Unlike many of our competitors, Clearwater Aesthtetic’s blood spot test kit doesn’t just test your Testosterone levels. We test five of the key hormones in men. These include:
What Makes Our Test Different?
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1. Testosterone
Testosterone is responsible for many aspects of your health including sex drive, bone mass, fat and muscle mass, strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. We're not just looking to see if you have acceptable testosterone levels, but whether you have OPTIMAL levels.
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2. Estradiol
Estradiol plays a key role in libido, erectile function, and the production of sperm. Estradiol can be formed from testosterone or from visceral fat. Estradiol from testosterone is normal and necessary, whereas estradiol from visceral fat can put your testosterone ratio out of balance. By testing your estradiol levels, we can see whether your hormones have the proper balance.
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3. DHEA-S
DHEA Sulfate is a hormone created by the adrenal gland. DHEA-S plays an important role in the production of testosterone. Low levels of DHEA-S due to aging can cause erectile problems and decreased sex drive. The symptoms of low DHEA-S can be treated by testosterone therapy alone or, if needed, DHEA can be taken as a supplement.
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4. Free T3
Free T3 is one of the best indicators of overall thyroid health. Your thyroid is important to many bodily functions, including your metabolism, energy levels, growth and development, and body temperature. Low thyroid can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, muscle weakness, thinning hair, and depression. If your thyroid levels are low, our doctors can prescribe desiccated thyroid to combat these symptoms.
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5. PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Finally, we test your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. Too high of PSA levels can indicate a prostate problem, such as an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. It is important that you avoid sexual activity, intense exercise, and riding a bike for 48 hours before taking your test, as these can all increase PSA levels and affect the test results. If your test does show high PSA, you will be asked to see a doctor or complete another test to make sure there isn't an underlying health condition.
Blood Spot Testing
Dried blood spot is a form of testing where patients prick their finger with a lancet and place 12 blood drops on a filter card. The test includes a filter card, two spring-loaded lancets, an instruction pamphlet, and alcohol wipes. Once dry, the blood spot test kit can be returned in the provided envelope for lab testing.
Why Measure in Blood Spot?
Blood spot is ideal for measuring hormones and other analytes. Unlike traditional serum, there is no need for a blood draw – saving you time and money.
Clearwater Aesthetic’s blood spot collection method eliminates the necessity for blood draw needles, associated fees, and visits to a phlebotomist. Patients can conveniently collect their own samples from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, research indicates that blood spot testing is more precise than traditional methods when it comes to measuring blood hormone levels in individuals undergoing hormone treatments.
Unlike some other laboratories, our testing does not require patients to discontinue hormone supplementation. Our ranges are adjusted to accommodate various age groups and types of supplementation. This makes blood spot testing the preferred method for monitoring the effectiveness of hormone treatments.