Cycling
Female Hormone
Saliva Test Panel
Simple to order. Take the test at home. Mail to the lab. Gives you accurate, easy to understand results.
The Cycling Female Hormone Saliva Test Panels are a dynamic
mapping of the bioactive levels of Estradiol and Progesterone throughout
your cycle. The panels also include a cycle average value for Free Testosterone
and DHEA. The extended panel includes additional 4-5 FSH and LH measurements.
The panels uses 11 saliva samples collected during specific time slots
(a window of 2-3 days) throughout the menstrual cycle.
The Cyclical Pacing of the Ovaries
A woman’s ovary releases its hormones in a cyclical manner known as the menstrual cycle. The average cycle is about 26-30 days. The timing and pacing of hormone release is governed by GnRH, FSH & LH, hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. The two major classes of ovarian hormones released during the menstrual cycle are Estrogens and Progesterone, which are known as female steroid sex hormones. The major and most active Estrogen released is Estradiol, while the major Progestin is Progesterone.
The female cycle has 3 physiologic phases:
The follicular phase starts with the onset of menstrual blood flow and is of variable length. This phase is normally characterized by both low Estrogen and Progesterone output.
The ovulation phase is 1 to 3 days long and the human ovum (egg) is released in this phase. This phase is characterized by high estrogen levels.
The luteal phase is rather constant in length, 12-14 days, and ends with menses. Compared to the follicular phase, the luteal phase is characterized by high Progesterone concentrations and a moderate increase in Estrogens.
Functions of Female Sex Hormones
Estradiol and Progesterone affect several target organs involved in a successful conception and pregnancy. Additionally, these hormones maintain a number of secondary sexual characteristics such as reduced bodyhair, soft skin texture, a higher voice pitch, possible release of certain pheromones, etc.
Target Organs of Estrogen & Progesterone
The Uterus
Estradiol prepares the uterus for conception and produces a 3-5 fold increase in the thickness of its inner lining, and also promotes uterine gland development and mucus secretion. Progesterone causes a swelling of the uterine lining, an increase in glycogen (a complex sugar) content, and an increase in the mucus secreted by the uterus. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining is shed, resulting in the menstrual flow.
Fallopian Tubes
Sex hormones stimulate the fallopian tubes to move the egg toward the uterus. The fallopian tubes also secrete nutritious fluids that nourish the egg, the sperm and ultimately the embryo when fertilization occurs.
Vagina
Estrogens promote the thickening of the vaginal lining and increase its secretions, which makes the lining more resistant to infections.
Breasts
Before puberty, the breasts grow only in proportion to the rest of the body, but under the influence of Estradiol and Progesterone during puberty, the breasts develop to maturity. During the menstrual cycle, excess Estradiol causes breast swelling and tenderness.
Bones
In the adult female, Estradiol and Progesterone play an important role in the inhibition of osteoporosis and improve the incorporation of calcium and magnesium into bone. This is why doctors routinely prescribe Estrogen for menopausal women.
Kidney
Estrogens cause the body to retain sodium which results in fluid buildup. Conversely, Progesterone causes a loss of excess sodium and retained fluid. Before the period begins, there may be a relative excess of Estrogen over Progesterone which commonly leads to several of the PMS associated complaints.
Liver
Estradiol has stimulatory effects on liver proteins which may reduce thyroid hormone availability and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Estradiol also slows the process of liver detoxification of various harmful substances.
Miscellaneous
Estradiol can elevate blood sugar in certain susceptible individuals. Progesterone can increase the appetite and has a general calming effect on the nervous system, especially at night.
Testosterone and DHEA in Women
In women, the effects of testosterone on certain target tissues counteract
those of estrogen. Increased testosterone in women is associated with
increased libido, enhanced spatial, mathematical, artistic and musical
abilities. Increased testosterone levels have a nonlinear correlation
with performance.
Excessive testosterone production in women is a good indicator of ovarian
cysts. Many of these women show abnormally rapid rates of converting androstenedione
to testosterone. The efficacy of antiandrogen treatment in women with
excessive testosterone can be effectively monitored by salivary testosterone.
On the other hand, women with low testosterone may show a catabolic tendency
and reduced libido, and may require low dose augmentation with testosterone.
Salivary testosterone is well suited for initial and post-therapy follow
up evaluations. The panel also includes a measurement of the cycle average
of DHEA free fraction. DHEA is the molecular precursor of the androgenic
and estrogenic hormones. Often, low DHEA is the cause of insufficient
testosterone and estrogen production.
What We Test
The Female Hormone Panel is a simple, non-invasive test. Eleven saliva samples are collected during specified time periods throughout the menstrual cycle.
Mapping throughout your cycle with 11 samples. Includes:
- Progesterone x 11
- Estradiol x 11
- Testosterone cycle average
- DHEA and DHEA-S cycle average
The Expanded Female Hormone Panel also includes 5 FSH & LH measurements to see if brain control and stimulation of the ovaries is optimal. Ovarian
estrogen production is dependent on presence and rhythmicity of FSH. Ovulation
and progesterone production are dependent on the midcycle LH surge. By
coupling FSH with estrogen and LH with progesterone we have a powerful
diagnostic tool to differentiate ovarian based from pituitary (brain)
based cycle irregularities. This is highly relevant in PMS, infertility
and early menopause-like symptoms. Elevated FSH does not always imply
low estrogen, it may indicate a desensitized axis from previous use of
birth control pills.
- Luteninizing Hormone (LH) x 5
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) x 5
Applications of the Female Hormone Panel
Detection of Luteal Phase Defect
There are at least three luteal phase defect patterns which are characterized by a reduced output of Progesterone that leads to Estrogen dominance. This imbalance is usually associated with PMS, infertility, fibroids and other female hormonal problems and can be readily detected by our panels.
Hormonal Imbalance and PMS
Many women suffer from hormonal imbalance in the Estrogen to Progesterone ratio. The Female Hormone Panels can objectively evaluate the hormonal state with great accuracy which, in turn, provides specific insights for appropriate intervention or treatment to relieve hormonal imbalance and PMS related symptoms.
Customized Hormone Therapy
Female hormone therapy is not normally individualized to the needs of each woman because current diagnostic tests do not provide sufficient data. Consequently, most women are empirically treated without regard to their individualized physiology and specific needs - a one size fits all approach. The Female Hormone Panel report analyzes hormone production trends and functional inter-relationships,
which facilitates customized treatments. Then, hormone replacement therapy
can go beyond package insert protocols and we can customize our natural and safe treatments to your individual profile.
Other Applications
The FHP can also be used to detect & monitor the following:
- Functional infertility
- Anovulation
- Influence of lifestyle (diet, exercise, etc.) on the cycle
- Menstrual problems originating in the brain
- Early pregnancy problems - spontaneous miscarriage
- Cycle irregularities, following the use of birth control pills
- Dysmenorrhea, i.e. painful and heavy periods
- Migraine headaches
- Endometriosis and cystic ovarian disease
- Early Osteoporosis
The FHP can be successfully used
in investigating the following:
- Risk Assessment of Breast and Uterine Diseases
- Ovulation problems
- Sexual differentiation problems
- Estrogen-progesterone imbalance
- Pituitary – ovarian axis dysfunction
- Functional infertility
- Miscarriage
- Polycystic ovarian disease
- Recurring headaches and hot flashes
- Libido problems
- Hirsutism
Advantages of the Female Hormone Panels
Convenience: requires no blood draws, therefore no repeated clinic visits and avoids the inconvenience of the 24 hour urine collection.
Economy: the fee for the 11 sample test is less than that of 2 blood determinations or a urine analysis for Estrogen and Progesterone.
Physiological Accuracy: research has demonstrated that the free hormone fraction predominates in saliva. Hormones can be found free or bound to protein. The free hormone fraction is very important to ascertain because it is the bioactive fraction that most significantly influences living cells. The salivary female hormone levels correlate at 93% with the free hormones in the tissues.
One or two blood determinations or a 24 hour analysis of urine for these hormones cannot give an idea of the ovaries' hormonal productivity. The FHP gives a good approximation of the ovarian capacity over a whole cycle.
 How
to Get the Test
Your test is ordered through me in my capacity as a Certified Nutritionist.
Call the number below or use our secure online shopping cart.
I'll have the test sent directly to you within a few days. A small
shipping and handling fee applies.
You send the necessary specimen to an independent laboratory.
The test results are sent to me and I forward a copy to you.
We'll then schedule a time to discuss the interpretations and implications of
the results and possible next steps appropriate
for you based on the information.
To Your Health,
Cycling Female Hormone Panel
Mapping throughout your cycle with 11 samples.
Includes:
- Progesterone x 11
- Estradiol x 11
- Testosterone cycle average
- DHEA and DHEA-S cycle average
The fee for the
Cycling Female Hormone Panel
Saliva Test
functional health test is
$323.
Expanded Cycling Female Hormone Panel
Includes the above plus:
- Luteninizing Hormone (LH) x 5
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) x 5
The fee for the
Expanded Cycling Female Hormone Panel
Saliva Test
functional health test is
$385.
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