The Adrenal Stess Index
Gastrointestinal Health Panel
The Female Hormone Panel
The Post-Menopausal Health Panels

The Adrenal Stess Index^TM (ASI)

The adrenals are two small glands, each weighing 3 to 5 grams, that are located above the kidneys. The adrenals have one of the highest rates of blood flow per gram of tissue, and the highest content of Vitamin C per gram of any tissue in the body.

Each adrenal gland is composed of two separate functional entities. The outer zone, or cortex, accounts for 80% to 90% of the gland, and secretes adrenal steroids (Cortisol, DHEA(S) and Aldosterone). The inner zone, or medulla, comprises 10% to 20% of the gland, and secretes the catecholamines adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. Cortisol, DHEA and adrenaline are the three main adrenal stress hormones.

Energy production

The maintenance of a stable blood sugar level depends on food choice, lifestyle, adrenal function and insulin activity. This panel measures stress hormones and insulin, to help ferret out causes of fatigue, cravings and obesity.

Short and long-term stress is known to suppress the immune response on the surfaces of our body as in lungs, throat, urinary and intestinal tract. With the reduction in the surface antibody (called secretory IgA), the resistance to infection is reduced and allergic reactions are believed to increase.

Four saliva samples are used in the ASI^TM for the following ten tests:           

Your health care provider can use the findings in this panel to recommend customized treatment and preventive measures that may include diet and lifestyle changes, hormones, botanicals and vitamins.             

1. The test is non-invasive & can be performed wherever you are.

2. Saliva is collected under real life conditions. There are no stressful blood draws and no gallon sized urine containers to carry around for 24 hours.

3. With blood and urine testing, a number of borderline adrenal conditions are missed due to lack of sensitivity. This is not the case with the ASI^TM because samples are taken within one circadian cycle and the more definitive free fraction is measured.

4. The ASI^TM is an in-depth test, such that options for treatment are expanded by 400-500% over serum and urine test results.

Note: The ASI^TM was invented and introduced by Diagnos-Techs, Inc. in 1989. All other panels offered on the market are copies.

Abnormal adrenal rhythm can influence:

Do you need the ASI^TM Test? 

To determine if the ASI^TM is the appropriate test for assessing your health condition, ask your physician for a stress questionnaire. The score can help your doctor determine a course of action.

The ASI^TM is mostly ordered for individuals that suffer from:

Gastrointestinal Health Panel^TM

The gastrointestinal tract is essentially an external part of the body. This is the reason we do not have to sterilize our food, but only be sure it is clean and wholesome. Presently, the risk of being infected or infested by pathogenic organisms through food and water is ever increasing. This is due to several reasons: immigration; frequent overseas travel; importation of vegetables and fruits; lack of a public health policy to screen food handlers for transmissible pathogens; outdoor and wilderness excursions; alternate lifestyles; agricultural pollution; pets at home, etc.

Currently, World Health Organization studies indicate that about 1/2 billion individuals are infected annually by Amoeba histolytica and about the same number are infected by Giardia and cryptosporidium. Considering all parasites, more than 1/4 of the Earth's population is infected at any one time. More serious efforts must be made to prevent, identify, and treat these widespread and debilitating infections.

Mode of transmission & who is at risk

The predominant method of transmission of parasites is the fecal- oral route through hand contact with infected individuals or via contaminated water and food. Many parasites are highly transmissible within a household environment. All family members should be tested if one member is positive for GI infection.

People with suppressed immunity, eg. T-cell (white cell) dysfunction and defects in intestinal antibody (IgA) secretion, are predisposed to protracted and heavy infections with GI pathogens. Individuals with cancer and those receiving chemotherapy for cancer are very susceptible to parasitic infection(s). Frequent and excessive overutilization of antibiotics renders the GI tract more susceptible to chronic overgrowth of harmful micro-organisms. These can produce a wide range of systemic toxins and/or cause severe irritation of large areas of fragile, nutrient absorbing intestinal tissue.

Bodily functions affected by GI pathogens

Intestinal pathogen infections cannot be clinically differentiated solely on the basis of medical history, physical exam and/or symptoms. Specific diagnosis requires laboratory evaluation and confirmation. In most laboratories the general request for stool ova and parasite screening does not include the specialized testing and confirmation provided by the GI Health Panel.^TM Asymptomatic, mild symptomatic and overt GI pathogen in-fections can affect and deter gastrointestinal function, and, if undetected, will lead to chronic illness.

Treatment & Prevention

Detection and specific diagnosis of the pathogens, including a broad spectrum of microflora and common parasites is of paramount importance. This is because successful therapy is dependent on two primary issues. First, accurate and specific diagnosis of causative agent in a patient who presents with otherwise general and non-specific complaints and symptoms. Second, specific therapeutic agents can be targeted to eradicate offending micro-organisms with an extremely high success rate, with minimal side effects.

Prevention notes:

• Observe strict personal hygiene habits
• Eat cooked food, when outside your home
• Wash fresh fruits & vegetables with soap & water
• Avoid drinking potentially contaminated surface water
• Before overseas travel, contact the CDC for tips
• Restrict pets to designated parts of the home
• Wash hands after touching pets

Gastrointestinal Health Panel^TM

The GI Health Panel^TM is a non-invasive screen of the gastro-intestinal tract and its function. It includes at least 15-22 individual, but related tests. Stool and saliva samples are submitted by the patient after home collection.

Logic of testing

To insure high sensitivity and specifity of pathogenic organism detection, Diagnos-Techs employs a variety of methods in the GI Health Panel^TM tests. These tests utilize proven biochemical and state of the art immunological and other methods. The panel includes:

1. Pathogen screening: bacteria, fungi, yeast, and various parasites.

2. Digestion related screens: enzyme levels and immunochemical markers for intolerance to common offending foods.

4. Intestinal function markers to evaluate irritation and inflammation; markers indicate overall status of gut immunity and integrity, i.e. occult blood, etc.

The GI Health Panel^TM strikes a balance between comprehensive screening and economy by bundling appropriate individual tests that would otherwise cost over $700 at current prices. 

Advantages & Benefits

• Non-invasive sampling: saliva and stool
• Home collection: no office visit
• Economical and insurance reimbursable
• Comprehensive: detects a broad spectrum of common pathogens and includes digestion efficiency evaluation
• Improved wellness: general GI complaints identified and resolved 
• Modular: retesting of one or several abnormal findings is available without repeating the entire panel

Common applications of this panel 

Individuals with chronic and vague GI symptoms including:

• Frequent bloating, gas, cramping, and constipation
• Frequent travel within US and/or overseas
• Frequent eating outside the home
• Homosexuals
• Food handlers - to protect others
• Food preparers at restaurants, homes, schools, etc.
• Institutionalized individuals
• Uniformed services
• Dormitory Residents - common quarters
• Children that go to daycare centers

Who needs the GI Health Panel^TM?

To determine if the GI Panel^TM is appropriate for your gastro-intestinal and other health problems, consult with your health care provider.

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The Female Hormone Panel^TM

The ovaries are a very important part of the female reproductive organs. The ovaries are located on the right and left side of the pelvic cavity next to the uterus. Each weighs about 15 grams. The human female is born with immature ovaries which gradually mature until the start of menstruation signals a fully functional reproductive system.

The Cyclical Pacing of the Ovaries

The human ovary releases its hormones in a cyclical manner which is referred to as the menstrual cycle. The average cycle is about 26-30 days. The timing and pacing of hormone release is governed by GnRH, FSH & LH, hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. The two major classes of ovarian hormones released during the menstrual cycle are Estrogens and Progesterone, which are known as female steroid sex hormones. The major and most active Estrogen released is Estradiol, while the major Progestin is Progesterone.

The female cycle has 3 physiologic phases (see graph below):

1. The follicular phase starts with the onset of menstrual blood flow and is of variable length. This phase is normally characterized by both low Estrogen and Progesterone output.

2. The ovulation phase is 1 to 3 days long and the human ovum (egg) is released in this phase. This phase is characterized by high estrogen levels.

3. The luteal phase is rather constant in length, 12-14 days, and ends with menses. Compared to the follicular phase, the luteal phase is characterized by high Progesterone concentrations and a moderate increase in Estrogens.

Functions of Female Sex Hormones

Estradiol and Progesterone affect several target organs involved in a successful conception and pregnancy. Additionally, these hormones maintain a number of secondary sexual characteristics such as reduced bodyhair, soft skin texture, a higher voice pitch, possible release of certain pheromones, etc..

Target Organs of Estrogen & Progesterone

1. The Uterus

Estradiol prepares the uterus for conception and produces a 3-5 fold increase in the thickness of its inner lining, and also promotes uterine gland development and mucus secretion. Progesterone causes a swelling of the uterine lining, an increase in glycogen (a complex sugar) content, and an increase in the mucus secreted by the uterus. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining is shed, resulting in the menstrual flow.

2. Fallopian Tubes

Sex hormones stimulate the fallopian tubes to move the egg toward the uterus. The fallopian tubes also secrete nutritious fluids that nourish the egg, the sperm and ultimately the embryo when fertilization occurs.

3. Vagina

Estrogens promote the thickening of the vaginal lining and increase its secretions, which makes the lining more resistant to infections.

4. Breasts

Before puberty, the breasts grow only in proportion to the rest of the body, but under the influence of Estradiol and Progesterone during puberty, the breasts develop to maturity. During the menstrual cycle, excess Estradiol causes breast swelling and tenderness.

5. Bones

In the adult female, Estradiol and Progesterone play an important role in the inhibition of osteoporosis and improve the incorporation of calcium and magnesium into bone. This is why doctors prescribe Estrogen for menopausal women.

6. Kidney

Estrogens cause the body to retain sodium which results in fluid buildup. Conversely, Progesterone causes a loss of excess sodium and retained fluid. Before the period begins, there may be a relative excess of Estrogen over Progesterone which commonly leads to several of the PMS associated complaints.

7. Liver

Estradiol has stimulatory effects on liver proteins which may reduce thyroid hormone availability and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Estradiol also slows the process of liver detoxification of various harmful substances.

8. Miscellaneous

Estradiol can elevate blood sugar in certain susceptible individuals. Progesterone can increase the appetite and has a general calming effect on the nervous system, especially at night.

What We Test

The FHP^TM is a simple, non-invasive test. Eleven saliva samples are collected during specified time periods throughout the menstrual cycle.

The FHP,^TM for the first time in routine medical practice, will allow both patient and doctor to actually view the profile of Estrogen and Progesterone simultaneously (See Figure 1). Diagnostic guesswork is minimized, and hormonal balance evaluation and customized treatment becomes a reality with the FHP.^TM

In addition, we report the cycle average for Testosterone and DHEA.

The expanded eFHP^TM also includes 5 FSH & LH measurements to see if brain control and stimulation of the ovaries is optimal.

Applications of the Female Hormone Panel^TM

1. Detection of Luteal Phase Defect

There are at least three luteal phase defect patterns which are characterized by a reduced output of Progesterone that leads to Estrogen dominance. This imbalance is usually associated with PMS, infertility, fibroids and other female hormonal problems and can be readily detected by our panels.

2. Hormonal Imbalance and PMS

Many women suffer from hormonal imbalance in the Estrogen to Pro-gesterone ratio. Our panels can objectively evaluate the hormonal state with great accuracy which, in turn, provides specific insights for appropriate intervention or treatment to relieve hormonal imbalance and PMS related symptoms.   

3. Customized Hormone Therapy

Presently, female hormone therapy is not individualized to the needs of each woman because current diagnostic tests do not provide sufficient data. Consequently, most women are empirically treated without regard to their individualized physiology and specific needs. The FHP,^TM for the first time, will allow a clinician to customize therapy to each female patient.

Other Applications

The FHP^TM can also be used to detect & monitor the following:

2. Economy: the fee for the 11 sample test is less than that of 2 blood determinations or a urine analysis for Estrogen and Progesterone.

3. Physiological Accuracy: research has demonstrated that the free hormone fraction predominates in saliva. Hormones can be found free or bound to protein. The free hormone fraction is very important to ascertain because it is the bioactive fraction that most significantly influences living cells. The salivary female hormone levels correlate at 93% with the free hormones in the tissues.

4. One or two blood determinations or a 24 hour analysis of urine for these hormones cannot give an idea of the ovaries' hormonal productivity. The FHP^TM gives a good approximation of the ovarian capacity over a whole cycle.

To determine if the FHP^TM is the appropriate test for your female related problems, consult with your physician or health care provider.

The Post-Menopausal Health Panels^TM

Literally, menopause means the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle and signals the end of a woman's natural childbearing years. Menopause is neither a disease nor an illness, it is a natural and usually gradual change in glandular function. It has its origins in the beginning of menses and culminates in a series of hormonal changes that result in the cessation of menstrual flow. This transition produces a variety of bodily manifestations and symptoms, and is due to changes in production of hormones and the timing of their release.

Various body parts undergo change and can produce one or more of the following symptoms:

Endocrine

Nervous system

Metabolic changes

 

What can you do about it?

There are several therapeutic options which may minimize or even eliminate many of the symptoms:

1.       Treat symptoms using synthetic hormones without hormone level testing.

2.       Treat symptoms using natural hormones without any testing.

3.       Treat and correct symptoms using natural hormones with testing for hormone levels before & after treatment.

Why should you test?

Hormones are powerful substances that control multiple functions throughout the body. Hormone levels should be sufficient and balanced. Too much or too little of them is not conducive to long-term emotional, mental and bodily health.

By not measuring the hormones before and after treatment your hormone picture is, at best, an educated guess, since hormone levels from woman to woman can vary 200 - 1,500%. In fact many women need only one hormone, while others require 3 or 4 different kinds.

Just as you cannot balance your bank account without numbers on your bank statements, hormone testing provides both a basis for treatment and proximity to your goal.

One can then:

Customize natural hormone dosing to meet individual needs.

Optimize hormone levels for minimum dose to relieve symptoms. Avoid overdosing.

Achieve appropriate and compatible physiologic levels of several hormones.

Increase sense of "well being" by removing underlying hormone deficit and imbalances.

What do we test for and what does it tell you?

We test for male and female natural hormones. One, two, six or eight of them, depending on the need. We utilize your saliva as a sample for measuring hormones, such as Testosterone, DHEA, Progesterone, Estriol, Estrone, Estradiol, Dihydrotestos-terone,* and Androstenedione.*

The brain derived regulating hormones, FSH** and LH,** are also measured to help assess efficacy of control and feedback between the brain and ovaries.

Saliva hormone values reflect the tissue concentration of your hormones. Blood and serum contains the total hormone, but your tissues are only bathed with the active or effective fraction as found in saliva. Active fraction measurements are superior to blood and urine measurements both in diagnosis and treatment.

*Part of the Male Hormone Test^TM

**Included in the expanded PHP-1^TM

How can we help you?

Let us take a common example:

A woman suffers from several symptoms-migraines, hot flashes and emotional fragility. She is having irregular periods, one every 6-8 months. Her doctor treats her with natural estrogens, but he does not do any testing to determine quantities or types of hormones that will meet her specific needs. The symptoms are under control, but her risks are the following:

What could we have found out if we had tested her saliva hormone levels? We would have known that she has too much estrogen, not enough progesterone to balance the estrogen, low DHEA, and marginal testosterone.

But, she felt good on the estrogen, many will say. Yes, however, the silent killers (cancer, blood pressure, heart disease) rarely make anyone feel bad at the start. Her best course is a new treatment plan, designed around the objective saliva hormone measurements.

Ask your health care provider for the PHP-1^TM or the Expanded PHP-1^TM Panel to measure your hormones.

How do you benefit?

There are five distinct areas that you will benefit from using the saliva tests.

1.They are affordable and less expensive than blood or urine tests. Blood testing for six hormones costs $250-$300 more than saliva testing.

2.Collection procedure spares you the pain of venipunctures with a needle.

3.Results are more clinically reflective of your hormone status and needs.

4.Results can lead to an individualized and customized treatment plan using natural hormones.

5.You will minimize overdosing and underdosing. This will insure that you use only the proper hormones in the appropriate amounts.

With salivary hormone testing, guesswork is past news.

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