What markers are tested?
The Sex Hormone Profile tests for the important female and male hormones; estrogen (E1, E2 E3), testosterone and progesterone. As we age the ratio between these hormones vary, and imbalances in these ratios can have a wider impact upon every other system in the body.
Why do you need it?
Estrogen and progesterone are the “female” hormones that work to balance each other in the body. When estrogen levels rise for whatever reason, it may cause a drop in progesterone level. As a result, elevated levels of estrogen suppress progesterone production.
When estrogen becomes too dominant it can impact upon the body in a number of ways including: thyroid dysfunction, low libido, irregular menstrual periods, bloating (water retention), breast swelling and tenderness, fibrocystic breasts, headaches (especially premenstrual), mood swings, weight gain (particularly around the abdomen and hips), cold hands and feet, hair loss, sluggish metabolism, foggy thinking, memory loss, insomnia, PMS, autoimmune disorders, infertility, ovarian cysts, increased blood clotting, and is also associated with acceleration of the ageing process.
Why The Lucy Rose Clinic uses this test
As we age, for women in particular, there is a natural decline in testosterone and progesterone levels which creates a relative excess of estrogen. This is a natural process however, if something isn’t working as it should, this natural decline can spin out of control and generate further, unintended, consequences in other areas of the body.
By running a complete sex hormone panel, your practitioner is able to gather information about how your system is reacting to the balance of hormones; this becomes particularly important to keep track of as we age.