Estradiol and Progesterone

Estradiol, a type of estrogen hormone, exists in men at lower levels and plays several roles in the body. It contributes to testicular function, bone health, cardiovascular health, mood regulation, and may influence sexual function. Its effects are secondary to testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, and imbalances can lead to conditions like gynecomastia.

Progesterone is present in men at lower levels compared to women. It is primarily produced in the testes and plays a minor role in sperm production (spermatogenesis) and possibly mood and behavior.

DHEA and Cortisol

Cortisol and DHEA originate in the adrenal glands. Cortisol, alongside adrenaline, is a key stress hormone facilitating the body’s response to various types of stress. It mobilizes energy reserves to prepare the body for action, whether in strenuous physical activities, competitive sports, or during times of physical, mental, or emotional stress.

Both cortisol and DHEA also play crucial roles in various metabolic processes. Cortisol, with its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, contributes to immune responses and overall bodily health.

DHEA serves as a precursor to both female and male sex hormones. As individuals age, DHEA production declines, beginning around the age of 30, and its deficiency can potentially lead to the development of various health conditions.

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 influencing memory performance

However, both too low and too high levels can cause unpleasant symptoms.

Chronic stress is widely recognized as detrimental to health, with stress being the primary trigger for elevated cortisol levels. Excessive cortisol can lead to symptoms such as weakened immune function, depression, physical fatigue, metabolic imbalances, diabetes, obesity, and sleep disturbances, among others. Elevated cortisol levels can indeed result in uncomfortable symptoms.

On the other hand, excessively low cortisol levels can also disrupt overall well-being, as cortisol plays a vital role not only in providing energy reserves but also in maintaining cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal health, supporting the immune system, and facilitating brain functions. Similarly, DHEA is essential, and reduced DHEA levels are associated with an increased risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, and obesity. Conversely, high DHEA levels in women can lead to deeper voice and increased body hair growth.

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 also 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.

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

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.