Description

Sex Hormones Profile

Comprehensive Analysis of Steroid Hormones & Metabolism

The Sex Hormones Profile offers a detailed overview of sex steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the enzyme pathways responsible for hormone metabolism. This test is ideal for individuals experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance or those monitoring hormone replacement therapy (HRT/BHRT) to detect potentially harmful metabolite patterns.

At-Home Collection | Nationwide Shipping

  • Easy collection with provided kit
  • Ships within: 3–5 business days
  • Sample processing time: Approximately 8 business days from lab receipt

Why Test Sex Hormones?

Hormone imbalances can affect mood, energy, metabolism, libido, and long-term health risks (such as hormone-sensitive cancers). This test helps detect excesses, deficiencies, and unhealthy metabolic patterns of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and their derivatives.

Biomarkers Measured & What They Do

Estrogens & Estrogen Metabolites

  • E1 (Estrone): A weaker estrogen, dominant post-menopause.
  • E2 (Estradiol): The most potent estrogen; regulates menstrual cycle, mood, bones, and skin.
  • E3 (Estriol): Protective estrogen, mainly during pregnancy.

Hydroxylated Metabolites: Show how estrogen is broken down; balance between protective and harmful metabolites is key.

  • 2-OH-E1 & 2-OH-E2: "Good" metabolites; linked to detox and lower cancer risk.
  • 4-OH-E1 & 4-OH-E2: "Bad" metabolites; DNA-damaging, linked to cancer risk.
  • 16-OH-E1: Proliferative metabolite; higher levels may increase cancer risk.

Methylated Metabolites: Indicate detoxification efficiency through methylation.

  • 2-Methoxy-E1 & 2-Methoxy-E2: Protective methylated forms.
  • 4-Methoxy-E1 & 4-Methoxy-E2: Detoxified forms of harmful 4-OH estrogens.

Estrogen Ratios: Assess cancer risk and metabolic balance.

  • 2-OH-E1 / 16-OH-E1 Ratio: Higher ratio suggests lower cancer risk.
  • 4-OH-E1 / 2-OH-E1 Ratio: Balance of harmful vs. beneficial metabolites.
  • Other methylation ratios show detox efficiency.
  • Percent values reveal pathway distribution.

Progesterone & Metabolites

  • Progesterone: Balances estrogen, supports fertility, calms mood, promotes sleep.
  • 17-Hydroxyprogesterone & 21-Hydroxyprogesterone: Hormone pathway intermediates, important in adrenal health.
  • α-Pregnanediol & β-Pregnanediol: Urinary progesterone metabolites reflecting production and clearance.
  • Pregnanetriol: May indicate adrenal stress or steroid imbalance.
  • Allopregnanolone: A calming neurosteroid supporting relaxation and mood.

Androgens & Metabolites

  • Testosterone: Drives libido, energy, muscle mass, motivation, bone health.
  • DHEA & DHEA-S: Precursors made in adrenal glands; affect mood, aging, immunity.
  • Epi-Testosterone: Testosterone isomer used in balance checks.
  • Androstenedione: Testosterone precursor; often elevated in PCOS/adrenal issues.
  • 5α-DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): Potent androgen linked to hair growth and prostate health.
  • 5α-Androstanediol & 5β-Androstanediol: Metabolites indicating androgenic tone.
  • Androsterone & Etiocholanolone: Testosterone/DHEA metabolites used to assess detox and balance.
  • Androsterone/Etiocholanolone Ratio: Reflects 5α-reductase enzyme activity (prostate/mood relevance).
  • 5α-PD / 5β-PD Ratio: Indicates pro-inflammatory vs. calming metabolic preference.
  • 11-Hydroxy-Androsterone & 11-Hydroxy-Etiocholanolone: Adrenal androgen metabolites, useful in stress analysis.

Additional Marker

  • Creatinine: Standardizes urine hormone concentrations for accurate interpretation.

Who Should Consider This Test?

  • Patients on HRT/BHRT to monitor hormone metabolite safety
  • Women with PMS, irregular cycles, menopause, or PCOS
  • Men experiencing low libido, fatigue, or testosterone concerns
  • Individuals with mood, sleep, or energy issues possibly linked to hormones
  • Those concerned about estrogen dominance or hormone-related cancer risk
  • Anyone wanting a deep dive into hormone balance and metabolism