Saliva Hormone Analysis
Saliva Hormone Analysis is an accurate way to detect hormone imbalances in the body for women and men of all ages. The benefits to measuring the hormone levels in the saliva is that it measures the hormone that has actually made it into tissue (hormones pass through the saliva gland tissue before getting into saliva). In contrast, blood tests measure hormones in the blood that might eventually get into the tissue.
Common health issues that would benefit from the saliva hormone analysis are PMS, perimenopause or menopause, irregular periods, heavy or light periods, hot flashes, facial hair, acne, polycystic ovaries, low energy and mood swings. The hormones that are tested are: estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol. Individual hormones can also be tested as well as cortisol levels at various intervals throughout the day.
Cortisol is the major stress hormone that is released by the adrenal glands under times of physical or emotional stress. High or low levels of cortisol can influence other hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) and is a sign of poor adrenal function. Unbalanced cortisol levels can affect energy levels, sleep, moods, weight gain, thyroid function, and blood pressure.
Saliva collection is painless and easy to do in the privacy of your own home. If you are concerned about your hormone levels and would like a test kit, or for more information call the NMHC at 345-5977.
