Saliva testing is an easy and noninvasive way of assessing your patient's hormone balancing needs and is proving to be the most reliable medium for measuring hormone levels. Unlike serum tests, saliva testing represents only hormones actively delivered to receptors in the body. Clinically, it is far more relevant to test these bioavailable hormones and provide an accurate reflection of the body’s active hormone levels.
Men Experiencing:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of stamina
- Decrease in mental sharpness
- Reduced muscle size
- Tearful episodes or increased moodiness
- Metabolic syndrome
- Prostate enlargement or cancer
- Hot flashes
- Irritability
Women Experiencing:
- Hot flashes
- Anxiety/Depression
- Night sweats
- Breast tenderness
- Irritability
- Forgetfulness
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary incontinence
- Uterine fibroids
- Increased facial / body hair
- Acne
The Labrix Basic Hormone Panel tests the levels of the following hormones:
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E2 - Estradiol
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Pg - Progesterone
-
T - Testosterone
-
C - Cortisol
Estradiol and Progesterone
These two hormones will often be measured together because their ratio in proportion to each other will indicate an imbalance. The following symptoms can indicate an excess of estradiol in relation to progesterone in reproductive age women:
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Fibrocystic Breasts
- Uterine Fibroids
Older women who use estrogen supplements by themselves can end up with a progesterone deficiency. This can lead to symptoms of estrogen dominance. These symptoms can include:
- Weight Gain in The Hips and Thighs
- Fibrocystic and Tender Breasts
- Uterine Fibroids
- Irritability
- Water Retention
- Thyroid Problems
Uncorrected estrogen dominance can lead to breast cancer, uterus cancer and it can also lead to insulin resistance. During the onset of menopause ovarian estrogen and progesterone production declines, making testing even more important during this phase of life.
Testosterone
Suboptimal or low testosterone levels in males are often associated with symptoms of aging and is referred to as andropause or male menopause
Testosterone deficiency in men is often associated with symptoms:
- Night Sweats
- Insulin Resistance
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Low Sex Drive
- Decreased Mental and Physical Ability
- Lower Ambition
- Loss of Muscle Mass
- Weight Gain in The Waist
Testosterone excess, although infrequent can lead to the following symptoms in men:
- Estrogen Production
- Oily Skin and Acne
- Testicular Shrinkage
- Increased Red Blood Cell Production
Excessive amounts of testosterone in a woman's body can lead to:
- Excessive Facial and Body Hair
- Acne
- Oily Skin and Hair
In contrast, too little testosterone can lead to symptoms of androgen deficiency:
- Loss of Libido
- Thinning Skin
- Vaginal Dryness
- Loss of Bone and Muscle Mass
- Depression
- Memory Lapses
Cortisol
Low cortisol levels can be an indication of adrenal fatigue, which is an impaired ability to respond to stressors. This can leave the body vulnerable to poor blood sugar regulation and lead to poor immune system function.
On the other hand, chronically high levels of cortisol are a consequence of constant exposure to stressors, which has grave implications for long-term health. Chronically high levels of cortisol can lead to an increased risk of cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
DHEA
Low DHEA can lead to reduced libido and general malaise, while overly high levels of DHEA can have a masculinizing effect on women similar to high levels of testosterone.
