The Anti-Aging Panel: Female Level I is a powerful tool to help women discover areas for improvement when it comes to aging. This panel of tests measures blood chemistry and hormone levels associated with healthy aging without the need to visit a physician or receive a physician's order. The results can be used to determine if supplementation, a change in diet or any other action is necessary for optimal health.

Female Hormone Levels

Hormones keep the body healthy, vibrant and more youthful-looking. Unfortunately hormone levels naturally decrease with age, causing the body to show many signs of aging. Monitoring the levels of female hormones estradiol, IGF-1 and testosterone and balancing them through supplementation can help delay the aging process. The test results will help determine if hormone replacement therapy or another anti-aging therapy is needed.

Estradiol

Also called E2, estradiol is the major estrogen in humans, impacting reproduction, sexual function, bone health, nerves, metabolism and heart health. It is important that this hormone is within the normal range. Low levels of estradiol can cause many of the discomforts that come with menopause, such as hot flashes, and puts women at risk for osteoporosis.

Estradiol levels should be considered during any anti-aging or hormone treatment therapy. Keeping estradiol and other primary hormones balanced is an important part of keeping the body as young as possible, delaying the effects of aging.

IGF-1 (Insulin Like Growth Factor)

Growth hormones like the human growth hormone (HGH) are secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. They are necessary for the regulation of the metabolism and to keep the tissues and muscles healthy. Abnormal levels can indicate a problem, such as a tumor of the pituitary gland, called an adenoma.

HGH also 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

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

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.

Testosterone levels in women can rise because of ovarian or adrenal tumors or conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The level of testosterone may also be imbalanced as estrogen levels decrease with age. High testosterone levels disrupt health and cause unwanted masculine traits, such as excess body hair.

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.