Estradiol and Progesterone

Estrogens are the most important of the female sex hormones. Estrogen is actually made up of a group of hormones, but Estradiol is biologically the most active during the fertile years of women.

It is responsible for:

• The development of the female body, from girl to woman
• The monthly regeneration and protection of the endometrium (womb)
• Breast growth
• The elasticity of the blood vessels
• Radiant skin and healthy hair
• Moist eyes and mucous membranes
• Clear thinking processes
• Stabilisation of moods

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries shortly after ovulation in order to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy and to protect the mucous lining of the uterus. Together with Estrogen, the most important of the female sex hormones, progesterone regulates the menstrual cycle.

The sensitive balance between estrogen and progesterone

Estrogen values tend to fluctuate throughout a woman’s lifetime, not just during the menstrual cycle. The strength of these fluctuations is different for each individual and the body reacts to them with different symptoms. It is not just a deficiency in Estrogen that can cause physical complaints: an excess, or Estrogen dominance, can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as water retention, nausea, depressive moods, tiredness, listlessness, lack of concentration, anxiety, breast sensitivity, cysts and fibroids, painful menstruation, and weight gain.

Although it may sound contradictory, an Estrogen dominance can occur at the same time as an Estrogen deficiency due to the fine, coordinated balance between Estrogen and progesterone. The Estrogen levels define how much progesterone is needed. An Estrogen dominance can occur if the body is not producing enough progesterone for the level of Estrogen. This means it can also occur if the body is not producing enough Estrogen (Estrogen deficiency) if the body is also not producing the relative amount of progesterone.

Therefore, in the case of an Estrogen deficiency it is important to not only determine the absolute values of the individual hormones, but also the ratio of Estrogen to progesterone.

Estriol

Estrogens are the most important of the female sex hormones. Estrogen is actually made up of three hormones: Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol. Although Estradiol is biologically the most active during the fertile years of women, a healthy amount of Estriol is equally important for general health and well-being.

It is responsible for:

• The vitality of the mucous membranes of the body
• Successful pregnancy
• Supporting the urinary tract

Estriol is normally produced in small quantities, only during pregnancy the production increases. Estriol fosters the structure of the vaginal mucosa: the vaginal cells are stimulated to split and mature faster. As a result, the mucosa gets thicker and more resistant.

Although Estriol is a weak Estrogen, it prevents urinary tract infections, the mucous membranes become more resistant to bacteria and wound healing after surgery or injury is also accelerated. General menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes or mood swings are also positively influenced by Estriol.

DHEA

DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands and plays an important role in the different metabolic processes in the body. Besides, it is a precursor of female and male sex hormones. The production of DHEA declines with advancing age from the age of 30 and its deficiency can cause various diseases.

It is responsible for:

• Burning of body fat
• Prevention of osteoporosis
• Minimizing cancer and heart diseases
• Strengthening the immune system
• Slowing down the aging process
• Positively influence memory performance

However: Both too low and too high levels can cause unpleasant symptoms.

DHEA plays a role in the cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal health, the immune system and brain functions. Low DHEA levels are susprected to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, heart disease and obesity. High DHEA levels can cause in women a deeper voice and an increased hair growth all over the body.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a sex hormone that is mainly associated with men – after all, it is responsible for the characteristics that distinguish the appearance of men from women, such as beard growth: it ensures the development of the male sex organ and is responsible for sexual potency and fertility. In addition, it strengthens the heart, brain and bones, supports muscle growth and fat decomposition, counteracts diabetes and high blood pressure, and helps to lower cholesterol levels.

However, testosterone is also important for women, even though they produce 20 to 30 times less testosterone than men. Testosterone has a mood lifting effect, ensures for more assertiveness and enhances the desire for sex in both women and men. It also enhances sexual sensitivity, making it easier for women to reach orgasm.

The body can only profit from all of these positive properties by having a healthy testosterone level; a deficiency can cause the complaints listed above and an excess can, amongst other things, lead to excessive aggressiveness, acne, oily skin and unwanted body hair (face and body) in women.

Testosterone deficiency can affect women as well as men.

Some of the symptoms connected with a testosterone deficiency:

• Decreased libido, potency problems (♂), orgasm difficulties (♀)
• Decrease in muscles / few distinctive muscles
• Fat deposits in the stomach and breast areas
• Cellulite, varicose veins
• Slack arms and face, wrinkle development, dry skin
• Decreased hair growth (e.g. beard (♂))
• Low stamina, consistent tiredness
• Low assertiveness, uncertainty
• Decreased stress resistance, nervousness
• Anxiety, depressive moods
• Forgetfulness

General

Please read the following instructions in detail, before starting with the sample collection.

The Sample Report

Below you will find the sample report for the Menopause Hormone Check.