Hormone testing the easy way

We now stock saliva and blood spot testing kits. These kits allow home collection of saliva and blood spot samples, prepaid shipping to the lab. Tests include Vitamin D, Female and Male panels, CardioMetabolic profiles, Adrenal, Thyroid, hs-c-reactive Protein, A1c, Cholesterol levels to name a few.

 

The kits are no charge, and you pay the lab directly. We have negotiated a discounted price structure for our clients. The tests range from $29.00-$240.00 for the comprehensive male/female tests.

 

Please call Gary (781-893-3870 x5) or e-mail gary@naturalcompounder.com for more information.

 

Private fee based consultation is available to help you understand your results.

 

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Hormones have a profound effect on your everyday health and well-being. Although present in only tiny amounts, hormones act on every cell of your body. Hormones have individual affects, but also interact with each other to produce dramatic effects in the body. Because of these interactions, they are able to trigger multiple body systems.

Types of Hormone Imbalance

There are a number of common symptoms associated with hormone imbalance(s):

Female hormone imbalance

The ovaries produce many hormones. Chief among them are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The ovarian hormones estrogen and progesterone interact to coordinate a woman’s menstrual cycle during her reproductive years. The brain produces the hormones follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the ovaries. When any of the hormones coming from the brain or the ovaries are imbalanced, symptoms may occur. Imbalances are most common in puberty and menopause, but imbalances can happen at any age. Several conditions are well known to be associated with hormonal imbalance including: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, breast disease, and menstrual irregularities.

Symptoms of female hormone imbalance (in alphabetical order):

Acne or oily skin
Bloating
Bone loss
Decreased fertility
Depression
Excess facial and body hair
Hot flashes
Heavy or painful periods
Irregular periods
Irritability
Loss of muscle mass
Loss of scalp hair
Low libido
Memory lapses
Mood swings
Nervousness
Night sweats
Poor concentration
Sleep disturbances
Tender or fibrocystic breasts
Urinary incontinence
Vaginal dryness
Weight gain

Click here for the Women’s Symptom Checklist

Male hormone imbalance

The testes produce nearly 95% of all male testosterone. The balance is supplied by the adrenal glands. They also produce small amounts of estrogen. The brain produces the pituitary hormones follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which trigger hormone production from the testes. As a man gets older, testosterone levels fall and estrogen levels tend to rise. Lower testosterone levels may affect bone density, muscle strength, body composition and sex drive. The imbalance that occurs when testosterone is low in relation to estrogen may also contribute to prostate problems.

Symptoms of male hormone imbalance (in alphabetical order)
Bone loss
Decreased mental clarity
Decreased muscle strength
Decreased stamina
Decreased urine flow
Depression
Erectile dysfunction
Hot flashes
Increased abdominal fat
Increased urge to urinate
Irritability
Low sex drive
Mood swings
Night sweats
Poor concentration
Sleep disturbances

When hormones are out of balance, these imbalanced interactions may provoke a wide range of symptoms.

Click here for the Men’s Symptom Checklist

Conditions of Hormone Imbalance

Adrenal Imbalance

The adrenal glands produce three types of steroid hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol), mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens (DHEA/DHEAS). Cortisol enables the body to respond and adapt to the stresses of daily life. It also helps to maintain blood sugar levels and promote a healthy immune system. Aldosterone works to balance salt and water in the body. Androgens secreted by the adrenals provide the majority of DHEA for both men and women. For women, the adrenal glands are the major source of testosterone. Imbalances in the adrenal system can contribute to problems with the nervous and immune systems, body composition difficulties, blood sugar irregularities, and high androgen levels.

Symptoms of adrenal imbalance (in alphabetical order)

Allergies / asthma
Arthritis
Bone loss
Chemical sensitivities
Morning/evening fatigue
High blood sugar
Increased abdominal fat
Memory lapses
Sleep disturbances
Sugar cravings

Thyroid Function Imbalance

Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism. The brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which triggers the thyroid gland to produce two types of hormones – T4 and T3. In hypothyroidism, the body has inadequate levels of the thyroid hormones. This often leads to imbalances in relation to other hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a less common condition that exists when excess thyroid hormones are present. Because every cell of the body is affected by thyroid hormones, symptoms of imbalances are often varied and affect multiple body systems.

Symptoms of low thyroid function (in alphabetical order)

Brittle hair and nails
Cold temperature intolerance
Cold hands and feet
Constipation
Decreased sweating
Depression
Dry skin
Fatigue
Inability to lose weight
Low libido
Menstrual irregularities
Shortness of breath
Sluggishness
Weight gain

Symptoms of high thyroid function (in alphabetical order)

Anxiety
Diarrhea
Eye/vision changes
Fatigue
Hair loss
Insomnia
Palpitations
Rapid heart beat
Sweating
Weakness
Weight loss

Insulin imbalance

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin “unlocks” the cells to allow glucose (sugar) from food to enter and be converted into energy. When too much glucose is present in the body, the pancreas increases the amount of insulin being produced. High insulin as well as high glucose may contribute to multiple symptoms. A number of conditions are associated with insulin and glucose imbalances and regulation problems. These include chronic stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

(in alphabetical order)

Symptoms of insulin imbalance

Abnormal blood cholesterol
Fatigue
High blood triglycerides
Increased abdominal fat
Increased hunger / sugar cravings
Low/high blood sugar
Poor circulation to extremities
Skin changes

Adult growth hormone deficiency

In childhood, growth hormone (GH) controls a child’s height. It is normal for GH levels to decline as a person reaches adulthood, but new research suggests that some adults may have too low a level. Low levels of GH are linked to poor muscle tone, increase body fat, low energy levels, and cardiovascular changes. GH insufficiency is associated with pituitary gland problems, brain injury, autoimmune disorders, and nervous system conditions.

Symptoms of adult growth hormone deficiency (in alphabetical order)

Abnormal blood cholesterol
Bone loss
Decreased muscle mass
Decreased stamina and exercise ability
Fatigue
Increased abdominal fat
Increased risk of heart disease
Lower life expectancy