Menopause Comprehensive Profile (MenoScan®) is performed by measuring the hormones Estriol (E3), Estradiol (E2), Estrone (E1), Progesterone, Testosterone, and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in saliva samples.
The Menopause Comprehensive Profile can help identify the underlying causes for many chronic gynecological disorders aiming to design appropriate individualized therapeutic interventions.
When is Menopause testing useful?
Hormones are substances that control many functions throughout the body. Hormone levels must be adequate and balanced to an excellent level. hormones Hormone concentrations outside of the optimal range, negatively affect emotional, mental, and physical health.
The evaluation of hormones during menopause provides the basis for the individualization of therapeutic measures. Based on the results of the measurements it is possible:
- To adapt natural remedies (diet, lifestyle, dietary supplements, etc.) to meet individual needs
- To optimize hormone levels, with the minimum dose of drug substitution to reduce symptoms and at the same time to avoid overdose
- To achieve adequate and compatible normal levels of hormones
- To increase the sense of well-being and good health, by removing the underlying deficits and hormonal imbalances
Menopause Comprehensive Profile provides information about the action of hormones during the periods of perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal imbalances can cause symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Cognitive functions disorders
- Weight gain
- Low sexual mood
- Sleep disorders
- Fat metabolism disorders
- Blood sugar disorders
- Vaginal atrophy
- Hair loss
What are the advantages to measure the hormones in saliva?
Compared to standard blood hormone tests, salivary hormone measurement offers several advantages:
- The levels of hormones measured in saliva are those that are not bound to proteins (free) and therefore the actual bioavailable fractions of hormones. Various disorders affecting the production of proteins, both their increase and decrease, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, do not affect the measurement of hormones in saliva
- The levels of bioavailable hormones in saliva are correlated with those circulating in the blood. Bioavailable hormone levels are those associated with the underlying symptoms
- Collecting saliva samples is easy, performed at home, and does not cause additional stress (taking blood for many people is very stressful)
- The sample can be easily taken any day and at any time so that the circadian (daily) rhythm of hormones and the way they are secreted during days or after certain events can be monitored (e.g., after exercise)
- Hormone molecules remain stable in saliva for up to 2 weeks at room temperature
What does the Menopause Comprehensive Profile include?
Diagnostiki Athinon’s MenoScan® includes the following tests:
Estrone (E1). Estrone is the predominant estrogen in postmenopausal women. It is produced by the ovaries but a significant part of estrogen production takes place in adipose cells. Elevated estrogen levels are associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Estradiol (E2). It is produced by the ovaries and is the most active form of estrogen before menopause. Its normal levels are essential for a normal, healthy menstrual cycle and fertility.
Estriol (E3). It is the least active form of the three estrogens. It is produced in small quantities by the ovaries but becomes the predominant estrogen during pregnancy due to its overproduction by the placenta. Measuring estriol levels is important in assessing the overall state of estrogen.
Progesterone. Progesterone (pregnancy hormone) prepares the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) for the implantation of the fertilized egg. Abnormal progesterone levels can play a role in infertility and recurrent miscarriages.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This hormone is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor molecule for the synthesis of estrogen and testosterone. Disorders in DHEA levels can lead to disturbances in these hormones.
Testosterone. The "male hormone" plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, metabolism and energy management as well as libido. Elevated hormone levels may be associated with symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, and possibly polycystic ovary syndrome.
