Balance Hormone Profile (Dried Urine)
Urine
Performed by: Meridian Valley Lab
The Balance profile is Meridian Valley Lab's most popular dried urine profile. It provides a broad and in-depth evaluation of hormone balance, function and circadian cortisol pattern. This panel measures estrogens and clinically relevant estrogen metabolites, which allow for assessment of cancer risk factors and detoxification pathways. Pregnanediol assays progesterone activity in the body. DHEA, testosterone and their metabolites provide a detailed assessment of androgen function. Cortisol, cortisone, and their metabolites, combined with 4-point cortisol and cortisone curves, provide an industry-leading evaluation of adrenal health.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
11-Hydroxy-etiocholanolone is a compound that is an end product of androgen catabolism. Androgens are important hormones in the health of both men and women. Testosterone and DHEA are metabolized into what is collectively known as the 17-keto
Learn more16a-OH Estrone (16aOHE1)
16α-OH E1 is a metabolite of estrone with dual roles: it has been linked to carcinogenic activity while also playing a crucial role in bone formation. Extremely high or low levels can be problematic. Elevated levels may indicate impaired estrog
Learn more2-Methoxyestradiol
The 2-Methoxy Estrogens are considered to be protective. 2-Methoxy estrogens are produced from 2-OH estrogens through the COMT enzyme. Anti-cancerogenic effects have been ascribed to 2-OH estrogens and particularly 2-Methoxy estroge
Learn more2-Methoxyestrone
The 2-Methoxy Estrogens are considered to be protective. 2-Methoxy-E1 is produced from 2-OH-E1 through the COMT enzyme. Anti-cancerogenic effects have been ascribed to 2-OH-E1 and particularly 2-Methoxy-E1. 2-Methoxy-E1 has shown antiproliferat
Learn more2/16 Ratio
An optimal 2/16α ratio falls between 2 and 4. Ratios below 2 may suggest an increased risk of breast cancer, though this concern is less significant when overall estrogen levels are low. Supporting estrogen metabolism toward 2-OH E1 with target
Learn more5a-Androstanediol
5a-THF/THF Ratio
5b-Androstanediol
5β-Androstanediol is a metabolite of testosterone formed through the 5β-DHT pathway. It plays a role in assessing androgen metabolism and provides insights into 5β-reductase activity. Measuring this metabolite, along with others like 5
Learn more5b-Pregnanediol
Urinary 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s) is the main metabolite of melatonin. Melatonin assists in the body’s sleep/wake cycle and is also a very powerful antioxidant. Primary production is in the pineal gland. The GI mucosa is a significant sour
Learn moreAdrenal reserve, represented by the marker THE+5α-THF+THF (tetrahydrocortisone, 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol, and tetrahydrocortisol) on a dried urine essential hormone profile, is a critical indicator of adrenal gland function, particularly in w
Learn moreAfternoon Cortisol
Allo-Tetrahydrocorticosterone (5α-THB) is a significant biomarker in dried urine panel analysis, offering vital insights into the body's hormonal balance and stress response. As a metabolite of cortisol, 5α-THB is crucial in understan
Learn moreAndro/Etio Ratio
The Andro/Etio ratio compares the levels of two key androgen metabolites, androsterone (Andro) and etiocholanolone (Etio), which are produced from DHEA and androstenedione through the 5α- and 5β-reductase pathways, respectively. This ratio
Learn moreAndrosterone
Androsterone is a DHEA metabolite via the 5-alpha-reductase pathway. The 5-alpha pathway is more androgenic.
Learn moreCortisol (F)
Cortisone (E)
DHEA
DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. DHEA also affects bone density, response to stress, mood and cognitive function, improves insulin sensitivity, and is associated with decreased cardiovascula
Learn moreDHT
Estradiol (E2)
The most physiologically active estrogen. Binds to both to ER and Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ). Estradiol, made in the ovary, rapidly converts to estrone. Poor symptom control with estrogen replacement may suggest the need for improving abs
Learn moreEstriol (E3)
Patients with an EQ>1 have a higher survival rate after breast cancer, and may be at decreased risk for developing breast cancer. EQ often declines as women enter menopause.
Learn moreEstrone (E1)
Produced by the ovaries, the estrone hormone is one of three types of estrogen, and it is one of the major hormones found in the bodies of postmenopausal women. While research into estrone function is still ongoing, since it is the least powerful of
Learn moreEtiocholanolone
Etiocholanolone is a DHEA metabolite that is excreted in the urine. It is produced from androstenedione and the 5-beta-reductase metabolic pathway. It is helpful in evaluating adrenal and androgen function.
Learn moreFree T3
A T3 (=triiodothyronine) test is a blood test that helps diagnose thyroid conditions, specifically hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Healthcare providers typically order this test alongside other thyroid function tests. High or low T3 levels m
Learn moreFree T4
Free T4, or free thyroxine, is an essential thyroid hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall health. While conventional thyroid function tests typically measure Free T4 in blood samples, it's less common to assess Fr
Learn moreKynurenic
Kynurenic Acid is product of the metabolism of L-Tryptophan and appears in urine in Vitamin B6 deficiencies. Your body needs vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to utilize amino acids derived from dietary protein.
Learn moreA comparison of 2-Methoxyestrone with 2OHE1 allows insight into methylation pathways. If the methylation ratio is on the low end of the reference range, consider adding supplements to improve methylation. If needed, consider further testing for methy
Learn moreNa/K Ratio
The Na+/K+ (sodium-to-potassium) ratio is a critical marker of mineral balance and is closely linked to kidney and adrenal function. Sodium and potassium are essential electrolytes involved in blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction, and cell-t
Learn moreNight Cortisol
Night Cortisone
Night Creatinine
Potassium
Pregnanetriol
Sodium
Testosterone
Testing testosterone levels in women through dried urine tests is an effective and convenient method for assessing hormonal balance. Testosterone is typically associated with men, but women also produce this hormone in smaller quantities. It
Learn moreXanthurenic
Xanthurenic acid is a metabolite in the tryptophan degradation pathway, produced during the metabolism of tryptophan to niacin (vitamin B3) via the kynurenine pathway. Its levels are influenced by vitamin B6 status, as adequate B6 is required for the
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