The ZRT Comprehensive Female Profile II tests the following hormone levels:

Estradiol (E2)

Progesterone (Pg)

Testosterone (T)

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S)

Cortisol (Cx4)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Free triiodothyronine (fT3)

Free thyroxine (fT4)

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO)



By testing the levels of these hormones together, ZRT can create a hormone profile for the blood/saliva donor, which gives a more complete picture of health beyond testing a single hormone level. Testing multiple hormone levels at once is also more convenient and less expensive than testing single hormone levels.

These hormone blood tests are ideal for at-home use where people can perform the collection at their convenience. As hormones work together, it makes more sense to test them for imbalances together rather than testing single hormones at a time.



Why test for these hormones?



Saliva

Cortisol: An indicator of adrenal function and exposure to stressors, normal cortisol production shows a healthy ability to respond to stress. Low cortisol levels can indicate adrenal fatigue (a reduced ability to respond to stressors), and can leave the body more vulnerable to poor blood sugar regulation and immune system dysfunction. Chronically high cortisol is a consequence of high, constant exposure to stressors, and this has serious implications for long-term health, including an increased risk of cancer, osteoporosis, and possibly Alzheimer's disease.



Blood

Estradiol and Progesterone: Generally, these two hormones will be measured together, as it is their ratio to each other that will indicate an imbalance. In reproductive age women, an excess of estradiol in relation to progesterone can explain the following symptoms:

Endometrial hyperplasia

Pre-menstrual syndrome

Fibrocystic breasts

Uterine fibroids



Older women who use estrogen supplements alone can have a deficiency in progesterone, which can lead to symptoms of estrogen dominance, including:

Weight gain in the hips and thighs

Fibrocystic and tender breasts

Uterine fibroids

Irritability

Water retention

Thyroid problems

Estrogen dominance that is not corrected can lead to cancers of the uterus and breasts, and insulin resistance.

The onset of menopause, when ovarian estrogen and progesterone production declines, can bring with it a new subset of symptoms from low estradiol levels, including:

Hot flashes

Night sweats

Vaginal dryness

Sleep disturbances

Foggy thinking

More rapid skin aging

Bone loss



Testosterone:

Often caused by ovarian cysts, excess testosterone can lead to conditions such as:

Excessive facial and body hair

Acne

Oily skin and hair



Too little testosterone is often caused by excessive stress, medications, contraceptives, and surgical removal of the ovaries. This leads to symptoms of androgen deficiency, including:

Loss of libido

Thinning skin

Vaginal dryness

Loss of bone and muscle mass

Depression

Memory lapses



Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: This is a protein produced by the liver in response to the body's exposure to estrogen, regardless of whether that estrogen is produced naturally by the body or whether it is introduced into the body from an outside source. In the bloodstream, it binds to circulating estradiol and testosterone and is a good indication of the body's overall exposure to estrogens. It is also used to calculate unbound testosterone levels.



DHEA-S: Produced by the adrenal glands, levels of DHEA-S generally reflect adrenal gland function. Like cortisol, it is involved with immune function. Low DHEA can result in reduced libido and general malaise, while high DHEA can have masculinizing effects on women because it metabolizes to androgens, including testosterone.



Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Free Triiodothyronine, Free Thyroxine and Thyroid Peroxidase: Tests of these hormones can indicate the presence of an imbalance in thyroid function, which can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:

Feeling cold all the time

Low stamina

Fatigue

Depression

Low sex drive

Weight gain

High cholesterol