The Anti-Aging Panel: Male Level II is an enhanced panel of tests to help men discover areas for improvement when it comes to aging. It measures blood chemistry and hormone levels associated with healthy aging without the need to visit a physician or receive a physician's order. This test is the same as Level I with the additional measurement of the hormones HGH and estradiol. The results can be used to determine if supplementation, a change in diet or any other action is necessary for optimal health.

 

Male Hormone Levels

Hormones keep the body healthy, vibrant and more youthful-looking. Unfortunately hormone levels naturally decrease with age, causing the body to show signs of aging. Monitoring male hormones and balancing them through supplementation can help delay the aging process. Test results help determine if hormone replacement therapy or another anti-aging therapy is needed.

 

HGH (Human Growth Hormone)

Produced in the pituitary gland, HGH regulates metabolism and helps maintain organs and tissues through the growing phase and after. HGH levels change with age, resulting in loss of vitality in men. Low levels decrease metabolism and muscle mass, increasing fat.

The HGH blood test measures levels of the hormone in the blood. This information can be used to help diagnose a problem, such as a tumor, and to determine a need for HGH replacement therapy, which can lead to increased metabolism, bone density, muscle mass and capacity for exercise.

 

Estradiol

Also called E2, estradiol is the major estrogen in humans, impacting reproduction, sexual function, bone health, nerves, metabolism and heart health. Men naturally convert testosterone into estradiol, resulting in lower testosterone levels.

Men should keep levels within the normal range to lower risk of cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis and prostate enlargement. The goal is to balance estradiol and other primary hormones to delay the effects of aging.

 

Prostate Check

The primary purpose of the PSA test is to screen for prostate cancer. This test measures blood levels of PSA, which is a protein produced in the prostate. PSA levels can tell a man a lot about his prostate health. High levels may indicate an inflamed or enlarged prostate or the existence of prostate cancer.

The PSA test includes a prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) test, which is found in semen and in the prostate gland. If PAP is found in the blood, this may indicate that the prostate is not functioning normally.

 

IGF-1 (Insulin Like Growth Factor) Test

HGH (defined earlier) causes the release of the IGF-1 (IGF-1) hormone. Therefore a blood test that measures IGF-1 acts like a biomarker for blood levels of HGH. The IGF-1 hormone is produced by the liver and other tissues that affect glucose metabolism and other growth activities. Measuring this hormone assesses the levels of HGH and confirms abnormal levels.

The IGF-1 portion of the Anti-Aging Panel is done to see if levels are optimal or if supplementation may be necessary for health aging. Although controversial, growth hormone therapy is an anti-aging treatment. It arguably provides such benefits as an increased metabolism, increased muscle mass and decreased fat. Some adults may also experience increased bone density and a greater capacity for exercise.

 

Testosterone, Total Test

Testosterone is a steroid hormone and a sex hormone primarily produced in the testicles and in small amounts by the adrenal gland. This hormone is the principal steroid that repairs and regenerates healthy tissues, attributing to muscle growth.

Healthy levels of testosterone are needed for general health and well-being, as research has shown the relationship between decreased levels and age-related diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes and decreased sex drive. Unfortunately the hormone naturally decreases after age 40.

There are two types of testosterone: free and bound. Free testosterone is that which is not bound to the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) glucoprotein but is freely floating in the blood stream. Bound testosterone is considered neutral—and somewhat unusable. Total testosterone includes both types. It is important to keep the levels of testosterone and estrogen balanced, and the testosterone total blood test can help you do just that. Supplementation can help keep testosterone levels higher to help slow the aging process.

 

Basic Health Screening (BHS)

Also called a chemistry panel, the BHS consists of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), a complete blood count (CBC) and a urinalysis. Its purpose is to assess the functionality of the major organs, including the heart, kidneys and liver, as well as the bones, muscles and nerves. Abnormal results could indicate a medical condition like high blood pressure or diabetes.

The CMP measures electrolyte and fluid balance, glucose (sugar) levels and kidney and liver function. Glucose fuels the body and provides energy, but high levels could indicate pre-diabetes. Electrolytes are important for keeping fluids in balance and facilitating normal heart rhythm, brain function and muscle contraction. The 14 tests in this panel measure blood levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, glucose, carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, protein, albumin, creatinine, liver enzymes and bilirubin.

The CBC is also a panel of tests that checks several health indicators, such as red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels and platelet numbers. These factors can indicate infections and health disorders like anemia.

The urinalysis is also used for diagnosing diabetes and can indicate a urinary tract infection. It accurately measures glucose and ketone levels.

 

Lipid Profile

This part of the Anti-Aging Panel includes total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. These tests monitor risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke to help determine if diet or lifestyle changes or medications are necessary for optimal cardiovascular health.

High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. The LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, can contribute to atherosclerosis by building up on the lining of arteries. Triglycerides are fat in the blood. Although used to provide the body energy, high levels can raise the risk of heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends that anyone over age 20 get a lipid profile done at least every five years.

 

Thyroid Profile

The Thyroid Profile has three parts with each checking a different thyroid hormone:
triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and the T7 count. Thyroid hormones are produced in the butterfly-shaped gland in front of the windpipe and are necessary for regulating how the body uses energy. Low levels can lead to weight gain and fatigue.

This is a FASTING test.