We utilize a test from ZRT labs that allows men to provide a saliva sample for testing of their testosterone levels as well as their levels of estrogen, DHEA-s, progesterone and cortisol.
Assessing hormone levels for men is more complex than just testing for one hormone. The way our bodies work and manufacture hormones, requires us to look at the full hormone panel.
Stress is a major factor that faces men's hormonal imbalance. We often work with men who suffer from low testosterone levels. They experience fatigue, low sexual drive and low libido, thinning hair, enlarged breasts and nipples, thinning hair and other symptoms that they dislike. These symptoms often indicate that these men are going through andropause- a condition similar to the menopause women experience, but it's specific to men.
Andropause is a scary term. For men, the symptoms are even more scary. With testosterone and hormone saliva testing, we can begin to identify and prevent the severity of andropause. It is important to note that not all men with low testosterone levels experience andropause.
Evaluating one of the key stress hormones, cortisol, is necessary for us to get the full picture and evaluate the root cause for lowered testosterone levels.
The tests we run are very convenience and easy for the busy clients we treat and work with. The most common and more accurate hormone test is to run a saliva test that evaluates the all the hormones in the body. Our patients and clients take the test kit home, provide the saliva sample(s) and then the next day drop the kit off into a FedEx location and within 3-5 business day, we have results and can begin to craft a full plan to increase testosterone levels naturally.
We are beginning to see men in their late 30s, early 40s with lowered testosterone levels and higher levels of DHEA-s and higher levels of Estrogen. When evaluating their test results, we find that these individuals are presenting with an insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and are in a pre-diabetic state. The good news is that this is all entirely, reversible.
At Healthy Being Wellness Center, our Naturopath and our Acupuncture Physicians treat and work with many men who are experiencing high PSA levels, inflammation of the prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancers.
Men who are at high risk for prostate cancer have had their brothers or fathers, should get the Prostate Specific Antigen blood test starting at the age of 40 years old. This test will tell the male patient if more than one test is needed per year. This test tells the levels of protein in the prostate gland. Being informed could help save a person from the fate of these diseases.
We utilize ZRT labs for a quick and easy, at home or in our office testing for PSA levels. We utilize a blood spot test - a quick and easy, non-invasive test. ZRT Laboratory offers dried blood spot testing, measuring all the sex steroid hormones, along with thyroid hormones, cardiometabolic markers and vitamin D, without the cost and inconvenience of conventional blood draws. Our at home blood spot testing also include comprehensive test reports that help physicians track a patient’s progress by providing comparative histories with follow-up testing, making it possible to more regularly monitor hormone levels. Blood spot testing is beneficial for both patient and practitioner, and helps the patient gain the intended benefit of hormone replacement therapy without the risk.
More recent advances in clinical testing and molecular technologies have created new opportunities for research and disease screening using dried blood spots. Blood spot assays have been shown to be a highly sensitive and accurate means for measuring circulating hormones, and can identify hidden hormonal deficiencies linked to adult growth hormone deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and unwanted symptoms and disorders of aging, menopause, and andropause.
If you are seeking testosterone testing or PSA testing, please call our office for more information. Schedule an appointment with our Naturopath, Melissa Gallagher. 727-502-3464.
Visit our website for more information about hormone testing.
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