a common side effect, healthcare providers may still want to monitor liver function in their patients who take cholesterol medication.

The Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel is ideal for someone who is taking cholesterol medication, or for someone who needs to have their cholesterol and liver function checked on a routine basis.

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).

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

Even if you are feeling well, routine lab testing is an important part of maintaining your health. If you are looking for a general overview of your health but you are not sure where to start, the Comprehensive Male Wellness Panel could be a good option for you. It consists of 8 tests that provide valuable information about your blood counts, kidney and liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, thyroid function, prostate health, and hormone levels. This panel is ideal for men of all ages who want to take control of their health. 

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 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.

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.

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

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein made in the prostate gland. The PSA, Total test measures the amount of PSA in the blood.

PSA is either bound or unbound (free) in the blood. Bound PSA is attached to other proteins; free PSA is not attached to other proteins.

Elevated PSA levels may be found in conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostate cancer, and others. PSA may also be elevated due to certain medications or urologic procedures.

The PSA test is not diagnostic of cancer, and PSA test results should be followed up by a healthcare provider.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein made in the prostate gland. The PSA, Free and Total test measures the amount of PSA in the blood.

PSA is either bound or unbound (free) in the blood. Bound PSA is attached to other proteins; free PSA is not attached to other proteins.

Free PSA may be tested if your total PSA is within a certain range. Lower levels of free PSA may be found in prostate cancer, whereas higher levels of free PSA may be found in non-cancerous conditions of the prostate.

Elevated total PSA levels may be found in conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostate cancer, and others. Total PSA may also be elevated due to certain medications or urologic procedures.

The PSA test is not diagnostic of cancer, and PSA test results should be followed up by a healthcare provider. 

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.

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.

The Testosterone, Free (Direct), Serum with Total Test will determine the level of testosterone (free and total) in your blood.

Testosterone is a hormone (commonly produced in males, but is also in females in small amounts) that affects sexual features and development.  Testosterone levels explode in men after puberty and continue to rise until about age 40.

Overall, this test will give you a better understanding of how much testosterone is in your blood.

Testosterone is a male hormone that helps to maintain bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength and mass, red blood cell production, sex drive and sperm production.  As men age, levels of testosterone naturally decline by about 1% per year after age 30. Extremely low levels of testosterone may be caused by a disease (hypogonadism) in which the body isn’t able to produce enough of the hormone because of a problem with the testicles or the pituitary gland which promotes testosterone production.

If you are considering androgen/testosterone replacement therapy you need to be aware of your overall health so that you are not surprised by new health problems that pop up once you begin therapy.  These screening may uncover underlying issues so that these can be treated before you begin therapy.  In some cases you will not be eligible to receive testosterone therapy if you have one of these conditions because they can cause serious symptoms and health issues.

The Testosterone, Free (Direct), Serum with Total Test will determine the level of testosterone (free and total) in your blood.

Testosterone is a hormone (commonly produced in males, but is also in females in small amounts) that affects sexual features and development.  Testosterone levels explode in men after puberty and continue to rise until about age 40.

Overall, this test will give you a better understanding of how much testosterone is in your blood.

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.