Our natural and "root cause" focused services at Healthy Being Wellness Center often require us to run a series of test to help evaluate and identify the root cause of hormone imbalance, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, high cortisol levels, metabolic stress, thyroid dysfunction and other endocrine related imbalances.
We order saliva and hormone testing through ZRT Laboratories and provide both alternative treatments of hormonal problems as well as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
These Saliva Tests are very simple, at home tests that are mailed to the lab. Results are provided in as few as 4-5 business days.
How does saliva testing work?
We test the following seven hormones in saliva:
- Estradiol (E2)
- Estrone (E1)
- Estriol (E3)
- Progesterone (Pg)
- Testosterone (T)
- DHEA-S
- Cortisol (C)
How accurate is saliva testing compared to blood and urine testing?
Saliva testing has been used in scientific testing for decades and has been shown to be highly accurate. It is the most reliable way to measure free, bioavailable hormone activity — those hormones actually doing their job at the cell level.
Standard blood and urine tests do not measure bioavailable hormone levels. Numerous scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between the levels of steroid hormones in the blood stream and the bio-available levels of steroid hormones in saliva. The World Health Organization has used this method of hormone testing in worldwide comparisons of hormone levels among women living in industrialized vs. non-industrialized countries.
Saliva hormone testing more accurately reflects tissue uptake and response of hormones delivered through the skin in creams, gels, or patches than blood or urine tests.
Which saliva tests will give me a comprehensive picture of my hormone levels?
The basic panel, Female/Male Saliva Profile I, includes estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol. This will give you an overall sense of hormonal balance or imbalance as these five hormones work closely together.
Female/Male Saliva Profile II provides a more comprehensive idea of hormonal interactions. Of the four tubes included in this kit, two are used: one large tube for testing all the hormones of the basic panel (Female/Male Saliva Profile I discussed above), and a smaller tube for collecting a cortisol sample at bedtime as well. This panel is recommended for those with mild to moderate symptoms of fatigue, stress, sleep disturbance, allergies, and food cravings.
With severe symptoms, Female/Male Saliva Profile III, the most comprehensive of our saliva panels, is recommended. This test analyzes complete adrenal function by testing cortisol levels throughout the day. The Female/Male Saliva Profile III test kit contains four tubes, one large tube for testing all the hormones of the basic panel in the morning, and three small tubes for noon, evening, and bedtime collections of cortisol.
Should I test estriol and/or estrone?
Since estradiol is the more predominant and potent of the estrogens, this is the most commonly measured estrogen in testing. We recommend testing for estriol and/or estrone when you are supplementing with these hormones.
Visit our website or email Melissa, our resident Naturopathic Doctor.
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