There are three methods of testing hormones. One method is to test blood levels, the second method is to test salivary hormones, and the third method is to test hormone levels in urine.
Salivary hormones are thought to correlate more closely to tissue levels of hormones than blood levels do. Through salivary hormones we can test for levels of estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, testosterone, and cortisol. This test is helpful also because not only will it show if you are high or low in a certain hormone, it will also show any “functional imbalances”. For example, your hormones could all be in normal ranges, however your estrogen could be high normal while your progesterone is low normal: this would put you in a functional “high estrogen” state….and this is something we would want to treat.
Testing urine levels of hormones is a slightly different test in that it will test for hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEAS) as well as the metabolites of these hormones. It will also test for cortisol, as well as markers for oxidative stress, and for organic acids for nutrient and neurotransmitter metabolites.
Hormone testing is beneficial for women who have irregular menstruation, are going through perimenopause or menopause or also for women who are experiencing conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts or hormonal acne. It can also be of value for women who are experiencing difficult weight loss, fatigue, insomnia, low libido, or just not feeling optimal. It is also beneficial for men who are experiencing andropause, or declining levels of testosterone, such as low libido, loss of muscle mass, and fatigue.
Collection of saliva and urine samples are painless and convenient and done in the comfort of your own home. Once the results come you will be treated accordingly with vitamins, supplements, and herbs, as well as lifestyle changes as needed.
In your visits with Dr. Ramona you will be given information and guidance on which test collection would be best for you and your specific health history and goals.