Symptoms like mood swings, low sex drive and hot flashes may be a sign of hormone imbalance. Saliva hormone testing may reveal hormone imbalances that contribute to chronic health problems or hormone conditions. It can also be used to monitor hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and in anti-aging and disease prevention programs.
Our information sheets on male hormone conditions and female hormone conditions will help you to decide whether saliva hormone testing is necessary. Saliva hormone testing is most useful for uncovering hormone imbalance. Once a hormone imbalance has been uncovered, nutritional or bio-identical hormone therapy can be instituted.
Saliva testing can also be used to approximate whether hormone levels are too high or too low as a result of supplementation, but the actual dosage adjustment will still be symptom driven. In other words, if hormone levels are above range, a dosage reduction may be indicated, but the practitioner must make his or her best estimation as to the dosage adjustment needed, and carefully monitor patient symptoms to ensure that adjustments are reasonable.
Why should women have salivary hormone levels tested?
Whether it is during the reproductive years, peri-menopause or post menopause stages, whenever there are symptoms of hormone imbalance, a salivary hormone test may provide some insight. Symptoms of hormone imbalance include but are not limited to:
- PMS (mood fluctuations, headaches, water retention, painful periods, heavy bleeding etc),
- Irregular or infrequent periods, fertility issues
- Symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood fluctuations (anxiety/depression) etc.
Why should men have salivary hormone levels tested?
Middle aged men go through andropause (which is the male version of menopause). Andropause is a condition that is associated with a decrease in testosterone. The symptoms of andropause can come on gradually since after the age of 30 a man’s production of testosterone decreases approximately 10% each decade. About 30% of men in their fifties will experience symptoms of andropause due to lower testosterone levels. Without appropriate treatment, a man with low testosterone may have a number of symptoms and could be at an increased risk of other serious health conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Although symptoms may vary from person to person, common symptoms of men going through andropause include:
- Low sex drive, difficulties getting erections or erections that are not as strong as usual
- Fatigue or lack of energy, depression, nervousness or anxiety
- Mental fatigue or inability to concentrate
- Irritability and mood swings (ranging from sadness to anger)
- Reduced motivation and drive,
- Loss of strength or muscle mass, loss of physical agility, increased body fat, hair loss
- Poor sleep quality or insomnia
Saliva collection is painless and more convenient for the patient, particularly when multiple samples are required. The following five hormones make up the salivary hormone panel: Cortisol, DHEAS, Estradiol, Estriol, Estrone, Progesterone and Testosterone. Interactions between these hormones are fundamental to health and, as a consequence, imbalances may negatively impact health.
If you have any other questions or require more information regarding saliva hormone testing or would like to view a sample report contact us at the clinic or simply call to reserve your appointment today!
