At Meridian Valley Lab, the Total Urine Nitrates test helps practitioners evaluate nitric oxide production by measuring urinary nitrate and nitrite levels—commonly referred to as NOx. This test can be used as a standalone assessment or as part of the 24-hour ComprehensivePlus Hormone Panel.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men, especially those over the age of 50. A major contributing factor to ED is low nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. NOS is the enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide in the body.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of L-arginine therapy on men with ED. The study included 50 men, aged 50 to 75, who had experienced ED for at least six months. The men who responded best to treatment had low urine NOx levels at the start—and showed significant increases after therapy. This suggests that lower baseline nitrate levels may predict a more positive outcome when using nitric oxide pathway boosters like L-arginine.

Testosterone and DHEA are key hormones in sexual function and libido. They also support nitric oxide synthase activity—especially in the corpus cavernosum, the erectile tissue of the penis. If testosterone is too low, NOS function may decline, reducing nitric oxide availability and making ED symptoms worse.

Because the 24-hour ComprehensivePlus hormone panel assesses both androgens and nitrates, it provides a deeper look at how hormone imbalances may affect nitric oxide production.

Nitric oxide isn’t only important for men. In women, NO contributes to cardiovascular protection, especially before menopause when estrogen supports higher NO production. As women age and estrogen declines, nitric oxide levels may drop as well—possibly increasing the risk of heart disease.

In pregnancy, low urinary nitrates in the third trimester may help predict the risk of preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication.

People with insulin resistance or type II diabetes often have poor circulation and reduced blood flow to extremities. These issues are partially due to decreased nitric oxide production, which is common in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Measuring urine nitrates may help assess the extent of this deficiency.

Nitric oxide is a vital player in cardiovascular, metabolic, and sexual health. The Total Urine Nitrates Profile offers an accessible way to evaluate endogenous NO production and may help clinicians identify patients who would benefit from nitric oxide support strategies.

This test can be ordered individually or as part of the 24-hour ComprehensivePlus panel to offer broader context when evaluating ED, hormonal imbalances, or vascular issues.

Practitioners: The Total Urine Nitrates test can be used as a standalone assessment or as part of the 24-hour ComprehensivePlus Hormone Panel. Contact Client Services to request a test kit or discuss clinical fit.

Patients: Ask your licensed provider if urine nitrates testing is appropriate for your cardiovascular, metabolic, or sexual health goals. Meridian Valley Lab provides laboratory services only and cannot advise patients directly.

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