The expanded Peri-Menopausal Panel (ePeriM)
Seeking the Causes of Female Hormone Imbalance during Peri-Menopause
The expanded Peri-Menopause Hormone Panel is a 2 vial sample hormone test, looking at the female hormone profile measuring the unbound, bioavailable hormone levels in saliva. Measures FSH, LH, Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA & DHEA-S. Each test is performed 2 weeks apart to provided assistance in identifying if the body is attempting to continue to have a menstrual cycle (in the absence of a period) or to confirm true menopause and provide a clear picture into the cause of any female related symptoms.
The expanded Peri-Menopausal Panel can be helpful for patients with:
- Confirming menopause
- Irregular cycling times
- Infertility
- Hot flashes or flushes
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Water retention
- Low libido
- Facial hair growth
- Mood changes
- Migraines or headaches
Peri-Menopausal Hormone Panel
This test is for you if have irregular cycles or want to confirm menopause and are under the age of 60 YOA. (For over 60 YOA, we recommend the ePostM saliva test)
The expanded Peri-Menopausal Hormone Panel (ePeriM) is a simple, noninvasive test that measures 2 saliva samples. The ePeriM provides a simple snapshot into the active levels of Estrone (E1) Estradiol (E2), Estriol (E3), Progesterone (P), testosterone and DHEA. The expanded panel also includes FSH and LH in order to gain a more complete understanding of what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Why use our ePeriM hormone test?
Accuracy: research has demonstrated that the free hormone fraction predominates in saliva. In the blood, hormones can be found free or bound to proteins. The free hormone fraction is very important, because it is the bioactive fraction that most significantly influences living cells.
Simplicity: collection is noninvasive and painless
Convenience: saliva samples can be conveniently collected from your home, office or other location. Requires no blood draws, therefore no repeat clinic visits, and avoids the inconvenience of the 24-hour urine collection.
Common applications of Female Hormone Panels:
Ovarian Health - The female hormones are primarily produced by the ovaries when a woman is cycling.
Adrenal Health - The female hormones are primarily produced by the adrenal glands when a woman reaches menopause or has had her ovaries removed.
Hormonal Imbalance and PMS – Many women suffer from hormonal imbalance in the estrogen to progesterone ratio. Our panels can define the hormonal state with exquisite accuracy which, in turn, provides specific insights for appropriate intervention to relieve hormonal imbalance and PMS-related symptoms.
Customized Nutritional & Herbal Therapy – Functional Nutrition can be better individualized to the needs of each woman because most current diagnostic tests do not provide sufficient data. Consequently, most women are treated without regard to their individualized physiology or specific needs. The DiagnosTechs ePostM hormone panel will allow your natural health practitioner to customize your hormone balance support plan that is designed specifically for you.
Is a ePeriM panel right for me?
To determine if a female hormone panel is appropriate for you, consult with your healthcare provider. Our expanded Peri-Menopausal panel not only reveals hormonal imbalances, but also accurately indicates the basis of the problem. Hormone balancing is reduced to simple scientific principles using our well-structured reporting and analysis.
Functions of female sex hormones
Estradiol and progesterone affect several target organs involved in successful conception and pregnancy. Additionally, these hormones maintain a number of secondary sexual characteristics, such as reduced body hair, soft skin texture, a higher voice pitch, and release of certain pheromones.
Organs affected by estrogen and progesterone
The Uterus – Estradiol prepares the uterus for conception, produces a threefold to five-fold increase in the thickness of its inner lining, and also promotes uterine gland development and mucus secretion. Progesterone causes a swelling of the uterine lining, an increase in glycogen (a complex sugar) content, and an increase in the mucus secreted by the uterus. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining is shed, resulting in the menstrual flow.
Fallopian tubes – Sex hormones stimulate the Fallopian tubes to move the egg toward the uterus. The fallopian tubes also secrete fluids that nourish the egg, the sperm, and ultimately the embryo when fertilization occurs.
Vagina – Estrogens promote the thickening of the vaginal lining and increase its secretions, which makes the lining more resistant to infections.
Breasts – Before puberty, the breasts grow only in proportion to the rest of the body, but under the influence of estradiol and progesterone during puberty, the breasts develop to maturity. During the menstrual cycle, excess estradiol causes breast swelling and tenderness.
Bones – In the adult female, estradiol and progesterone improve the incorporation of calcium and magnesium into bone. This is often why doctors prescribe estrogen for menopausal women.
Kidney – Estrogens cause the body to retain sodium, which results in fluid buildup. Conversely, progesterone causes a loss of excess sodium and retained fluid. Before a menses begins, there may be a relative excess of estrogen over progesterone, which commonly leads to several of the PMS-associated complaints.
Liver – Estradiol has stimulatory effects on liver proteins which may reduce thyroid hormone availability and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. Estradiol also slows the process of liver detoxification of various harmful substances.
Miscellaneous – Estradiol can elevate blood sugar in certain susceptible individuals. Progesterone can increase the appetite and has a general calming effect on the nervous system, especially at night.
Helpful Links and References
1. Inder WJ, Dimeski G, Russell A. Measurement of salivary cortisol in 2012 - laboratory techniques and clinical indications. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2012 Nov;77(5):645-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2012.04508.x. PMID: 22812714.
2. Eliasson L, Carlén A, Laine M, Birkhed D. Minor gland and whole saliva in postmenopausal women using a low potency oestrogen (oestriol). Arch Oral Biol. 2003 Jul;48(7):511-7. doi: 10.1016/s0003-9969(03)00094-3. PMID: 12798154.
3. Lago ML, de Oliveira AE, Lopes FF, Ferreira EB, Rodrigues VP, Brito LM. The influence of hormone replacement therapy on the salivary flow of post-menopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015 Feb;31(2):109-12. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2014.959918. Epub 2014 Sep 15. PMID: 25222842.
4. Streckfus CF, Baur U, Brown LJ, Bacal C, Metter J, Nick T. Effects of estrogen status and aging on salivary flow rates in healthy Caucasian women. Gerontology. 1998;44(1):32-9. doi: 10.1159/000021980. PMID: 9436013.
5. Ship JA, Patton LL, Tylenda CA. An assessment of salivary function in healthy premenopausal and postmenopausal females. J Gerontol. 1991 Jan;46(1):M11-5. doi: 10.1093/geronj/46.1.m11. PMID: 1986036.
