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Aeron LifeCycles Develops Salivary DHT Assay as an Aid to Hair Loss Suffers San Leandro, CA, January 2002. Aeron LifeCycles Clinical Laboratory announced availability of a salivary assay to measure the bio-available fraction of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is important in the process of hair loss which affects 50% of the population. Saliva samples are collected at home and conveniently travel through the US mail at room temperature. Hormone results are available to the consumer and/or medical provider in three to five days. Simple and painless saliva collection eliminates the blood draw and permits the specimen to be collected in the early morning when hormone results are most meaningful. It is a scientific fact that male and female pattern hair loss is due to the effects of DHT on the genetically predisposed hair follicles. Binding of DHT to the hair follicle results in gradual miniaturization of the hair and eventual hair loss. DHT is the most potent androgen. It is primarily responsible for the physical changes that occur during male sexual maturation and is thought to be proportionally correlated to sex drive as well as erectile capabilities in men. Because of this, in addition to hair loss, DHT has been associated with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer. Proscar and Propecia are both FDA approved pharmaceutical products that decrease DHT levels by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase activity. Propecia is touted to benefit the balding population by turning on the hair follicle, while Proscar, at 5 times the dose, is marketed to shrink the prostate. Neither product above is approved for women and many men avoid their use because of the possible side effect of Erectile Dysfunction or Impotence.
Monitoring salivary DHT levels through Aeron LifeCycles Laboratory provides answers to all the above questions. Aeron LifeCycles Clinical Laboratory is the largest laboratory in the country with an exclusive focus on salivary testing services for consumers and medical providers. Tests for estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, and melatonin are also routinely performed. Quantify the problem and validate the cure with saliva "Aeron LifeCycles Clinical Laboratory is pioneering the concept that sex steroid hormone levels should be monitored to determine the need for specific hormone replacement and titrated to individualize patient dosing for maximum long term health benefits while minimizing undesirable side effects. Recognizing the limitations of blood testing and the need for timely specimen collection, Aeron specializes in the analysis of saliva, the biological fluid of choice for hormone analysis, a direct measure of the free, unbound hormone level can be determined. Aeron LifeCycles strives to instill a clear understanding of the importance of long term therapeutic compliance by including routine hormone level measurement in the care of an aging population." John M. Kells, President/CEO and co-author of The HRT Solution (Penguin Publishing, Co. 1999) Glossary Bio-available Hormone - a.k.a Free Fraction. Approximately 2-8% of the total hormone - not bound to protein. Available at the target tissue level. Propecia - (Merck) The first FDA- approved pill to treat hair loss in men. DHT levels are 60-70% lower in men taking Propecia. Finasteride is the active ingredient - 1 mg is the usual dose. Proscar - (Merck) Marketed since 1992 as an alternative to surgery in benign prostate hyperplasia. Finasteride is the active ingredient and is thought to block the formation of DHT by interfering with 5-alpha-reductase activity. Proscar has been shown to reduce DHT levels in the prostate by about 90%. Benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) - enlarge prostate gland 5-alpha reductase - The enzyme involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Estrogen - category of hormones comprised mainly of estradiol, estrone and estriol. Contact Information: |
