The Male Hormone Basic Check-Up is performed by measuring the hormones Estradiol (E2), Estrone (E1), Progesterone, Testosterone, and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) in the saliva, as well as measuring IGF-1, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and Total PSA in the blood serum.
The Male Hormone Basic Check-Up can give a complete picture of the male hormonal balance and help identify the underlying causes of many chronic disorders. Information on hormone levels is vital in assessing conditions related to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and andropause - an age-dependent reduction in "male" hormones to design appropriate individualized treatment interventions.
When is the Male Hormone Basic Check-Up helpful?
Hormones are substances that control many functions throughout the body. They must be adequate and balanced to excellent levels. Concentrations of hormones outside the optimal range negatively affect emotional, mental, and physical health.
Optimal health depends on the balance of hormones and not just a single hormone. Hormone measurements can be used in two ways in general:
- To assess the production of hormones in the body
- To monitor hormone levels during treatment
Monitoring hormone therapy is necessary to reduce the likelihood of side effects and potentially serious side effects on the one hand and to optimize treatment on the other.
The Male Hormone Check Basic provides information about hormonal imbalances that can cause symptoms and pathological conditions such as:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sleep disorders
- Decreased muscle mass and muscle strength
- A general feeling of fatigue and feeling of reduced energy
- Irritability and depression
- Hair loss or thinning of the hair
- Increased fat accumulation
- Urinary tract problems such as frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, and intermittent urination
- Decreased bone density or osteoporosis
- Increased risk of coronary heart disease or heart attack
- Weakening of the immune system function
What are the advantages of measuring the hormones in saliva?
Compared to standard blood hormone tests, salivary hormone measurement offers several advantages:
- The levels of hormones measured in saliva are not bound to proteins (free) and, therefore, the actual bioavailable fractions of hormones. Various disorders affecting the production of proteins, both their increase and decrease, obesity, and thyroid dysfunction, do not affect the measurement of hormones in saliva
- The levels of bioavailable hormones in saliva correlate with those circulating in the blood. Bioavailable hormone levels are those associated with the underlying symptoms
- Collecting saliva samples is easy, performed at home, and does not cause additional stress (taking blood for many people is very stressful)
- The sample can be quickly taken any day and at any time so that the circadian (daily) rhythm of hormones and the way they are secreted during days or after specific events can be monitored (e.g., after exercise)
- Hormone molecules remain stable in saliva for up to 2 weeks at room temperature
What does the Male Hormone Basic Check-Up include?
Diagnostiki Athinon’s Male Hormone Basic Check-Up includes the following tests:
Testosterone. The "male hormone" is produced mainly by the testes and plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, energy management, and libido.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It is a precursor molecule for synthesizing estrogens and testosterone. Disorders in DHEA levels can lead to disturbances in these hormones. DHEA can be administered as replacement therapy.
Estrone (E1) & Estradiol (E2). Estrogens are often referred to as "female hormones," but they also play an essential role in a man's health. Elevated estrogen levels in men are associated with breast enlargement (gynecomastia), prostate cancer, female fat distribution, and obesity. Reducing estrogen levels can help treat the symptoms of andropause.
Progesterone. Although it is often referred to as a "female hormone," it is also produced in men and is a precursor molecule for testosterone and estrogen. Elevated progesterone levels can lead to increased levels of other hormones.
Somatomedin (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a hormone produced by the liver, muscles, and other tissues in response to the production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland and is vital for normal tissue growth and development. IGF-1 typically reflects growth hormone levels. Because IGF-1 levels are more stable than GH levels, measuring IGF-1 helps assess mean GH levels. Measurement of IGF-1 helps determine growth hormone deficiency or excess and evaluate pituitary function.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a steroid androgen that plays a vital role in sexual development and function and, in general, in a man's sexual health. Elevated DHT levels are among the leading causes of hair loss in men and women. DHT can also contribute to hypertrophy and prostate cancer in men.
PSA Total: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurement is a standard test for prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels may indicate a higher chance of developing prostate cancer.
