Description
The Comprehensive Panel (8 Tests) is a great option for baseline testing of male or female hormonal status. This non-invasive test requires only 2cc per vial of saliva in 4 separate collections. Sex hormones are tested, as well as 4 cortisol levels to evaluate the diurnal cortisol pattern.
The test reports Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone and DHEA hormone levels, and also calculates the Progesterone (Pg)/Estradiol (E2) ratio, which assesses the relationship between estradiol, which can drive cellular proliferation, and progesterone, which mitigates that growth and potentiates cellular differentiation.
There are several ways to test for hormones (saliva, serum and urine). Saliva is a good method to test the active/bioavailable portion of hormones, which are reflective of tissue levels. When clients are considering bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT), it is helpful to know active hormone levels. In addition, if using a topical (transdermal) hormone preparation for treatment, saliva testing is an accurate tool to measure and monitor hormone status.
Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay Antibody (EIA)
When should I use
This test is a consideration in men and women concerned with changing hormone levels as a result of age, cycling women experiencing PMS, peri- and post-menopausal women concerned with their estradiol and progesterone levels for replacement considerations, and anyone with symptoms involving fatigue, insomnia, stress, immunity problems, blood sugar problems, and obesity.
Other Details
For a more basic assessment consider Basic Hormone Panel (5), which just assesses Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA and AM30 Cortisol so good as a monitoring tool after hormone replacement. For a more indepth evaluation consider Comprehensive Panel Plus (10 Tests), code HOR01 which, in addition, measures Estrone and Estriol and gives an extra ratio – the EQ for assessing breast cancer risk - as well as cortisol levels at noon, evening and night.
