Ulta Lab Tests

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Women – Comprehensive Panel

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.

Also known as: Progesterone LCMSMS

Progesterone, LC/MS/MS

Also known as: PRL

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Prolactin secretion is regulated and inhibited by the brain chemical dopamine. Normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women, prolactin's primary role is to promote lactation (breast milk production). Prolactin levels are usually high throughout pregnancy and just after childbirth. During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin level soon drops back to pre-pregnancy levels. If she does nurse, suckling by the infant plays an important role in the release of prolactin. There is a feedback mechanism between how often the baby nurses and the amount of prolactin secreted by the pituitary as well as the amount of milk produced. Another common cause of elevated prolactin levels is a prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign. They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men. Problems resulting from them can arise both from the unintended effects of excess prolactin, such as milk production in the non-pregnant woman (and rarely, man) and from the size and location of the tumor. If the anterior pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and it can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces. In women, prolactinomas can cause infertility and irregularities in menstruation; in men, these tumors can cause a gradual loss in sexual function and libido. If left untreated, prolactinomas may eventually damage the tissues around them.

Also known as: Testosterone Total And Free And Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Free Testosterone

In many cases, measurement of total testosterone provides the doctor with adequate information. However, in certain cases, for example when the level of SHBG is abnormal, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be performed as it may more accurately reflect the presence of a medical condition.

Sex Hormone Binding

The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test measures the concentration of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein that is produced by the liver and binds tightly to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). In this bound state, it transports them in the blood as an inactive form. The amount of SHBG in circulation is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of testosterone that is available to be used by the body's tissues. A total testosterone test does not distinguish between bound and unbound testosterone but determines the overall quantity of testosterone. If a person's SHBG level is not normal, then the total testosterone may not be an accurate representation of the amount of testosterone that is available to the person's tissues.

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone: In boys -- early or late puberty and in men -- impotence, low level of sexual interest, infertility, thinning of the bones In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone and levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as: decreased breast size, excess hair growth, increased size of the clitoris. irregular or absent menstrual periods and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.
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The Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Women – Comprehensive Panel panel contains 11 tests with 15 biomarkers .

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a critical treatment for managing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly during menopause.

The Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women – Comprehensive Panel is expertly designed to provide a detailed analysis of hormone levels that influence a woman's health during HRT. This panel not only aids in diagnosing and monitoring hormone-related disorders but also helps in customizing HRT to individual needs, ensuring effective and personalized treatment.

Test Descriptions and Benefits

  • DHEA Sulfate, Immunoassay: Measures the concentration of DHEA sulfate produced by the adrenal glands. This hormone is a precursor for estrogen and testosterone, making its evaluation essential in determining adrenal function and aiding in the adjustment of HRT dosage to improve energy levels and metabolism.

  • Estradiol: As the most potent estrogen, it's crucial for regulating menstrual cycles and maintaining the reproductive system. Accurate estradiol measurement helps in assessing the ovarian function and the effectiveness of HRT, addressing symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

  • Estrogen, Total, Serum: This test aggregates the levels of three major estrogens (estradiol, estrone, and estriol) in the blood. It's important for evaluating overall estrogenic activity, which can influence mood, bone health, and cardiovascular health during HRT.

  • Estrone, LC/MS/MS: Particularly relevant post-menopause, estrone can become the dominant estrogen. Testing for estrone levels helps in understanding the risk of estrogen-related diseases such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease in menopausal women.

  • FSH and LH: These hormones regulate the reproductive process and are pivotal in diagnosing menopause. Their levels help determine the remaining ovarian reserve and the stage of menopause, guiding the HRT regimen.

  • IGF-I, LC/MS: Reflects the level of growth hormone, a key player in overall health. This test is useful for assessing pituitary function and detecting pituitary disorders, which can affect hormonal balance and response to HRT.

  • Pregnenolone, LC/MS/MS: As the precursor to many other steroid hormones, levels of pregnenolone provide insights into the body's ability to produce hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which are critical components of HRT.

  • Progesterone, Immunoassay and LC/MS/MS: These tests measure progesterone levels to help evaluate the balance of estrogen and progesterone, crucial for managing symptoms of menopause and assessing the risk of endometrial cancer.

  • Prolactin: High levels can interfere with estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and affecting overall hormonal balance. Monitoring prolactin is important for optimizing HRT effectiveness.

  • Testosterone, Total and Free, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): Testosterone levels impact sexual function, mood, and body composition. This combined test provides a complete profile of bioavailable and total testosterone and SHBG levels, helping to tailor HRT, particularly in addressing libido and energy issues.

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance to Recognize

  • Irregular or missed periods
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Insomnia and sleep disturbances
  • Weight gain and slowed metabolism
  • Thinning hair and dry skin
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Loss of libido

Conclusion
Understanding and monitoring hormone levels through the Comprehensive Hormone Panel for Women provides a solid foundation for effectively managing and personalizing HRT. Accurate and timely lab tests can greatly improve the quality of life and help in mitigating the risks associated with hormonal imbalances. With Ulta Lab Tests, patients benefit from confidential and precise testing, along with cost-effective solutions that make managing health both accessible and straightforward. By choosing Ulta Lab Tests, you ensure that your HRT journey is supported by reliable and comprehensive diagnostic insights.

Benefits of Using Ulta Lab Tests

  • Confidential and Secure: All test results are confidential and securely accessible.
  • Accurate and Reliable: State-of-the-art testing methods provide precise and dependable results.
  • Convenient and Fast: Easy online ordering with fast results, often available within 1-2 days.
  • Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing and transparency in costs ensure affordability.

Choosing this comprehensive panel through Ulta Lab Tests empowers you with the knowledge to address hormonal health proactively, making it an invaluable tool in the management of hormone replacement therapy.

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