February Newsletter - Hormone Testing

Hormone of the Month

Commencing in this issue of the eNews and for the upcoming monthly issues, a hormone which is tested by Aquarian Laboratories will be highlighted.

The next three issues will concentrate on the oestrogens starting with oestrone (E1).

Oestrone (E1) is a naturally occurring oestrogen, which also includes oestradiol (E2) and oestriol (E3). It is the least abundant of the three hormones. It is secreted by the ovaries in females and adipose tissue. A major portion of E1 is produced from androstenedione in prepubertal children, men, and postmenopausal women.

Circulating E1 levels are relatively high at birth in both males and females, decrease postnatally, and increase during puberty. Of the three major estrogens, E1 is predominant after menopause in women. E1 is primarily secreted by the ovaries in premenopausal women, peaking in the pre-ovulatory phase with a smaller secondary increase during the luteal phase.

E1 is relevant to health and disease states because of its conversion to oestrone sulphate, a long-lived derivative. Oestrone sulfate acts as a reservoir that can be converted as needed to the more active oestradiol.

E1 is synthesised via aromatase from androstenedione, a derivative of progesterone. The conversion consists of the de-methylation of C-19. This reaction is similar to the conversion of testosterone to oestradiol

E1 is considered a weaker form of estrogen. It is typically produced by special belly fat cells, and is the major estrogenic form found in naturally-menopausal women who are not taking HRT. It is not directly active in tissues, but can be readily converted by most women to oestradiol (E2) for actual use; It is sometimes considered "safer" than E2 by virtue of its weakness, but since larger quantities are required to get the same effects as a smaller quantity of E2, other sources consider it no more or less safe than E2. Some researchers suspect that E1 may be responsible for the higher risk of breast and endometrial cancer in women who are obese.

Salivary E1 tests are offered by Aquarian Laboratories and are generally measured along with oestradiol (E2) and oestriol (E3). A quotient is supplied whereby E3/ (E1+E2) should be greater than 0.9.

Congratulations Aquarian Laboratories

We are proud to announce that we have received a ‘Certificate of Proficiency’ for the measurement of saliva hormones. Bi-yearly samples are received as part of a worldwide Quality Assurance Program (QAP). These are tested and the results submitted. These results are then checked for accuracy and compared to all other participating laboratories. Certificates are only supplied if ALL analytes measured meet the quality criteria.

If you are currently using another provider, ask if they are enrolled in such a program and their standings. They should be happy to provide all relevant evidence.


                                                            

Seminar Series

As mentioned in last month’s eNews, Aquarian Laboratories will be holding a seminar series throughout the country. First stop Adelaide. Please note April 26, 2012 in your diaries. Our speaker will be Dr Tim Roberts.

Tim Roberts is currently the Director of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment at the University of Newcastle.  He continues to be active in research. He has published some 100 papers. 

Originally from South Australia, he has traveled extensively since completing his B Sc at the University of Adelaide and his PhD at Flinders University.

Tim is an acknowledged expert in the area of chronic pain and fatigue and autism.   His group has made significant progress in leading to the understanding that these conditions have a common underlying biochemical pathology which relates to the metabolism of the sufferer being in a chronic catabolic state - this chronic catabolic state being the host response to this chronic infection. 
The seminar will focus on nutritional testing. Specifically, amino acids and tailored supplementation. Stay tuned for specific details and dates for other cities.

Feedback is most welcome

As always, we invite all our subscribers to provide feedback about our eNews or any of the services Aquarian Laboratories supply.

This can be directed to Ed Sorich on ed@aquarianindustries.com.au or more directly in person on

(03) 9763 6547.