The DiagnosTech Male Hormone Panels (MHP and eMHP) use noninvasive saliva testing to evaluate levels of various hormones involved in male reproductive and sexual function. These panels include tests for seven to nine different hormones in order to give a comprehensive picture of male hormonal balance. Information about your hormone levels can be valuable when evaluating for conditions related to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and andropause an age-related decline in male hormone levels.
Why is it important to measure male hormones?
Optimal health is dependent on a balance of hormones, not just a single hormone.
Measurements of hormones can be used in two general ways:
To estimate the bodys own hormone production as a baseline test
To monitor levels of hormones during treatment Monitoring hormone therapy is necessary in order to reduce the chance of undesirable and potentially serious side effects and to optimize treatment.
Dr. Guberman can use the information gathered from the Male Hormone Panel (MHP) to gain a better understanding of your current hormone levels and to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
The Male Hormone Panel (MHP) can uncover hormone imbalances and deficiencies that may contribute to:
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Sleep disorders
Decreased muscle mass and strength
General fatigue/decreased energy
Increased risk for coronary artery disease or heart attack
Hair loss or thinning
Increased fat accumulation
Urinary problems
Decreased bone density or osteoporosis
Compromised immune function
Irritability and depression
The following hormones are evaluated in the Male Hormone Panel (MHP):
Testosterone - This hormone is produced in the testes and is necessary for healthy male reproductive function. Testosterone helps to preserve lean body mass, bone density, cognitive function, red blood cell count, and libido.
DHEA - A hormone produced in the adrenal glands as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Supplementation of DHEA is common in hormone replacement therapy.
Androstenedione - Another important reproductive hormone precursor.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - Conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone frequently increases with age. Excess DHT is associated with enlargement of the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) and male-pattern baldness.
Estrogens (Estrone and Estradiol) - Frequently thought of as female hormone, estrogens play important roles in male health as well. High estrogens have been associated with breast enlargement, prostate cancer, fat redistribution, and obesity. Controlling estrogen levels can be helpful in treating systems of andropause.
Progesterone - Progesterone is often perceived as a female hormone, however it is also produced in men and is a precursor to testosterone and estrogens. Elevated progesterone may be due to unintentional exposure and can lead to elevations in other hormones.
Why saliva instead of blood?
For hormones to be active, they have to exist in their free state. In blood, most hormones are bound to proteins or red blood cells and are therefore inactive. It can be difficult to determine how much of a hormone measured in serum or blood is free and actually available to your cells. In saliva, however, hormones exist in their free state and are therefore bioavailable.
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