Related Conditions Continued

Osteoporosis
Both men and women lose bone mass as they age. In women, declining production of estrogen and progesterone after menopause speeds up this process.  Decreasing levels of male hormones like testosterone also play a role since these hormones stimulate bone growth. Existing imbalances of cortisol and thyroid hormone can also contribute to bone loss.
Common symptoms: Thinning, brittle bones; fractures; loss of height.
Main hormones involved: estrogen; progesterone; testosterone; DHEA; cortisol; thyroid hormones.
Suggested test profile:  Hormone Profile II or III or Combination Kit.

Endometriosis
During a normal menstrual cycle the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, thickens. This tissue is normally sloughed off during a woman’s period. With endometriosis, the endometrial tissue grows in places outside the uterus and can become inflamed. This usually occurs on the ovaries and other structures in the pelvis, such as the bladder. Endometrial tissue responds to estrogen. High levels of this hormone may aggravate the condition.
Common symptoms: pelvic pain; inflammation; menstrual irregularities; fertility problems.
Main hormones involved: estrogen; progesterone.
Hormone Profile I or II.

Breast Conditions
Breast tissue contains estrogen receptors. High levels of estrogen or an estrogen/progesterone imbalance (estrogen dominance) can be linked to premenstrual breast tenderness, fibrocystic breast changes, and breast cancer.
Common symptoms: breast pain; breast lumps.
Main hormones involved: estrogen; progesterone
Suggested test profile:  Hormone Profile II or III or Combination Kit.

Infertility
An imbalance of the female hormones can disrupt ovulation. It can also interfere with the ability of a fertilized egg to implant and develop in the uterus. Infertility can be associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis .
Common symptoms: problems becoming pregnant; inability to maintain a pregnancy
Main hormones involved: estrogen; progesterone; testosterone, LH
Suggested test profile:  Hormone Profile I with LH, FSH in blood spot.

Adrenal insufficiency
The adrenal glands normally secrete cortisol in response to stress, exercise and excitement, and in reaction to low blood sugar.  However, too much physical or emotional stress over a prolonged period can cause the glands to reduce their output of adrenal hormones. This is of particular significance for women as the adrenal glands become the main source of hormone production after menopause.
Common symptoms: fatigue; anxiety; nervousness; bone loss; increased abdominal fat; high blood sugar; allergies / asthma; arthritis; sleep disturbances; memory lapses; sugar cravings; chemical sensitivities.
Main hormones involved: cortisol; DHEA; progesterone.
Suggested test profile:  Hormone Profile II or III or Combination Kit.