The Auymetrix Basic Male Hormone Panel includes both saliva specimens and bloodspot specimen.
Saliva:
Testosterone- Testosterone testing is used to diagnose several conditions in men, women, girls, and boys. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, produced mainly by the testicles, and is responsible for male physical characteristics. Although it is considered to be a "male" sex hormone, it is present in the blood of both males and females.
Estradiol - Estrogen is a group of hormones that are primarily responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics. There are three main estrogen fractions that are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol (E2) is produced in women mainly in the ovary. In men, the testes and adrenal glands are the principal sources of estradiol. In women, normal levels of estradiol provide for proper ovulation, conception, and pregnancy, in addition to promoting healthy bone structure and regulating cholesterol levels.
DHEA- DHEA is a parent, or master, steroid hormone that the body changes into the androstenedione hormone (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate or DHEA-S). The body then changes androstenedione into the major male and female hormones. A DHEA test helps indicate how well adrenal glands are functioning.
Cortisol - Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Production and secretion of cortisol is stimulated by ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located inside the head below the brain. Cortisol has a range of roles in the body. It helps break down protein, glucose, and lipids, maintain blood pressure and regulate the immune system. Heat, cold, infection, trauma, stress, exercise, obesity, and debilitating disease can influence cortisol concentrations.
Bloodspot:
PSA-Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, a noncancerous condition such as prostatitis, or an enlarged prostate.
TSH- The thyroid-stimulating hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of thyroid hormones. The TSH helps identify an underactive or overactive thyroid state. Thyroid function is critical to your metabolism and affects your energy level, heart rate, weight control, and more.
Free T3-Tri-iodothyronine (T3) Free is used for evaluating thyroid function and assessing abnormal binding protein disorders. Free T3 is considered more accurate than Total T3. Free T3 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism.
Free T4-Free thyroxine (T4) may be indicated when binding globulin (TBG) problems are perceived, or when conventional test results appear to be inconsistent with clinical observations. It is normal in those with high thyroxine-binding globulin hormone binding who are euthyroid (i.e., free thyroxin should be normal in nonthyroidal diseases). It should also be normal in familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia.
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies - Thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an enzyme normally found in the thyroid gland, plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. The presence of TPO antibodies in your blood suggests that the cause of thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder
