Catecholamines test

Catecholamines are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which are found on top of the kidneys. They are released into the blood during times of physical or emotional stress.

The major catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (which used to be called adrenalin).

This test is used to diagnose or rule out a pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma. It may also be done in patients with those conditions to determine if treatment is working

How the Test Is Performed

Catecholamines are more often measured with a urine test than with this blood test.

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Normal Values

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

Epinephrine: 20 ng/100 mL (ng/mL = nanograms per milliliter)

Norepinephrine: 60 ng/100 mL



http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/test/catecholamines-blood/overview.html#Normal-Values

Toxic

Irregularity of monthly period is a common problem of most of the woman’s. We often say to ourselves that how do we know when we are fertile? Its about time to visit your gynecologist.

Provera 10mg tablets (medroxyprogesterone acetate)
Main use: disorders of the menstrual cycle
Active ingredient: medroxyprogesterone acetate

How does it work?
Provera 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets contain the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progesterone. It is used to treat various disorders of the menstrual cycle.

A woman's menstrual cycle is a complex process that is controlled by different hormones. The blood levels of these hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle, causing an egg to be released from the ovaries (ovulation), preparation of the womb lining for a possible pregnancy and shedding of the womb lining each month if pregnancy doesn't occur (a menstrual period). There are plenty of places that this complex process can go wrong.

If your periods are irregular or have stopped completely and your doctor can find no obvious cause, it may be that something has upset your natural hormone levels. Medroxyprogesterone can help to restore your natural hormone levels, because it mimics the effects of your natural progesterone.

What is it used for?
•Dysfunctional menstrual bleeding, for example heavy, painful, irregular or very frequent periods.
•Menstrual periods those have stopped (secondary amenorrhea).
•Mild to moderate endometriosis.

Side effects
•Breast tenderness.
•Bloating.
•Weight gain.
•Headache.
•Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
•Tiredness.
•Acne

There are many factors which can interfere with the regularity of the menstrual periods. Some of the important factors are:

•Diet
A poor diet and extreme weight loss or gain can affect the hormonal levels in the body. A woman with bulimia (eats a lot) and anorexia (loss of appetite) often complains of irregular or no menstrual periods.

•Exercise
Intense or heavy exercise, besides weakening the body, also causes the menstrual cycle to be irregular. This is well documented in athletes and sportswomen who often have problems with their menstrual flow.

•Hormonal birth control
Many times, birth control pills and irregular periods of menstrual cycle go hand in hand. A woman’s body takes a while to adjust to the newer levels of hormones delivered by the hormonal birth control pills hence the irregular menses.

•Pregnancy
A woman’s body produces various levels of hormones and certain new hormones when she becomes pregnant. Once, pregnancy is achieved, the menstrual flow stops and the cycle disappears. This is considered as physiological, and is said to be normal and a major indication of conception. Even after the baby’s birth, there may be irregularity in the menstrual cycle and is considered normal.


•Stress
Latest researchers now fully agree that stress is one of the major factors for irregular menstruation. If a woman is worried, stressed out, anxious or depressed, she may miss the menstrual flow or may end up with profuse bleeding.


http://www.graphicghana.com/news/page.php?news=7517