NEW MEDICINE COMPREHENSIVE BIO-CHEMISTY TESTING OPTIONS:
Saliva Hormone Testing and Analysis / FEMALE
Why saliva instead of blood? For hormones to be active, they have to exist in their free state. In blood, most hormones are bound to proteins and are therefore inactive. It can be difficult to determine how much of a hormone measured in serum or blood is free and actually available to your cells. In saliva, however, hormones are readily measured in their free and bioavailable state.
Female Hormone Panels (FHP and eFHP) are easy to collect saliva tests to evaluate the various hormones that play a role in female reproductive function. These hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle; therefore, testing on only one day of the month may not give a complete portrayal of the dynamic balance of your hormones. With the Female Hormone Panels, 11 separate samples are taken throughout the entire monthly cycle in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what may be contributing to your symptoms. Your hormone levels are measured from your saliva, which can be collected easily and painlessly at your convenience.
The Female Hormone Panels screen for:
- Hormone imbalances that may contribute to PMS and migraines
- Factors contributing to infertility such as luteal phase deficit, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Inadvertent or excessive hormone exposures that may cause irregular menses
- Underlying hormone abnormalities associated with painful or heavy menses
- Early indicators of perimenopause
Saliva Hormone Testing and Analysis / Male
Why saliva instead of blood? For hormones to be active, they have to exist in their free state. In blood, most hormones are bound to proteins and are therefore inactive. It can be difficult to determine how much of a hormone measured in serum or blood is free and actually available to your cells. In saliva, however, hormones are readily measured in their free and bioavailable state.
The Male Hormone Panels (MHP and eMHP) use noninvasive saliva testing to evaluate levels of various hormones involved in male reproductive and sexual function. These panels include tests for seven to nine different hormones in order to give a comprehensive picture of male hormonal balance. Information about your hormone levels can be valuable when evaluating for conditions related to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and andropause—an age-related decline in male hormone levels.
Why is it important to measure male hormones?
Optimal health is dependent on a balance of hormones, not just a single hormone. Measurements of hormones can be used in two general ways: • To estimate the body’s own hormone production as a baseline test • To monitor levels of hormones during treatment Monitoring hormone therapy is necessary in order to reduce the chance of undesirable and potentially serious side effects and to optimize treatment. Your healthcare provider can use the information gathered from the Male Hormone Panel (MHP) to gain a better understanding of your current hormone levels and to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
The Male Hormone Panel (MHP) can uncover hormone imbalances and deficiencies that may contribute to:
- Noninvasive testing information
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sleep disorders
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- General fatigue/decreased energy
- Increased risk for coronary artery disease or heart attack
- Hair loss or thinning
- Increased fat accumulation
- Urinary problems
- Decreased bone density or osteoporosis
- Compromised immune function
- Irritability and depression
Blood Work Analysis & Treatment Plan
Includes evaluation of blood work and treatment plan.
**Program does not include lab fees for blood work, but do include analysis by licensed physician. If you have insurance, in most cases, your lab fee for blood work is typically covered and your insurance carrier will determine which lab you must visit in order to be covered under your plan. If you are a patient without insurance or if your out-of-pocket is cost prohibitive, we can arrange for you to have blood drawn at a reduced rate at a LabCorp facility near you.
Comprehensive Bio-Chemistry Health Panel
Almost all of us over the age of 40 (and in many cases over 30) begin to experience hormone imbalance. Over our lifetime, we are exposed to environmental and dietary toxins, which contribute to the natural decline of hormones as we age. In order to balance your hormones for optimal health and wellness, it is critical to be evaluated by a highly trained physician – including comprehensive lab testing and in depth initial questionnaires prior to creating a personalized treatment plan.
The package includes the saliva hormone and adrenal test kits, a review over blood work**, as well as a physician evaluation including a medical plan, and a direct physician consultation. **Program do not include lab fees for blood work, but do include analysis by licensed physician
Adrenal Stress Index (Cortisol) Testing and Analysis
The Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) is a noninvasive way to evaluate the effects of stress on your body. It includes 10 tests for six different hormones and immune markers that may be affected by chronic stress and stress related conditions.
The Adrenal Stress Index can:
- Help identify possible causes of excessive fatigue
- Identify underlying reasons for chronic infections including sinusitis and other recurrent respiratory infections
- Screen for concerns with blood sugar and insulin resistance
- Help determine if a gluten-free diet may be best for you
- Identify possible reasons why you may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Chronic stress and stress-related health problems
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Muscle and joint pain or weakness
- Blood sugar imbalance Osteopenia or osteoporosis
- Insomnia, sleep disturbances or difficulty waking
- Poor memory or difficulty retaining information • Irritability or mood swings
- Frequent or chronic infections
- Hypertension
- Increased waist-to-hip ratio or abdominal obesity
- Anxiety or depression, Changes in skin integrity, easy bruising, or excessive stretch marks
Adrenal testing includes the most accurate saliva based Adrenal Stress Index test in the industry. Results also included with this test kit include key markers for insulin levels, hormone precursors, and wheat/gluten antibodies.
This testing comes complete with a full report and physician evaluation including a medical plan with a direct physician consultation.
Self-Pay Blood Work Order via LabCorp
This is for those wishing to order self-pay blood work. The doctor will be ordering a large amount of blood. This can be expensive. It starts at about $2000 and goes up from there.
Most insurances will cover it. If you do not have insurance, or your out-of-pocket will be more than $450, this is for you.
Hair Toxic Element Exposure Profile
Hair Elements analysis provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to potentially toxic metals, especially methylmercury and arsenic, and time-averaged status of specific nutrient elements. This noninvasive screening test requires only .25 grams of hair. Zen Medicine Foundation now offers a Hair Elements profile containing essential and toxic elements and a Hair Toxic Element Exposure profile containing an expanded lineup of toxic metals.
This test is useful for
- Toxic Element Exposure
- Excessive Fish Consumption
- Alopecia
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Malabsorption
- Hypertension
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance
- Kidney Function
- Parkinson’s-like Symptoms
- Sexual Impotence or Decreased Testosterone Production
- Vision Problems
The package includes 1 hair analysis kits, evaluation, and a physician evaluation including a medical plan, and a direct physician consultation.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Panels
Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Panels are non-invasive screening tests of the GI system and its function. They include 15-22 individual, yet related, tests. Stool and saliva samples are submitted after convenient at-home collection. The GI Health Panels combine pathogen testing, inflammatory markers and other lab measures of possible disease or dysfunction for a comprehensive evaluation of GI health.
Gastrointestinal Health Maintaining a healthy GI system is essential to overall good health. GI infections and inflammation can lead to a wide range of symptoms and decrease the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Although found more commonly in developing countries, parasites and pathogenic bacteria are a cause of GI symptoms in millions of people in the United States as well.
The Gastrointestinal (GI) Health Panels may be helpful for individuals with:
- Heartburn or GERD
- Chronic or vague abdominal pain or discomfort
- Gas or bloating
- Weight changes
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Irritable bowel
- Abdominal cramping
- Food sensitivities
The Food Panel
The Food Panel tests for immune response via antibodies to four of the most common allergens— gluten, milk, egg, and soy. Using only a saliva sample, the Food Panel offers a convenient, non-invasive, and economical way to screen for food allergies and sensitivities. Identifying the specific foods that your immune system reacts to can help your doctor recommend a treatment plan that is best for you.
Avoiding a more serious condition
A food reaction is an abnormal response in the GI system that can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, like lactose intolerance, there may be too little of a particular enzyme to digest a food correctly. In other cases, the immune system creates antibodies to proteins in foods. When a food reaction involves the immune system in this way, it is called a food allergy or food sensitivity.
When the immune system reacts to a food, it can lead to inflammation and irritation in the intestine each time the particular food is consumed. Food allergies and sensitivities can range in severity from immediate, sometimes life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis), to milder symptoms such as gas and bloating.
Many food allergies produce minimal symptoms, yet if left untreated, the long-term consequences can be serious and may involve the development of conditions in many different organ systems.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Food Allergies
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Constipation
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Gastroesophageal reflux or GERD
- Mouth ulcers
Non-Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Food Allergies
- Skin: Hives, dermatitis, eczema, edema (swelling)
- Joints: pain and inflammation
- Respiratory: Runny nose, asthma, nasal congestion,
- Brain: Headache, migraine, sleeplessness, irritability
- Immune: Decreased immune function, frequent or chronic infections
- Fatigue: Decreased energy due to anemia or poor absorption of nutrients
Bone Health Panel
The Bone Health Panel uses convenient, non invasive testing of your saliva and urine to give you valuable information about your bone health. As you age, fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, and FSH may affect your bone density. These hormones can be measured to help evaluate and monitor the health of your bones and your risk for osteoporosis.
The Bone Health Panel also measures the level of deoxypyridinoline, or Pyrilinks-D, from a urine sample. Pyrilinks-D is a specific marker of bone breakdown, which is used to screen for excess bone loss and for monitoring the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments.
Bone Density
Bone density is influenced by many factors such as genetics, vitamin D status, hormone levels, diet, and lifestyle. When bone density decreases to a level below normal, it is referred to as osteopenia. If bone thinning continues to the point where the bone is at higher risk for breaking, it is referred to as osteoporosis. Early detection and intervention are very important for minimizing loss of bone density and preventing fractures. Although the standard procedure for evaluating bone health involves measuring specific biomarkers in the blood in combination with radiographic tests, the Bone Health Panel serves as a noninvasive and cost effective way to screen for and monitor bone loss that does not involve radiation or blood draws. Noninvasive testing information It is important
It is important to be screened for osteoporosis if you have:
- Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Dementia
- Thyroid or kidney disease
- Low vitamin D levels
- Celiac disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Premature ovarian failure or amenorrhea
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- History of an eating disorder