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Male Hormone Panel™ (MHP™) Patient Overview |
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Traditionally, age-related male hormone changes were not considered problematic because fertility in men persists until an advanced age. In contrast, women undergo ovarian function failure and require multiple hormone replacements. More careful evaluation in males shows progressive age-related changes including: Decreased muscle mass and strength These changes usually begin in the fourth and fifth decades and point towards hormone imbalances and deficiencies which may be considered the male equivalent of menopause, i.e. the Andropause. What you can do about male hormone imbalanceOptimal health is dependent on the balance of hormones, and not just a single hormone. Currently, men with low androgen hormones can benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Also, men with imbalances in their androgen to estrogen and progesterone can also be hormone supplemented to achieve balance. Supplemental hormones can be given by mouth, by injection, by skin patch, or by implant. Androgen supplementation, in states of deficit, improves alertness and produces a feeling of well being, with a reduction in abdominal fat and enhanced lean body mass. Testosterone production in males is mainly a testicular function. Pituitary sex hormones (FSH and LH) stimulate and regulate this function. Specifically, LH (Luteinizing hormone) stimulates testosterone production in the testicles. This process is under negative feedback, meaning that testosterone levels regulate LH secretion. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and testosterone stimulate sperm production. Why measure male hormones?Measurements of hormones can be used in two general ways. To estimate the body’s own production - baseline test Baseline measurements will show normal and abnormal levels of six distinct hormones, shown in boxes (See Diagram 1). If levels are too low, too high or hormone ratios are outside of expected limits, an objective treatment plan can be developed for the individual. Symptoms are not a substitute for measuring hormone levels because many symptoms may involve non-hormonal factors. Using appropriate tests for monitoring hormone therapy is crucial in establishing the appropriate dosing regimen. This reduces the chance of undesirable side-effects and maximizes beneficial effects. For example, excessive use of androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA and testosterone derivatives) can activate subclinical prostatic tumors which are androgen-dependent. Monitoring is especially important in older males. By the age of 70, at least 50% of men have subclinical prostate cancer. These are especially susceptible to growth stimulation by androgens. The roles of the six tested hormones are highlighted in the following section. This pathway shows the relation of cholesterol and pregnenolone, which are the precursors to steroid hormones. DHEA is the main precursor to male and female hormones. DHEA - Is the precursor for both male and female hormones. Also, it is an anti-stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Unmonitored intake can easily alter the delicate balance between male to female hormones. Androstenedione - Is a weak male hormone (androgen) and a precursor of hormones. Unmonitored intake in men can cause excessive female hormone production with minimal male hormone production. In women, unmonitored intake usually causes excess male hormone production with body and facial hair stimulation. Testosterone - Is the main testicular androgen and is a precursor to the highly potent dihydrotestosterone male hormone. Excessive amounts of testosterone promote hardening of the blood vessels, aggression, prostate problems and an increase in total cholesterol. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - Is made from testosterone in certain tissues. The rate of its production is controlled by the level of free active progesterone. Excess DHT causes prostate enlargement and thinning of scalp hair. Progesterone - This hormone is important in both sexes. It is a natural calming agent to our nervous system. It also keeps in check excessive DHT production and counterbalances the effects of excessive estrone. Unmonitored intake can lead to breast enlargement, depression and weight gain. Estrone - Is an estrogen that both sexes produce in the fat cells. The more fat, the more estrone which in turn itself promotes fat deposits. It is produced from androstenedione and excess of estrone can cause breast enlargement and contributes to prostate enlargement. In males, a certain low level of estrone is mandatory to balance the androgens. What we test and what it tells youUsing your saliva sample, the regular MHP panel measures six hormones: DHEA, Androstenedione, Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, Estrone and Progesterone. The eMHP panel measures these six hormones plus FSH and LH. The hormone levels in saliva reflect the active tissue concentrations, while blood contains mostly protein bound hormones, whose active levels can only be estimates at best. Urine contains both the active hormones and numerous metabolites and can only be used to gain a gross estimate of hormone production over time. Active fraction measurements from saliva are superior to blood and urine total hormone levels in diagnosis and treatment. This test is for you if you are...
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