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February 12, 2013
Are you suffering from low test? Adult Hormone Deficiency can be reversed!
Core Medical Group is the premiere HRT Clinic of Florida.

As we get older, humans slow down. It is a fact of life we cannot deny. As we get older, our body just works a little differently. Sometimes, that’s not a bad thing: we mature in our thinking, we gain insight on how to do things more efficently, and we make more money thanks to our skills. However, in return we feel the effects of some very basic deterioration. Have you ever felt that:
- Like life is catching up to you?
- That your strength isn’t what it used to be?
- That your love life isn’t as satisfying as it could be?
- That the burdens of life are just a bit heavier?
This could be the result of low hormone production. While it is a natural decline in the body’s ability to produce due to age, the effects of losing these hormones are devastating, especially for those of us (like you) who have gotten up and done something with their lives. It hurts to slow down, but it hurts worse to know that your slowdown is out of your control.
Well, it’s not out of your control anymore.
What is Male Menopause?
With Hormone Replacement Therapy by Core Medical Group, you can easily replenish your supplies of testosterone or estrogen, alleviating the symptoms of hormone loss. The treatments are safe, effective, and legal. The replenished hormones will help you feel young and vibrant again, like the world can’t catch you. We know you have ambition—now it’s time to eliminate your limitations!
Our HRT Clinics of Florida utilize a national network of trained HRT physicians that can test, diagnose, and create a safe but effective individualized treatment program for you.
Your youthful vigor
Enjoyment of your love life again
A better mood
A body fully able to keep up with you
Check out Core Medical Group HRT Clinics and see if it’s for you!
January 5, 2013
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Many men could benefit from testosterone replacement therapy to combat common health issues men experience every day. However, there are many men that dismiss these issues as inevitable signs of aging. There is a common misconception many men may have about hormone replacement therapy: that it is strictly for women.
The truth is that hormone replacement therapy can help men live more youthful, energetic lives, and slow down those inevitable signs of aging. In recent men’s health research, many men reported several common physical and emotional symptoms often attributed to aging and low testosterone. Some common symptoms of male menopause are as follows:
Lower Libido
Lower Energy Levels
Lower Muscle Mass
Lower Strength
Lower Stamina
Erectile Dysfunction
Osteoporosis
Heart Disease
Sleep Disorders
Depression & Anxiety
Symptoms of andropause, or male menopause, a condition marked by a decrease in testosterone levels or an increase in estrogen levels. These symptoms may respond favorably to hormone replacement therapy offered by Core Medical Group.
As more men are learning about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, more and more hormonal supplements are turning up in the marketplace. Too often however, these supplements are the mass-produced, one-size-fits-all variety that doesn’t consider the man’s individual, unique biological needs. That’s why more men are turning to Core Medical Group for their customized approach of addressing male hormonal deficiencies.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Care for Men
Core Medical Group physicians and staff specialize in a variety of custom BHRT supplements & wellness solutions for our male patients. Working directly with you and our accredited compounding pharmacist, our physician will help to determine the exact formulation to best fit your needs. Hormone Replacement Therapy formulations offered by Core Medical Group are as follows:
Capsules or tablets for ingestion
Injections
Flavored drops or troches that dissolve in the mouth
Topical creams or lotions applied to the skin
Hormone Pellet Therapy
Custom Hormone Replacement Therapy Care by Core Medical Group
At Core Medical Group we work with only accredited compounding pharmacists to formulate the best treatment for your individual needs. You can depend on us to stay with you, monitoring your treatment and helping you each step of the way. So give us a call! We’re eager to begin helping you achieve your wellness goals today!
January 4, 2013
What can an HRT Clinic do for me?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is practiced under Core Medical Group‘s physician’s care and is medically used for abnormal testosterone levels in menopausal individuals, chronic wasting diseases, and to treat a multitude of symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy also does not use a synthetic steroid, but a pure form of testosterone. It is used under physician care for many medical benefits. The goal of hormone replacement therapy is to keep abnormal hormone levels normal and to treat certain medical conditions, not to build muscles and strength. Hormone replacement therapy at HRT Clinics have been used for reductions of heart disease, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, strokes, type-2 diabetes, and early death. In fact, the use of testosterone in hormone replacement therapy has improved the lives of a many aging men. Previously they were diagnosed with no sex drive, with erectile dysfunction, extreme fatigue, irritability, a serious loss of energy, and felt their life was going nowhere.
HRT Clinics can help you with:
Your sex drive
Help increase your muscle mass
Strength Conditioning
Mood Swings
Increasing bone density
These are just some of the benefits that are associated with a properly-administered, medically-supervised HRT Clinic regimen. Once treatment begins, HRT Clinic recipients are monitored for possible side effects or adverse reactions to the treatment. Generally though, this is not the case. The overwhelming majority of HRT recipients are very satisfied with the results, generally reporting few, if any, negative side effects or consequences. While many of us like to think that we’re smart guys and know what we’re doing with our own bodies, the risks associated with self-administered/self-regulated steroid regimens far outweigh any potential benefits. And in addition, the potential for abuse is great. If you think you may be suffering from andropause/testosterone deficiency, do yourself a favor and consult a qualified medical professional and investigate hormone replacement therapy as a treatment, not your friends at the gym.
 Do not let low test bring you down.
Who is CORE Medical Group?
CORE Medical Group is a group of professionals serving the state of Florida. Core is dedicated to revolutionizing the anti-aging process. CORE Medical Group strives to bring an innovative approach to battling the many effects of aging experienced by many adult men and women. We customize a unique treatment for each client with the sole objective of improving their quality of life.
We also specialize in Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Testosterone Replacement Therapy!
A short brief about Testosterone Therapy by Core Medical Group
If you are reading this it is probably because you do not feel like your normal self. You’re lethargic and your energy isn’t what it used to be. You are having trouble focusing and perhaps your exercise routine isn’t responding the same way it did 5 years ago. Your sex drive may be down and are experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Low Testosterone or a Low Test count may be responsible!
Click here for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) / Male Impotence treatment information.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 4 to 5 million American men may suffer from low testosterone, but only 5% are currently treated. What about the remaining 95%? Could you be one of them?
Introducing CORE Medical Group’s Dr. Schmidt.
CORE Medical Group’s professional team is led by Dr. Michael Schmidt. Our doctor has over 25 years of experience as a family practitioner.Dr. Schmidt joined Core Medical Group to implement his unique approach in treating the adverse effects of aging and hormone deficiency. Dr. Schmidt’s career began as an emergency room physician where he soon developed a passion for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic disease. In his treament of these patients, particularly those with diabetes, Dr. Schmidt took notice of a disturbing trend of severe hormone deficiencies. Discovering that once the hormone imbalance was addressed, the patients made dramatic strides in their recovery. This understanding was the catalyst for his complete dedication to treating those suffering from low levels of hormones essential for the body to perform at optimum levels.
If you are ready to get started, download our patient forms here:
Call Core Medical Group today so we can help you out of the shadows of hormone imbalances!
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL 1-866-641-CORE (2673)
200 NE 2nd Ave. Suite 105 • Delray Beach, Florida 33444
Is Male Menopause Real?
Low Test symptoms may be to blame for a sluggish sex drive, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Are you feeling tired and cranky, and your sex drive isn’t doing much for you? You may even have some issues with ED, also known as erectile dysfunction. It is possible you could be going through “the change?” Turns out, midlife hormonal fluctuations aren’t just a “woman issue.” Mature males can have menopause as well — in the form of low testosterone (Low T).

The word “male menopause” — which also goes by andropause or, as some have dubbed it,”men-o-PAUSE” — is a bit of a misnomer, but the physical state of being is very real.
What does Low Test mean?
Whereas women experience a sudden drop in hormones that signals a change in their ability to reproduce, with male menopause the result is a gradual decline in testosterone. Because it happens slowly (over a period of years), the symptoms of male menopause (e.g., fatigue, sluggish sex drive, irritability, depression, muscle loss, and erectile dysfunction) may be subtle and hard to detect.
Men’s testosterone levels fall naturally as we age — on average, about 1% a year after age 30. By the time you reach 70 years of age, your testosterone levels may drop more than half its peak. Though aging is the main cause of Low Test, there are other conditions and medications, such as testicular cancer, a scrotum injury, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and mumps, are all possible culprits.
How can I know if it is Low Test?
Are you tired, irritable, and/or disinterested in all the things that once brought you joy, including sex? If you think you may have Low T, Core Medical Group can order a blood test, but only after ruling out other causes, such as depression. Symptoms of Low Test, such as fatigue and erectile dysfunction, may also mimic depression. It can also present as a side effect of heart disease, obesity, or other health condition. Core Medical Group will help you figure out if an underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, is causing your Low Test results.
Once we review your completed Medical History forms, we will schedule you to get required blood work plus acomprehensive medical evaluation. We have a national network of labs and will locate one close to you or schedule a Core Medical Group phlebotomist to come to your Florida location. If you already have blood work and it has all of the necessary tests required and is less than one year old we may opt to use it if the proper biomarkers meet our medical criteria.
Core Medical Group
200 NE 2nd Ave. Suite 105 • Delray Beach, Florida 33444
866-641-CORE (2673)
September 22, 2011
What is Lipo – C?
Lipo – C is the latest in fat loss injections that combines the fat burning attributes of the latest discoveries in medical weight control. Lipo – C, the next generation of fat loss injections, takes the ingredients of Lipo – B and adds powerful additional ingredients to break down fat into fatty-acids that are then utilized for metabolic energy, further ridding the body of unwanted fat while supplying the cofactors needed to support the body’s ability to burn fat for energy.
What can Lipo – C do for me?
Studies show that the ingredients in Lipo – C reduce fat mass, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue.
In addition, they can help prevent osteoporosis, strengthen the muscles of the heart, control or reverse diabetes, and act as powerful antioxidants. They can improve liver function and protect against liver damage, correct mitochondrial dysfunction, increase the production of bile, and improve energy without stimulants.
What is different with Lipo – C versus Lipo – B, Lipo – Den, or previous generation Lipo’s?
Lipo – C has included ingredients that not only kill fat cells, but help release fat cells so that they are utilized preferentially for energy in the body. So, it is a multi-faceted approach to fat loss that utilizes more than one physiologic mechanism for getting rid of fat in the body.
Lipo-C is compounded at APS specialty pharmacy to help patients facilitate an increased loss in fat.
Lipo-C contains a specific formula of:
Lipotropics- Lipotropic nutrients are a class of natural ingredients that play important role in the body’s usage of fat. These compounds enhance the liver and gallbladders role by decreasing fat deposits and speeding up metabolism of fat and its removal. APS Pharmacy specializes in injectable lipotropics such as MIC combos. This lipotropic formula forms the foundational ingredients in Lipo-A, Lipo-B, and our Lipo-C injections.
Lipocarn- L-Carnitine is an amino acid which is required for the transport and breakdown of body fat for the generation of metabolic energy. Studies show that oral L-Carnitine supplementation can decrease fat mass, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue (University of Maryland Medical Centre, 2002). Like most nutritional supplements, a high dose is needed when taken orally to produce any efficacy since so little is absorbed during digestion. When administered via injection, nutrients like L-Carnitine are absorbed almost 100%. By following the pharmacies 10-1 ratio of absorption in oral versus injected L-Carntine, our Lipo-C provides the equivalent of 2000mg of Carnitine per injection.
Methylcobalamin- Methylcobalamin is a cobalamin used in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Methylcobalamin has been advocated to protect the cognitive function of patients suffering from depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, stroke, and ALS. Supplementing with mehtylcobalamin while following a low calorie diet can increase alertness and energy, as well as supply the body with what it needs for healthy cellular growth and function. Vegetarians especially benefit from methylcobalamin since this compound tends to be prevalent in meat proteins. Also known as vitamin B12, Methylcobalamin is the most bio-available form which means it is readily absorbed and used by the body once injected. Many over the counter B12 supplements consist of Cyanocobalamin, also a cobalamin, which must first convert to methylcobalamin within the liver for the body to have any use for it.
How supplied:
- 10mL multi-dosed vial
- 30mL multi-dosed vial
When is Lipo-C best administered:
Lipo-C is best taken daily, upon waking up on an empty stomach. Lipo-C can also be administered prior to exercise during the day. If daily injections are not possible, Lipo-C can be taken twice per week in higher volume.
Side effects:
Side effects associated with Lipo-C pertain to the injection itself. Due to the Ph level of Lipo-C, patients may experience mild to moderate “burning” and irritation at the injection site. This can be minimized by injecting Lipo-C slowly, up to 30 seconds, and also by using a ½” insulin needle for a deeper injection. Although very rare, patients may experience a rash at the site of injection. Let the medical staff know of any side effects you experience.
Supplies Needed:
1ml “insulin” syringes
Alcohol swabs
Sharps container
From Dr Rand McClain in Beverly Hills CA: “For Lipo-C, studies have shown that a combination of choline, L-carnitine and caffeine have improved body composition (reduced fat and increased muscle glycogen) in those that do not exercise and increased VO2 max (along with improving body composition even more so) in those that exercise. Choline (in various forms, bitartrate, chloride, and phosphatidyl) has long been used to reverse and prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver (“fatty liver”) and to lower ALT (liver enzyme) in athletes. L-methionine prevents the formation of VLDL and keep
MIC-Lipo Capsules
The APS Pharmacy team worked to develop MIC-Lipo capsules based on our observation of current weight-loss protocols which include weekly MIC-Lipo injections. Although a weekly MIC-Lipo injection has been shown to significantly assist patients in fat loss who are eating a low calorie diet, physicians following such protocols are just scratching the surface of the potential of this nutraceutical compound. When MIC-Lipo is injected, it remains active within the body for roughly a day. Some of the components, such as B12, may remain active longer due to storage in the liver, but I have yet to find any conclusive evidence. In other words, when following a weekly MIC-Lipo injection protocol the patient really only benefits from the MIC-Lipo for 1-2 days.
We developed MIC-Lipo capsules to supplement throughout the week in between injections in order to help patients take full advantage of the benefits of MIC-Lipo in addition to Chromium, which must be taken before meals for optimal efficacy. Here is an effective protocol;
August 26, 2011
Drug Reference Information
| Dosage |
Usual Adult Dose:
100 mg to 200 mg orally two times a day.
Severe cases of endometriosis may require an initial dosage of 400 mg orally two times a day.
To assure that the patient is not pregnant, therapy should be initiated during menstruation. If this is not possible, a sensitive pregnancy test that detects early pregnancy should be done to insure the patient is not pregnant. A non-hormonal birth control method is recommended.
Following an initial favorable response (amenorrhea develops), the dosage should be titrated to the minimum dose that suppresses disease activity.
Therapy should continue uninterrupted for 3 to 6 months. Administration of danazol up to 9 months may be necessary. Should symptoms recur, danazol treatment may be reinitiated.50 mg to 200 mg orally two times a day.
To assure that the patient is not pregnant, therapy should be initiated during menstruation. If this is not possible, a sensitive pregnancy test that detects early pregnancy should be done to insure the patient is not pregnant. A non-hormonal birth control method is recommended.
Resolution of pain and tenderness usually occurs following 1 to 3 months of therapy. Elimination of nodules often requires 4 to 6 months of uninterrupted therapy. Symptoms recur within one year in 50% of patients and therapy may be reinitiated if necessary.200 mg orally two to three times a day.
To assure a female patient is not pregnant, therapy should be initiated during menstruation. If this is not possible, a sensitive pregnancy test that detects early pregnancy should be done to insure the patient is not pregnant. A non-hormonal birth control method is recommended.
Following an initial favorable response (prevention of edematous episodes), attempts should be made at 1 to 3 month intervals to reduce the dosage to the minimum continuous dose that will prevent angioedema. Dosage reductions up to 50% per interval may be considered. Should angioedema recur, the daily dosage may be increased up to 200 mg.
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| Warnings |
| Danazol is contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction, acute intermittent porphyria, or in women who are suspected or known to be pregnant, who are nursing, or have undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
Thromboembolic and thrombophlebotic events (including sagittal sinus thrombosis), some resulting in fatal strokes, have occurred.
Life-threatening peliosis hepatis and benign hepatic adenoma have occurred following prolonged danazol administration.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) has been reported.
The pituitary-suppressive actions of danazol are reversible. Ovulation and cyclic bleeding usually return in 2 to 3 months following discontinuation of danazol. |
| Side Effects |
| Cardiovascular side effects have included edema and congestive heart failure.Endocrine side effects have included the inhibition of estrogen synthesis, resulting in flushing, sweating, vaginal dryness and irritation, and reduction in breast size. During administration of danazol, endogenous testosterone synthesis and release may be inhibited through feedback inhibition of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). Large doses of danazol may suppress spermatogenesis through inhibition of pituitary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Danazol may decrease levels of thyroxine-binding globulin, resulting in decreased total T4 serum levels and increased resin uptake of T3 and T4. Free thyroid hormone levels remain unchanged and there is no clinical evidence of thyroid dysfunction.Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea and vomiting. Rare cases of pancreatitis have been reported.Genitourinary side effects have included oligospermia and decreased ejaculatory volume. Elderly male patients may experience prostatic enlargement resulting in urinary obstruction. Priapism and excessive stimulation may develop.
In female patients, the use of danazol may result in virilization including deepening voice, hirsutism, acne, clitomegaly (rare), and menstrual abnormalities. Discontinuation of medication at signs of mild virilization may prevent irreversible virilization.
Alterations in libido may occur (increased/decreased).Hematologic side effects have included thromboembolic and thrombophlebotic events (including sagittal sinus thrombosis), some resulting in fatal strokes, and increased red cell production.Metabolic side effects have included significant increases in low density lipoproteins (LDL) and decreases in high density lipoproteins (HDL). Decreased glucose tolerance requiring adjustments in hyperglycemic control has occurred.Other side effects in female patients have included virilization, including deepening voice, hirsutism, acne, clitomegaly (rare), and menstrual abnormalities, due the androgenic activity of danazol. Discontinuation of danazol at signs of mild virilization may prevent irreversible virilization. Reduction in breast size may occur due to decreased estrogen synthesis.Renal side effects have included the retention of nitrogen, sodium, potassium, chloride, water and phosphorus, and decreased urinary excretion of calcium.Oncologic side effects have included rare cases of hepatic neoplasms following prolonged use.Hepatic side effects have included life-threatening peliosis hepatitis and benign hepatic adenoma following prolonged danazol administration. Rare cases of hepatic neoplasms following prolonged use have been reported. Danazol can exacerbate acute intermittent porphyria. Serum transaminase levels may be increased. |
| Pregnancy |
| Danazol has been assigned to pregnancy category X by the FDA. Animal (rat) studies using danazol at doses 7 to 15 times that of a corresponding human dosage on days 6 to 15 of gestation failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity or embryotoxicity. Studies in rabbits during days 6 to 18 of gestation at doses 2 to 4 times that of a corresponding human dosage resulted in inhibition of fetal development. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Danazol use is considered contraindicated during pregnancy.
Reversible oligospermia may occur in adult males after prolonged administration or excessive dosage. If this effect occurs, danazol can be discontinued and if restarted, a lower dosage should be utilized.If therapy is not initiated during menstruation, a sensitive pregnancy test that detects early pregnancy should be done to determine that the patient is not pregnant. A non-hormonal contraceptive method should be used during danazol therapy. If pregnancy occurs during therapy, danazol should be discontinued. Patients should be advised of the possible risks to the fetus. |
| Lactation |
| There are no data on the excretion of danazol into human milk. Breast-feeding is considered to be contraindicated by the manufacturer. |
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| Pharmacology |
| Pharmacology:
Danazol, a synthetic androgen, is derived from ethisterone.
Danazol inhibits pituitary release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) resulting in reduced gonadal (sex) steroid synthesis. Danazol may directly inhibit sex steroid synthesis and competitively inhibits sex steroid binding to intracellular target tissue receptors. Suppression of ovarian function induces endometrial inactivity and atrophy. Danazol decreases IgG, IgA, IgM, and autoantibodies levels in patients with endometriosis.
Danazol exerts weak dose-related androgenic activity. Androgenic activity induces normal growth and development of male sex organs, maintains secondary sex characteristics, and modulates the growth spurt of adolescence and eventual termination of linear growth.
Danazol increases serum concentrations of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 IHN) which results in increased concentrations of the C4 component of the compliment system.
Danazol is FDA approved for treatment of endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease. It is also indicated for use in prevention of attacks of hereditary angioedema.
Danazol has been used in treatment of gynecomastia, menorrhagia, and precocious puberty. It has also been used in female or male contraception, breast cancer, certain anemias (red cell aplasia and other deficient red cell production anemias) to enhance red cell production, as treatment in select coagulopathies (Antithrombin III deficiency or fibrinogen excess), in inflammatory responses (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, asthma, SLE) and to modulate growth failure (primary or secondary) or short stature associated with Turner’s syndrome.
Pharmacokinetics:
Danazol is available for oral administration.
Danazol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed. Peak levels occur within 2 hours. Bioavailability is increased when danazol is taken with food (especially fatty foods), however, the time to peak concentration is delayed approximately 30 minutes.
Dosage increases do not produce proportional increases in danazol serum concentrations. Doubling the dose increases serum concentrations only 35% to 40%.
The plasma protein binding of danazol is unknown.
The volume of distribution of danazol is unknown.
The apparent total body clearance is 710 L/hour.
The elimination half-life averages 9.44 hours.
Danazol is metabolized to various metabolites. Six metabolites have been identified. Ethisterone appears to be an active metabolite and possesses progestational and mildly androgenic activity. Danazol undergoes extensive enterohepatic circulation. Danazol is found primarily in the adrenals and kidneys. Danazol is excreted by the kidneys (50%) and to a lesser extent in the feces (36%).
There are no data on the pharmacokinetic disposition of danazol in patient with renal and/or hepatic dysfunction.
There are no data on the hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis clearance of danazol. |
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The Menopause Hormone Blood Test identifies deficiencies (or excesses) of sex hormones estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, and testosterone.
The “female” estrogens: estriol, estradiol, and estrone, all affect health throughout the body.
Progesterone, which balances the action of estrogen, serves as a precursor for other hormones, and plays an important role in mood, blood sugar balance, libido, and thyroid function, as well as adrenal gland health.
The “male” hormone testosterone, which helps to maintain lean body mass, bone density, skin elasticity, blood cell production, and libido .
Health conditions this test is used to assess
This test can determines your baseline hormone levels, so you can make an informed decision about hormone replacement therapy. It can also provide guidance in the treatment of endometriosis , breast cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease, osteoporosis, and low libido.
What this test involves
This test involves collecting three saliva samples collected in test tubes and sent to the lab.
How can I get this test done?
Talk to your health care professional about your symptoms and ask if this test would be useful for you
Required Male Blood Panel for Hormone Replacement Therapy
1. Homocystine,Plasma……
2. TSH Free T4
3. Lipid Panel With LDL/HDL Ratio
4. Comp. Metabolic Panel
5. Testosterone Free and Total
6. IGF-1
7. Triiodothyronine, Free, Serum
8. FSH, LH
9. Estradiol
10. CBC With Differential/Platelet
11. PSA
12. Cortisol
13. DHEA Sulfate
14. Hemoglobin A1C
15. Thyroid Panel with TSH
16. Insulin, Fasting
17. Ferritin, Serum
18. SHBG
An estrogen test measures the level of the most important estrogen hormones (estradiol, estriol, and estrone) in a blood or urine sample.
- Estradiol is the most commonly measured type of estrogen for nonpregnant women. The amount of estradiol in a woman’s blood varies throughout her menstrual cycle. After menopause, estradiol production drops to a very low but constant level.
- Estriol levels usually are only measured during pregnancy. Estriol is produced in large amounts by the placenta, the tissue that links the fetus to the mother. It can be detected as early as the 9th week of pregnancy, and its levels increase until delivery. Estriol can also be measured in urine.
- Estrone may be measured in women who have gone through menopause to determine their estrogen levels. It also may be measured in men or women who might have cancer of the ovaries, testicles, or adrenal glands.
Both men and women produce estrogen hormones. Estrogens are responsible for female sexual development and function, such as breast development and the menstrual cycle. In women, estrogens are produced mainly in the ovaries and in the placenta during pregnancy. Small amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands. In men, small amounts of estrogens are produced by the adrenal glands and testicles. Small amounts of estrone are made throughout the body in most tissues, especially fat and muscle. This is the major source of estrogen in women who have gone through menopause.
For pregnant women, the level of estriol in the blood is used in a maternal serum triple or quadruple screening test. Generally done between 15 and 20 weeks, these tests check the levels of three or four substances in a pregnant woman’s blood. The triple screen checks alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and a type of estrogen (unconjugated estriol, or uE3). The quad screen checks these substances and the level of the hormone inhibin A. The levels of these substances-along with a woman’s age and other factors-help the doctor estimate the chance that the baby may have certain problems or birth defects.
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