Why Saliva Testing?

When looking at hormone levels in the body, a common method used is by taking a blood test that measures the blood serum or blood plasma content of the hormones. These tests are irrelevant because the bioavailable “free” hormone is not soluble in serum. Bioavailable sex hormones circulate in the blood via fatty substances such as red blood cell membranes and are not found in the serum.

Hormones made by the ovaries, testes, and the adrenals are wrapped in protein envelopes called either SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) or CBG (cortisol-binding globulin) so that they can be carried in the blood. These protein-bound hormones are not fully biologically active. The more important and more relevant hormone levels are the 1-10% that are unbound and therefore biologically active. Saliva contains only the unbound, biologically active hormone molecules.

The non-protein-bound hormone molecule, when circulating through the saliva tissue, will filter directly into the saliva, whereas protein-bound (non-bioavailable) hormone does not. Thus, saliva levels reflect tissue levels of sex hormones whereas the serum tests do not.

For example, Progesterone..

Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. It is extremely important for women’s health, and it plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system including the menstrual cycle and fertility, as well as the development of the fetus and the maintenance of pregnancy.

Imbalances of progesterone levels may cause infertility, an increased risk of miscarriage, increased PMS symptoms, depression, thyroid dysfunction, fibrocystic breasts, weight gain and irregular menstrual cycle. But how do you know if you have low progesterone to be able to fix it? By having a saliva test!

Saliva testing is quicker, less expensive, less painful, and a more reliable way to measure hormone levels and test for hormone deficiencies. In other words, blood tests are useless in determining hormonal imbalances and Saliva testing has to be performed.

Fortunately, there are many natural ways to increase progesterone levels and maintain a proper hormonal balance in your body. Once you know where you levels are low, you can then take action with natural herbs or creams and a good diet to get them back where they should be.

Call us today and set up your appointment to get your saliva testing done now! 281-616-3816