Female Hormonal Dysfunction
The ovaries are a very important part of the female reproductive organs. The ovaries are located on the right and left side of the pelvic cavity next to the uterus. Each weighs about 15 grams. The human female is born with immature ovaries which gradually mature into a fully functional reproductive system.
The Cyclical Pacing Of The Ovaries
The human ovary releases its hormones in a cyclical manner which is referred to as the menstrual cycle. The average cycle is it out 26-30 days.
The time and pacing of hormone release is governed by GnRH, FSH & LH, hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. The two major classes of ovarian hormones released during the menstrual cycle are Estrogen and Progesterone, which are known as female steroid sex hormones.
The major and most active estrogen released is Estradiol, while the major Progestin is Progesterone.
The Female Cycle Has Three Physiologic Phases
1. The follicular phase starts with the onset of menstrual blood flow and is variable length. This phases normally characterized by both low estrogen and progesterone output. 2. The ovulation phase 1 one to 3 days long and the human ovum (egg) is released in this phase. This phase is characterized by high estrogen levels. 3. The luteal phase is rather constant in length, 12-14 days, and ends with menses. Compared to the follicular phase, the luteal phase is characterized by high progesterone concentrations and a moderate increase in estrogen.
Functions Of Sex Hormone
Estradiol and Progesterone effect several target organs involved in a successful conception and pregnancy. Additionally, these hormones maintain number of secondary sexual characteristics such as reduced body hair, soft skin texture, a high voice pitch, possible release of search in pheromones, etc…
What Can You Do About It?
There are several therapeutic options which may minimize or even eliminate many of the symptoms:
- Treat symptoms using synthetic hormones without hormone level testing.
- Treat symptoms using natural hormones without any testing.
- Treat and correct symptoms using natural hormones with testing for hormone levels before & after treatment.
Why Should You Test?
Hormones are powerful substances that control multiple functions throughout the body. Hormone levels should be sufficient and balanced. Too much or too little of them is not conducive to long-term emotional, mental and bodily health.
By not measuring the hormones before and after treatment your hormone picture is, at best, an educated guess, since hormone levels from woman to woman can vary 200 - 1,500%. In fact many women need only one hormone, while others require 3 or 4 different kinds.
Just as you cannot balance your bank account without numbers on your bank statements, hormone testing provides both a basis for treatment and proximity to your goal.
One can then:
- Customize natural hormone dosing to meet individual needs.
- Optimize hormone levels for minimum dose to relieve symptoms. Avoid overdosing.
- Achieve appropriate and compatible physiologic levels of several hormones.
- Increase sense of "well being" by removing underlying hormone deficit and imbalances.
What Do We Test For And what does It Tell You?
We test for male and female natural hormones. One, two, six or eight of them, depending on the need. We utilize your saliva as a sample for measuring hormones, such as Testosterone, DHEA, Progesterone, Estriol, Estrone, Estradiol, Dihydrotestos-terone,* and Androstenedione.*
The brain derived regulating hormones, FSH** and LH,** are also measured to help assess efficacy 
of control and feedback between the brain and ovaries.
Saliva hormone values reflect the tissue concentration of your hormones. Blood and serum contains the total hormone, but your tissues are only bathed with the active or effective fraction as found in saliva. Active fraction measurements are superior to blood and urine measurements both in diagnosis and treatment.
FSH** and LH,** are also measured to help assess efficacy of control and feedback between the brain and ovaries.
Saliva hormone values reflect the tissue concentration of your hormones. Blood and serum contains the total hormone, but your tissues are only bathed with the active or effective fraction as found in saliva. Active fraction measurements are superior to blood and urine measurements both in diagnosis and treatment. *Part of the Male Hormone Test™ **Included in the expanded PHP-1™
How Can We Help You?
Let us take a common example:
A woman suffers from several symptoms-migraines, hot flashes and emotional fragility. She is having irregular periods, one every 6-8 months. Her doctor treats her with natural estrogens, but he does not do any testing to determine quantities or types of hormones that will meet her specific needs. The symptoms are under control, but her risks are the following:
- Increased blood pressure
- Endometrial cancer (uterine cancer)
- Fibroid growth
- Gallbladder disease
- Over 15 years, at least twice the risk of breast cancer
What could we have found out if we had tested her saliva hormone levels? We would have known that she has too much estrogen, not enough progesterone to balance the estrogen, low DHEA, and marginal testosterone.
But, she felt good on the estrogen, many will say. Yes, however, the silent killers (cancer, blood pressure, heart disease) rarely make anyone feel bad at the start. Her best course is a new treatment plan, designed around the objective saliva hormone measurements.
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