Healthy Hormones

WHAT?

At-home sample collection device for monitoring your endocrine system. Laboratory results are provided within 5 days.

WHY?

An endocrine test checks for endocrine disorders. The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that produce hormones. These hormones act as chemical messengers that influence many physiological aspects including metabolism, energy levels, reproduction, growth and development, response to injury, stress, mood and sleep. It is important to check that your hormones are functioning properly.

WHO & WHEN?

With this test, the levels of different hormones (discussed below) are tested to gain insights about your endocrine system. Checking for hormonal imbalances can provide answers if you experience symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Gynaecomastia (sometimes called man boobs)

High cortisol levels – which can be caused by stress, pituitary gland issues, adrenal gland tumours and medications – can lead to symptoms such as:

• Irritability
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome (a fatty hump between your shoulders, a rounded face and pink or purple stretch marks) can also result in high blood pressure, bone loss and (on occasion) type 2 diabetes.

17-OHP (17-Hydroxyprogesterone) is produced as part of the process of producing cortisol. In people with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic change (mutation) hinders the adrenal gland’s ability to produce sufficient cortisol. A 17-OHP test can help diagnose this rare genetic disorder.

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is an important hormone involved in making testosterone and oestrogen. It is also involved in the development of male sexual characteristics at puberty. Heart rate, blood pressure and other body functions are also controlled by DHEA-S. If levels of this hormone are not normal, it may mean there is a problem with your adrenal glands or sex organs, for example your testicles or ovaries.

High levels of DHEA-S in women and girls can cause:

• Excess body and facial hair growth
• Deepening of the voice
• Menstrual irregularities

Leptin, a hormone secreted by fat cells, helps maintain normal weight on a long-term basis. Since it is an appetite suppressant, low leptin levels will make you feel hungry and make you want to eat more, even though your body has enough fat stores.

HOW?

This sample kit contains a finger-prick blood collection device, along with clear instructions. Samples collected at home are couriered to and tested at the BioSmart accredited pathology laboratory.

Blood is tested for the following hormones:

• Cortisol (CORT)
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S)
• 17 Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP)
• Leptin (LEPT)

Your endocrine health report will come in an easy-to-understand format with a detailed breakdown of results, what they mean and your next steps.