Profile Includes:
Insulin (fasting)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I)
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Testosterone, free direct serum with total
Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA
Cortisol
DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate)
Description:
Traditionally, age-related male hormone changes were not considered problematic because fertility in men persists until an advanced age. In contrast, women undergo ovarian function failure and require hormonal modification and regulation. More careful evaluation in males shows progressive age-related changes including:
Decreased muscle mass & strength, Decreased vigor, low energy, Decreased libido, Insomnia, Nervousness & Depression, Hair loss
These changes usually begin in the fourth and fifth decades and point towards hormone imbalances and deficiencies which may be considered the male equivalent of menopause, i.e. the Andropause.
Insulin may be used, often along with glucose and C-peptide levels, to help diagnose insulinomas and to help diagnose documented chronic (fasting) hypoglycemia. Insulin and C-peptide levels may also be used to monitor endogenous insulin, check for insulin resistance, and to help determine when a type 2 diabetic might need to start taking insulin injections to supplement oral medications.
Insulin levels are used in conjunction with the glucose tolerance test (GTT). In this situation, blood glucose and insulin levels are measured at pre-established time intervals to evaluate insulin resistance.
The Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) test is an indirect measure of the average amount of growth hormone (GH). IGF-1 and Growth Hormone (GH) are peptide hormones vital for normal bone and tissue growth and development. GH is produced by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the bridge of your nose. IGF-1 is produced by the liver and to a lesser degree by skeletal muscles, primarily in response to GH stimulation.
This test is prescribed as part of an evaluation of pituitary function, when you have symptoms of slow growth, short stature, and delayed development or decreased bone density, reduced muscle strength, and increased lipids that suggest insufficient GH and IGF-1 production. Also when you have symptoms of gigantism (in children) or acromegaly (in adults) that suggest excess GH and IGF-1 production.
IGF-1 may be ordered with other pituitary hormone tests, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), to help diagnose hypopituitarism. It may be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for growth hormone deficiencies and growth hormone insensitivity.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver. It transports testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol in the blood. SHBG level is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production, and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity. SHBG test is prescribed in order to evaluate the status of a patient’s androgens - the male hormones. With men, the concern is testosterone deficiency, while with women the concern is excess testosterone production.
SHBG and testosterone levels may be ordered on an adult male to help determine the cause of infertility.
In women, small amounts of testosterone can disrupt the balance of hormones and cause symptoms such as amenorrhea, infertility, acne, and hirsutism.
Testosterone, Total is the most potent, naturally secreted androgen. In postpubertal males, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testes with only a small amount derived from peripheral conversion of androstenedione. In adult women, it has been estimated that over 50 percent of serum testosterone is derived from the peripheral conversion of androstenedione secreted by the adrenal gland and ovary. The remainder is from the direct secretion of testosterone from these glands. The majority of circulating testosterone is bound by sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). A smaller portion is bound by albumin. Only 1-2 percent exists in the circulation as free or unbound testosterone. Testosterone is a steroid hormone. It is made by the testes in males. Its production is controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. In males, testosterone stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is also produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females and by the ovaries in females. In women, testosterone is converted to estradiol, the main sex hormone in females.
The measurement of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level in blood is a screening mechanism for asymptomatic and symptomatic men for prostate cancer in order to help determine the necessity for a biopsy of the prostate and also in order to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer, or to detect recurrence of prostate cancer. This test was developed as a tumor marker to screen for and to monitor prostate cancer. It is a very good tool, but not a perfect one. PSA levels are higher in those of African American heritage, and levels tend to increase in all men as they age.
Reference range values : <= 4.0 mcg/L or could be interpreted as <= 4.0 ng/ml
Abnormal findings: Patients with PSA level greater than 10mcg/L are at an increased risk for prostate cancer. Levels between 4 and 10 may indicate prostate cancer BPH, or prostatitis. These conditions are more common in the elderly, as is a general increase in PSA levels.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Production of cortisol is stimulated by ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Cortisol has a lot of functions in the body. It helps break down protein, glucose, and lipids, maintain blood pressure, and regulate immune system. The hormone is secreted mainly during the early morning and less during the evening. Variations of cortisol can cause symptoms such as weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and abdominal pain.
High cortisol levels cause increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, fragile skin, purple streaks on the abdomen, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. Women can have irregular menstrual periods and increased facial hair. Children may have delayed development and a short stature. Blood and urine tests for cortisol help diagnose Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease.
DHEA-Sulfate - in Men and women, this test provides important regulatory functions for the immune system, optimizing cardiovascular function and improving cognitive function. This test is done to check the function of the adrenal glands. The adrenal gland is one of the major sources of androgens in women. The DHEA-sulfate test is often done in women who have male body characteristics (virilism) or excessive hair growth (hirsutism). It is also done in children who are maturing too early (precocious puberty). The reference ranges are age and sex related.