Saliva Hormone Analysis is an accurate tool in detecting hormone imbalances for women and men of all ages. Numerous factors can affect hormone balance in both women and men, and salivary hormone testing can be used as a guide to help diagnose a problem and restore balance.

Measuring hormone levels in the saliva is in most cases preferable to measuring hormone levels in the blood. The salivary method tells us levels of hormone that actually reach the tissues, and are therefore physiologically active, whereas hormone in the blood may or may not reach the tissues.

The Female Panel can be helpful to evaluate hormone status in women experiencing PMS, peri-menopause or menopause, irregular periods, heavy or light periods, hot flashes, facial hair, acne, polycystic ovaries, low energy or mood swings. Specifically, this test measures levels of Estrogen, Progesterone, Cortisol, DHEA and Testosterone.

A definitive test for hormone status is helpful to develop a precise treatment plan for any patient with hormone related health concerns, but it is especially important when considering Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

The adrenal glands release cortisol into the blood stream at different rates depending on the time of day. However, during times of stress, our bodies may release greater or lesser amounts than necessary. To fully understand how stress is affecting the adrenal glands and cortisol levels, this test requires four samples taken at specific times over the course of a day.

High or low levels of cortisol will affect how well we are able to manage stress, the balance of other important hormones, including estrogen, progesterone and thyroid hormones, and also contribute to a variety of different symptoms including low energy, sleep problems, mood changes, weight gain, headaches, symptoms of hypothyroid and high blood pressure.

The Male Panel looks at the hormones testosterone, cortisol, DHEA and estrogen. Knowing these levels can help gain insight into the underlying causes of conditions including bone loss, erectile dysfunction, memory loss, depression and irritability, weight gain and prostatic enlargement.

Estrogens are metabolized in the liver through two competing metabolic pathways forming 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-hydroxy estrone. The 16 metabolite is a stronger acting estrogen, and maintaining a healthy balance in favour of the 2-metabolite helps reduce risk for certain estrogen-related conditions including breast cancer and cervical dysplasia.