I'll show a old post I found. From another site. It may help some?
MERIDIAN VALLEY LABS...
www.meridianvalleylab.com 1-425-271-8689
I just received Dr. Jonathan V. Wright's Nutrition and Healing February newsletter. He discusses a new male hormone test that men might want to be aware of. Besides finasteride (Proscar + Propecia + Avodart), even high doses of
saw palmetto can have a "pro-carcinogenic" effect, according to Dr. Wright. This new test is based on the research work of Dr. Otabek Imamov, MD, about the effect of blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT (a pro-cancer form), which ALSO inhibits the production of 3b-Adiol, which has an anti-carcinogenic action.
FIRST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE HORMONE TEST FOR PROSTATE CANCER RISK TO INCLUDE 3β-ANDROSTANEDIOL
by Dr. Barry Wheeler on September 24, 2010
Testosterone Hormone Replacement - Navigate These Waters Safer With New Hormone Tests
Dr. Dawn Huo, PhD researches innovative hormone testing at Meridian Valley Laboratories. She has created the first commercially available serum hormone test profile to include 3β,5α-androstanediol (3β-adiol) in the United States and Canada.
Some researchers believe that 3β-adiol may be a very important prostate cancer risk marker. This easy-to-take testosterone profile is currently available at Meridian Valley Laboratories and includes other prostate related markers that can help you check your prostate cancer risk.
In the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), 18,882 men over the age of 55 years with normal prostate exams and PSAs were given Finasteride.1 This drug prevents the production of DHT as well as 3β-adiol. Many researchers, after reviewing the results of this 7 year study, feel that while DHT levels are important, levels of 3β-adiol are also important.
A review by the Biology of Reproduction Journal states, “We believe that a higher incidence of low-differentiated tumors in the finasteride-treated arm observed in the PCPT is caused by altering the normal differentiation of prostatic epithelium in the environment lacking the natural ERb ligand—3β-androstanediol.”2 Translation: They believe 3β-adiol helps prevent higher grade (worse) prostate cancers.
The PCPT researchers concluded, “Finasteride prevents or delays the appearance of prostate cancer, but this possible benefit and a reduced risk of urinary problems must be weighed against sexual side-effects and the increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.” These sexual side-effects include impotence, decreased desire for sex, and decreased ejaculatory volume.
This hormone profile will also include dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone, and androstenedione, which are important markers related to prostate cancer risk and assist doctors providing testosterone replacement therapy. Dr. Huo has included 3β-adiol because the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial and the clinical experience of Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD – the father of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy – have provided evidence that the ratio of DHT to 3β-adiol may be more important than the amount of DHT alone.
Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD discusses 5AR Over-inihibition
Testosterone is converted to DHT via the 5α-reductase enzyme. DHT is a potent androgen and along with testosterone causes proliferation and secretion in the prostate gland (dedifferentiating) by activating androgen receptors.3 Then DHT is converted to 3β-adiol via a 3β-HSD reaction.3 3β-androstanediol is a differentiation (redifferentiating) agent that activates estrogen beta receptors.4 The process of cancer development is primarily a dedifferentiation process.
A study by the Cochrane Review found that 5α-reductase inhibitors have inadequate evidence to say they reduce mortality, in terms of prostate cancer.5 Elevated levels of DHT may increase male patients' risks of developing prostate cancer and a metabolite of DHT, 3β-adiol, may actually help prevent and reduce the grade of prostate cancers. The production of the this important metabolite is reduced by 5α-reductase inhibitors.
Standard testing such as PSA and yearly physical exams for men over 40 years old are still recommended. This prostate cancer risk test is especially useful for men receiving testosterone replacement therapy.
1. Thompson IM, Goodman PJ, Tangen CM, et al. The influence of finasteride on the development of prostate cancer. N Engl J Med 349(3):215–24, 2003.
2. O. Imamov, G.-J. Shim, M. Warner, and J.-A. Gustafsson “Estrogen Receptor beta in Health and Disease” Biol Reprod, November 1, 2005; 73(5): 866 – 871.
3. Weihua Z, Lathe R, Warner M, Gustafsson JA. “An endocrine pathway in the prostate, ERbeta, AR, 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17betadiol, and CYP7B1, regulates prostate growth.” Proc Natl Acad Sci US A 2002; 99:13589–13594.
4. Zhu X, Leav I, Leung YK, et al. Dynamic regulation of estrogen receptor-beta expression by DNA methylation during prostate cancer development and metastasis. Am J Pathol 2004;164:2003-12.
5. Wilt TJ, et al. Five-alpha-reductase Inhibitors for prostate cancer prevention. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD007091.
Men's Prostate Health Test Profile Includes: Testosterone, DHT, 3β,5α-androstanediol, 3α,5α-androstanediol, and androstenedione (serum).
Testosterone Metabolite Profile
Testosterone Metabolization
Company History: Meridian Valley Laboratory is recognized as a World leader and authority on hormone testing for Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Having pioneered 24-hour urine hormone testing, we are able to provide you a level of expertise that is unparalleled.
