This is a quick summary of the most common hormones tested that might be useful as you build your testing program...Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol, and most recently
Estriol.
Below you will find a quick reference to each of the hormones we test, as well as others.
Estrogens: The body produces three types:
Estrone(E1):
E1 is in equilibrium with E2 and therefore can be approximated by knowing the E2 level. There is no need to supplement with E1. In fact, metabolites of E1 are thought to be carcinogenic.
Estradiol(E2):
The strongest form of estrogen and when deficiency exists it causes: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, memory loss and emotional
labiality. It is best supplemented topically because PO supplementation is known to reduce Growth Hormone levels.
Estriol(E3):
Considered the weakest estrogen, but also the protective estrogen. Is used widely to treat vaginal dryness/atrophy and as a safe estrogen replacement for breast cancer survivors. It is generally added whenever E2 is supplemented in the form of "Biest" (most often in a 1:4 ratio of E2 to E3). The recent medical literature strongly suggests that estriol is most helpful for autoimmune conditions, e.g., multiple sclerosis.
Progesterone:
The bio-identical hormone known to block or protect against the proliferative effects of Estrogen (E2). It is protective of breast and endometrial tissue. When replaced in physiologic doses, it stabilizes mood, increases bone
materialization, reduces PMS and post-menopausal symptoms, and decreases cancer risk. It is best supplemented topically or sublingually.
Progestin:
Is used to refer to a group of synthetic progesterones that have high risk effects (increased breast and endometrial cancer risk, heart disease, stroke and pulmonary embolism) since it is more than a single molecule. These are dangerous compounds and should be avoided.
Click here to see chart of hormone deficiencies and symptoms