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Saliva hormone testing analyzes hormones found in saliva to assess a person’s health status. As per experts like Healthy Remedies, unlike blood tests, saliva testing is an easy, non-invasive way to evaluate hormone levels related to stress, reproduction, aging, and more.
So how does it work exactly? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Why test hormones in saliva?
Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that regulate many vital bodily processes. When hormones become imbalanced, it can lead to issues like chronic stress, low fertility, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and reduced immunity.
Testing key hormones in saliva allows people to identify imbalances early before negative effects take hold. It provides an inside look into what’s happening in the body from a hormonal standpoint.
Plus, collecting saliva is simple, painless, and convenient compared to blood draws. No needles required.
Which hormones can saliva testing measure?
There are many critical hormones that salivary testing analyzes. The main ones are:
Cortisol
Known as the “stress hormone”, cortisol helps regulate energy levels, mood, blood sugar, and more. High cortisol over long periods indicates chronic stress which causes wear and tear on the body.
DHEA
Short for dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA is involved in immunity, hormonal balance, libido, cognition, and muscle strength. DHEA naturally declines with age so testing helps assess biological aging.
Estrogen
The main female sex hormone responsible for sexual development. There are three types of estrogen tested: estriol, estrone, and estradiol. Changes in estrogen impact menstrual cycles, fertility, menopause, and bone/heart health in women.
Progesterone
Progesterone works together with estrogen to control the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy in females. Optimal levels are key for conception, PMS relief, and milder menopause symptoms.
Testosterone
Both men and women produce testosterone for maintaining fertility, bone density, red blood cell production, muscle mass, and libido. Declining testosterone contributes to infertility, low energy, and loss of vitality.
Melatonin
The “sleep hormone” melatonin regulates circadian rhythms and improves sleep quality. Decreased melatonin makes it harder to fall and stay asleep.
There are clear advantages to keeping these vital hormones balanced. But what are the upsides specifically to testing them via saliva?
Key benefits of saliva hormone testing
Factors to consider
While saliva offers hassle-free collection of hormones, there are some considerations to note:
- Results can vary day-to-day with natural cycles
- Collection protocols must be carefully followed
- Food residue, blood contamination, or saliva additives may skew results
- Reference ranges and risk factors still being established
- Testing panels or lab accuracy varies between providers
To get reliable insights, partner with a top-rated lab and administer tests consistently under ideal conditions when possible. Tracking long-term trends is more insightful than a single test too.
Is saliva testing actually reliable?
Yes – studies show saliva hormone analysis demonstrates impressive accuracy and correlation to serum testing when utilizing precise lab assays. Quality controls and measurement standards ensure reliability.
Are saliva tests affordable and covered by insurance?
Saliva testing is more affordable than comparable bloodwork. Tests range from $100-$400 USD with panels covering multiple hormones. Insurance coverage varies – labs provide payment plans or discounted tests that help control costs for uninsured patients.
Should testing be done first thing in the morning?
It depends on the hormone. Key hormones like cortisol and melatonin are best measured first thing in the morning. Others like estrogen and testosterone do not require early morning collection. Testing labs provide specific timing protocols.
Can certain foods or medicines impact saliva testing?
Yes. Food residue, blood contamination, smoking/vaping, drinking alcohol, taking hormone-influencing supplements/medications can skew results. Follow collection protocols carefully.
How often should people get saliva hormone testing done?
Testing 1-4 times per year allows reliable tracking of baseline levels and assessment of concerning changes warranting discussion with one’s physician. More frequent testing may provide insights for fertility or precision cycle tracking.
Final thoughts
As highlighted, salivary hormone testing gives unprecedented visibility into hormone balance and rhythms using easy, stress-free collection methods compared to blood draws. It serves as a next-generation liquid biopsy allowing people to take charge of health risks long before problems arise.
While some factors like result variability still warrant consideration, leading labs help mitigate concerns through accuracy rigors, repeat testing, and pattern analysis. When applied properly, saliva offers a breakthrough medium for unraveling hormone health.
