Hormonal balance and health are not just issues for menopausal women. Hormones play a large part in our healthy well being in all phases of our lives, male and female. LifeTime Health Center offers salivary testing for the most common hormones to assess any imbalance. We can then work with you to develop a treatment plan for correcting imbalances. Lets review a few of the more common hormones and their effects.

Thyroid - The most common test is for "thyroid stimulating hormone" or "TSH". The thyroid is like a car’s carburetor that controls the speed at which the engine will run. Not enough thyroid hormone and the body runs sluggish and cold. Weight gain and feelings of fatigue are common. Too much thyroid and the body runs too hot and fast. Weight loss, heart palpitations and anxiety are common.

Cortisol - Manufactured by the adrenal glands, cortisol regulates the immune system, stimulates glucose production and helps the body adapt to stress. Too much cortisol make you feel "wired and tired", too little can make it difficult or impossible to even get out of bed in the morning.

Testosterone - This hormone is found in both men and women, though in far lesser amounts in females. It is necessary for bone and muscle production, assists brain function, and is associated with a sense of well being and assertive behavior. It is also necessary for sexual response in men and women.

Estrogen - It is present in women in large amounts during the reproductive years and lesser amounts during the menopausal years. It affects mood, sleep, attention span, libido, and memory. Estrogen preserves elasticity and moisture in skin, helps with cholesterol and decreases perception of pain.

Progesterone - This hormone helps the body use fat as a source of energy, improves sleep and provides a calming effect. It builds bone and protects the cardiovascular system. It must be balanced with estrogen to provide a more comfortable transition through menopause.

DHEA - It is the most abundant circulating hormone in the body. It is converted to other hormones using nutrients your diet provides. DHEA provides protection against the effects of physical stress and inflammation. It decreases pain, improves a sense of well being as well as enhancing sexual response. DHEA is available over the counter, but too much can cause unpleasant side effects.

If imbalances are found through testing, bio-identical hormones can be prescribed. The same hormones molecules your body produces can be replaced by compounding a prescription specifically for your needs. For more information, call our office or visit www.salivatest.com.