Description
Hormone Imbalance can Lead to Weight Fluctuations, Mood Disorders, Hot Flashes, PMS, Fatigue and More.
When it comes to hormone balance, why guess when you can know for sure!
The Labrix Women’s Health and Breast Profile Salivary Hormone Test Kit tests the levels of the following hormones:
- E1 – Estrone
- E2 – Estradiol
- E3 – Estriol
- Estrogen quotient
- Pg – Progesterone
- Progesterone/Estrogen quotient
- T – Testosterone
- D – Dehydroepiandrosterone (aka DHEA)
- C – Cortisol (4 separate measurements)
Testing these hormones together gives the saliva donor a comprehensive picture of hormone health in an easy and convenient manner. The collection for Labrix’s hormone saliva tests can easily be performed at home, at work or anywhere a donor happens to be because the sample collection tubes are small, requiring only 1 ml of saliva from the patient. Other laboratories require up to 7.5 ml.
Labrix, which is CLIA-certified, has a five business day turnaround time from when the laboratory receives your sample.
Rather than taking one single sample of a hormone, Labrix has donors gather four samples throughout the day and provides an average value of estrodial, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. The average value of these hormones, because they fluctuate throughout the day, is more relevant than a single reading.
To assist in the timed collection, Labrix collection tubes are color coordinated, simplifying the process. In addition to that, straws are provided to aid in sample collection and to cut down on the risk of the saliva specimen being contaminated.
Why test for 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
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 effects on women similar to high levels of testosterone.