HORMONE TESTING
Salivary Hormone Testing
Testing hormones via saliva has been effectively used since the 1960’s. The test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for measuring hormones and uncovering the underlying cause to hormonal problems
(especially when blood testing has failed to find any issues).
The most significant feature of saliva testing is that it measures the “unbound” biological active (bioavailable) or free hormone levels in the body – which is not tested for via blood testing. Blood testing measures the “protein bound” hormone levels in the body. In this bound state they are unable to fit into receptors in the body and are not delivered to the tissues. Therefore, bloods usually reflect the current reserve amount of hormone available rather than the current active hormone found in the tissues of the body. This is why we often see blood test results displaying hormones in “normal ranges” – however the signs and symptoms of our patients are suggesting otherwise.
Salivary hormone measurement is the most accurate analysis of basic sex hormones. The sex hormones often assessed via saliva are Estradiol (E2), Estrone (E1), Estriol (E3), progesterone and testosterone, as well as adrenal hormones DHEA. Cortisol and melatonin can also be included in testing.
4 saliva samples are collected throughout the day. For females this is generally done between days 19-21.
Download a sample report here.
To learn more about this test and more we recommend booking in for our initial wellness appointment, where we can advice what test will be best suited to your health concerns and goals OR if you know what you want you can check out our functional testing packages HERE.
Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH)
DUTCH testing is the most extensive and in-depth hormone and adrenal test available!
Similar to salivary hormone testing, the DUTCH test assesses the “unbound” biological active or free hormone levels in the body.
Unlike salivary testing of cortisol that indicates only high or low levels of cortisol, the DUTCH test measures how much total cortisol the body is making alongside cortisol metabolites. Another difference between the traditional saliva test and DUTCH testing is that it also assesses how the body is metabolising both androgens and oestrogens.
DUTCH testing gives us a clearer picture of adrenal and hormonal health by offering the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal steroid hormones, along with their all-important metabolites.
Download a sample report here.
To learn more about this test and more we recommend booking in for our initial wellness appointment, where we can advice what test will be best suited to your health concerns and goals.