CA 125
Specialistalso cancer antigen 125
What it isA glycoprotein shed by ovarian and other epithelial cells, particularly when those cells are malignant or inflamed.
DoesActs primarily as a monitoring tool for ovarian cancer treatment response; not a reliable screening test.
GoodA low CA 125 in someone with known ovarian cancer signals treatment response or disease control.
BadElevated CA 125 has many causes — ovarian cancer, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, menstruation, pregnancy, ascites — making it poor for screening but useful for monitoring.
- Standard
- <35 U/mL.
- Optimal
- 0–35 U/mL (lower is good)
- Modifiers
- Rises with menstruation, endometriosis, pregnancy.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
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- Diet
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- Supplements
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- Peptides
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- Drugs
- Cancer-directed therapy when indicated.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Cancer Markers