At-Home Testing

---

Saliva Testing for Hormones

Some ADVANTAGES of saliva testing compared to serum testing:

• Saliva shows the free, unbound fraction of steroid hormones in the bloodstream-it is these biologically active fractions that are bio-available to the tissues throughout the body. Blood and urine tests measure total levels.
• Collection times can be more optimal which is very important for baseline hormone testing and assessment of HRT dosing. Note: Some hormones naturally fall by 50-90% during the course of the day so collection time is important. Hormone production is optimal in the morning and less susceptible to variation caused by stress, eating and drinking, and exercise.
• Painless, noninvasive, simple, safe, and needle-free.
• Private and convenient for both the patient and doctor.
• Hormones are stable in saliva at room temperature for 7-10 days.
• Transport of saliva to laboratory by regular US mail.
• Less expensive than blood testing.

Estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol are routinely measured in saliva. Steroid hormones in the bloodstream are mostly (95-99%) bound to carrier proteins, and in this form are unavailable to target tissues. Only the unbound fraction freely diffuses into tissues, including the salivary gland. Hormone levels in saliva therefore represent the quantity of the hormone that is currently available to target tissues and actively exerting specific effects on the body. Research has demonstrated clear correlations between salivary hormone levels and reported symptoms.

Saliva Sample Volumes

Why do we ask for a larger sample volume? Steroid hormones are secreted in a bursts and pulses by various glands throughout the body. The more saliva that is collected, the more the effect is averaged out, and thus the results become more reliable and of the highest clinical relevance. READ MORE

Click here to view our Validity Statement for Saliva Testing.

Shop our At-Home Test Kits!

Schedule a consultation!