Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: Fasting is required. Collection must be performed before 9 a.m.
Specific to Cortisol AM: Test is not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay.
Specifc to TSH: Specimen collection after fluorescein dye angiography should be delayed for at least 3 days. For patients on hemodialysis, specimen collection should be delayed for 2 weeks.
According to the assay manufacturer Siemens: “Samples containing fluorescein can produce falsely depressed values when tested with the Advia Centaur TSH3 Ultra assay.”
When and Why the Panel May Be Ordered
The Hormone Health, Women – Advanced Panel is typically recommended for women experiencing symptoms that suggest complex hormonal imbalances. These may include persistent menstrual irregularities, unexplained infertility, symptoms of menopause, signs of thyroid dysfunction, weight management issues, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is also valuable for those undergoing hormonal therapies to monitor treatment efficacy and adjust dosages accordingly.
What the Panel Checks For
This advanced panel delves into various hormonal aspects:
- Cortisol AM and DHEA Sulfate assess adrenal gland function, providing insights into the body’s stress response and overall vitality.
- Estradiol, FSH, and Luteinizing Hormone focus on reproductive health, evaluating menstrual cycle regulation and fertility status.
- Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin offer a glimpse into metabolic health and growth hormone activity.
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, along with Testosterone Free and Total, provides a detailed look at androgen levels and their bioavailability.
- The thyroid function tests, including T3 Free, T3 Uptake, T4 Total, T4 Free, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, comprehensively evaluate thyroid health, impacting metabolism, energy, and overall endocrine balance.
Expanding Insights with the Comprehensive Panel
For those seeking the utmost in hormonal evaluation, the Hormone Health, Women – Comprehensive Panel offers the most exhaustive assessment. This panel includes all tests from the Advanced panel and introduces additional markers such as 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, Estrogen Total, Growth Hormone, Hemoglobin A1c, Progesterone, Prolactin, and QuestAssureD 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Total with D2 and D3, providing a holistic view of hormonal and metabolic health.
Conditions and Diseases Detected
The Hormone Health, Women – Advanced Panel can help in diagnosing and managing a range of conditions:
- Reproductive disorders: Such as PCOS, premature ovarian failure, and fertility issues.
- Thyroid dysfunction: Including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Adrenal imbalances: Like Cushing’s syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
- Metabolic syndromes: Insulin resistance and growth hormone imbalances.
