HH-3. Hormone Health - Women

There are no preparation instructions.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA SO4, DHEA Sulfate Immunoassay, DHEAS, Transdehydroandrosterone

DHEA SULFATE

DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood. DHEA-sulfate is a weak male hormone (androgen) produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women.

Estradiol

Estradiol (estradiol-17 beta, E2) is part of an estrogen that is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men. Estradiol (E2) is the predominant form of estrogen and is produced primarily in the ovaries with additional amounts produced by the adrenal glands in women and in the testes and adrenal glands in men. Estradiol levels are used in evaluating ovarian function. Estradiol levels are increased in cases of early (precocious) puberty in girls and gynecomastia in men. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea – for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development in the ovary in the days prior to in vitro fertilization. Estradiol is also sometimes used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Also known as: Estrogen Total Serum

Estrogen, Total, Serum

Estrogen is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men.

Also known as: Estrone LCMSMS

Estrone, LC/MS/MS

Estrone is primarily derived from metabolism of androstenedione in peripheral tissues, especially adipose tissues. Individuals with obesity have increased conversion of androstenedione to Estrone leading to higher concentrations. In addition, an increase in the ratio of Estrone to Estradiol may be useful in assessing menopause in women. Estrone levels may be elevated in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. Tests may be used to aid in the diagnosis of an ovarian tumor, Turner syndrome, and hypopituitarism. In males, it may help in the diagnosis of the cause of gynecomastia or in the detection of estrogen-producing tumors.

Also known as: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone

Fsh

Lh

Also known as: IGF-1, IGFI LCMS, Insulin-Like Growth Factor, Insulin-like Growth Factor - 1, Somatomedin C, Somatomedin-C

Igf I, LC/MS

The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) test is an indirect measure of the average amount of growth hormone (GH) being produced by the body. IGF-1 and GH are polypeptide hormones, small proteins that are vital for normal bone and tissue growth and development. GH is produced by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the bridge of your nose. GH is secreted into the bloodstream in pulses throughout the day and night with peaks that occur mostly during the night. IGF-1 is produced by the liver and skeletal muscle as well as many other tissues in response to GH stimulation. IGF-1 mediates many of the actions of GH, stimulating the growth of bones and other tissues and promoting the production of lean muscle mass. IGF-1 mirrors GH excesses and deficiencies, but its level is stable throughout the day, making it a useful indicator of average GH levels.

Z Score (Female)

z Score. A z-score (aka, a standard score) indicates how many standard deviations an element is from the mean. A z-score can be calculated from the following formula. z = (X - µ) / s where z is the z-score, X is the value of the element, µ is the population mean, and s is the standard deviation.

Also known as: Pregnenolone LCMSMS

Pregnenolone, LC/MS/MS

Also known as: Progesterone Immunoassay

Progesterone

Serum progesterone is a test to measure the amount of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. In women, progesterone plays a vital role in pregnancy. After an egg is released by the ovaries (ovulation), progesterone helps make the uterus ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. It prepares the womb (uterus) for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production. Men produce some amount of progesterone, but it probably has no normal function except to help produce other steroid hormones.
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The HH-3. Hormone Health - Women panel contains 8 tests with 10 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The HH-3 Hormone Health - Women panel is a comprehensive set of tests designed to provide an extensive overview of a woman's hormonal balance and overall reproductive health. This panel includes tests for DHEA Sulfate, Estradiol, Estrogen Total, Estrone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Pregnenolone, and Progesterone. This panel is pivotal for those seeking a deep dive into their hormonal health, potentially uncovering underlying conditions affecting fertility, menstrual cycles, and overall well-being.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the HH-3 Panel May Be Ordered

The HH-3 Hormone Health - Women panel is typically ordered for women experiencing symptoms that suggest hormonal imbalances, such as irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, symptoms of menopause, and other reproductive health concerns. It's also valuable for those undergoing hormone replacement therapy or anyone interested in a detailed analysis of their hormonal health.

What the HH-3 Panel Checks For

  • DHEA Sulfate: This test assesses DHEA sulfate levels, important for evaluating adrenal function and the body's capacity to produce sex hormones.

  • Estradiol: Estradiol testing is crucial for understanding ovarian function and is involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, fertility, and menopausal status.

  • Estrogen Total: This test measures all forms of circulating estrogen in the body, providing a comprehensive view of estrogen activity, which affects reproductive health, bone density, and cardiovascular health.

  • Estrone: Estrone levels are particularly important post-menopause and can give insights into estrogen balance and potential risks associated with elevated levels, such as certain cancers.

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH is vital for regulating the menstrual cycle and ovarian function, with its levels being indicative of menopausal status and ovarian reserve.

  • Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): IGF-1 is a marker for growth hormone activity, affecting bone density, muscle strength, and overall metabolic health.

  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): LH testing is key in assessing ovulatory status and reproductive health, with its levels fluctuating significantly during the menstrual cycle.

  • Pregnenolone: Pregnenolone is a precursor to various hormones, including cortisol, DHEA, and progesterone, making it essential for understanding the body's hormone production pathway.

  • Progesterone: Progesterone levels are critical for evaluating the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and are key in assessing fertility and pregnancy health.

Deepening Your Hormonal Insight with the HH-4 Panel

While the HH-3 Hormone Health - Women panel provides a thorough assessment of a woman's hormonal health, the HH-4 Hormone Health - Women Panel goes even further. It includes all tests from the HH-3 panel and adds Prolactin, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), and Testosterone Free and Total. This enhanced panel offers a more detailed view of hormonal health, including aspects related to thyroid health, the risk of hormonal imbalances, and conditions like PCOS, making it an invaluable tool for those seeking the most comprehensive hormonal health assessment.

Conditions Detected by the HH-3 Panel

The HH-3 Hormone Health - Women panel can help in the diagnosis and management of various conditions:

  • Fertility Issues: Abnormal levels of FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone can indicate fertility problems, including ovulation disorders and reduced ovarian reserve.

  • Menopausal Status: Changes in estradiol, FSH, and estrone levels can help determine if a woman is approaching, in, or past menopause, guiding appropriate treatment decisions.

  • Adrenal Disorders: Abnormal DHEA sulfate and pregnenolone levels might suggest adrenal gland disorders, impacting overall health and hormone balance.

Utilizing HH-3 Panel Results in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare professionals use the detailed information from the HH-3 Hormone Health - Women panel to:

  • Tailor Fertility Treatments: Hormonal imbalances can be addressed with medication, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive technologies, depending on the specific issue identified.

  • Manage Menopausal Symptoms: Hormone replacement therapy or other interventions can be customized based on the hormonal profile to alleviate menopausal symptoms and prevent long-term health risks.

  • Address Adrenal Health: Abnormal results may lead to further testing, lifestyle adjustments, or treatment to support adrenal gland function and overall hormonal balance.

The HH-3 Hormone Health - Women panel stands as a critical resource for women seeking an in-depth analysis of their hormonal health. By providing a detailed overview of key hormones and their functions, this panel aids in the diagnosis and management of various conditions related to fertility, menopause, and adrenal health. With the insights gained from this panel, healthcare providers can offer personalized treatment plans, ensuring that women receive the most effective care tailored to their unique hormonal profiles.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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