Description
The Comprehensive Panel Plus (10 Tests) expands on the Comprehensive Panel (8 Tests). The test reports 4 cortisol levels, AM30, noon, evening and night) along with Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), Estriol (E3), Progesterone, Testosterone and DHEA hormone levels. It also calculates the Progesterone (Pg)/Estradiol (E2) ratio, which assesses the relationship between estradiol, which can drive cellular proliferation, and progesterone, which mitigates that growth and potentiates cellular differentiation. As well as the Estrogen Quotient, which is a simple ratio of the cancer protective E3 relative to the proliferative estrogens E1 and E2, to assess breast cancer risk. The EQ was developed by Henry Lemon MD. A lower number (<1.0) indicates increased risk of breast cancer, and a higher number (>1.0) signifies lower risk. Dr. Lemon stated that for maximum protection, an optimal EQ is >1.5.?This information may be extrapolated to provide information on other estrogen driven disorders. Because the research on the EQ focused on?women, no reference range has been established for males, however some health care providers appreciate the information the additional estrogens provide in relation to prostate health.
There are several ways to test for hormones (saliva, serum and urine). Saliva is a good method to test the active/bioavailable portion of hormones, which are reflective of tissue levels. When clients are considering bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT), it is helpful to know active hormone levels. In addition, if using a topical (transdermal) hormone preparation for treatment, saliva testing is an accurate tool to measure and monitor hormone status.
Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay Antibody (EIA)
When should I use
Research indicates this profile could be considered for those with increased risk of developing breast cancer, or history of breast cancer or other hormonally sensitive cancers
This test may also be useful where there is a personal or family history of autoimmune disease and for women with PCOS.
Other Details
For a more basic assessment consider either Basic Hormone Panel (5), which just assesses Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA and AM30 Cortisol, so good as a monitoring tool after hormone replacement, or Comprehensive Panel (8 Tests), code HOR02, which does not include Estrone and Estriol or the EQ, but does include cortisol levels at noon, evening and night.
