Laboratory tests and hormone analysis in Munich

Many hormone values fluctuate. Oestrogens and progesterone change markedly over the course of the cycle: progesterone rises only after ovulation, in the second half of the cycle. Other values such as FSH and LH are often measured at the start of the cycle. During the menopause, hormones fluctuate particularly strongly, so a single value says little. The time of day, stress and hormonal contraception also affect the results. That is why we plan the timing of the blood draw with you. And we always look at laboratory values together with your symptoms, not as mere numbers.

The thyroid controls metabolism, energy and the sense of temperature. It also affects the cycle, fertility and mood. In Hashimoto's, the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid; over time an underactive thyroid can develop. Typical symptoms are tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain or cycle disorders. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has worked extensively on Hashimoto's and its links to the hormone balance, for example in “Hashimoto's thyroiditis, oestrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency” (Journal of Naturopathic Physicians, 2012). In consultations we therefore consider the thyroid and the sex hormones together. This gives a more complete picture that serves as a basis for suitable treatment.

Vitamins, minerals and trace elements are building blocks for the immune system, hormones, nerves and bones. A deficiency can arise from diet, stage of life, stress or impaired absorption in the gut. It often shows itself through non-specific symptoms such as tiredness or susceptibility to infection. Vitamin D plays a special role here; Prof. Schulte-Uebbing described it in “Vitamin D: an important and interesting hormone” (Your Health, 2015). What matters: more is not automatically better; some substances can cause harm if overdosed. The aim is therefore to supplement in a targeted way, based on measured values, rather than across the board.

As a specialist in environmental medicine, Prof. Schulte-Uebbing pays attention to everyday exposures. These include heavy metals and hormonally active substances, so-called endocrine disruptors – such as plasticisers in plastics, fragrances or aluminium. According to current knowledge, they can interfere with the hormone balance. Not all of these substances can be measured well in the blood, and interpreting the values takes experience. That is why we also ask about your home, work, cosmetics and diet. On this topic, Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has presented, among other things, “Endocrine disruptors, especially heavy metals, in gynaecological endocrinology – diagnostics, treatment and prevention” (Medical Week Baden-Baden, 2014).

In an allergy, the body forms antibodies of the IgE type against substances that are actually harmless, such as pollen or animal hair. IgE values can show such sensitisations; whether they trigger symptoms only becomes clear in the context of your symptoms. IgG antibodies against foods mainly show what the body has come into contact with. Their informative value for intolerances is disputed among experts. We therefore measure both values only in a targeted way and interpret them together with your symptoms. You can read more about this on our page on allergies and intolerances.