Accurate and authoritative testing of hormone levels is important for the correct diagnostic of the body’s hormonal balance.

Steroid hormones circulate in the blood in an inactive form. The active form of hormones accounts for less than 5% of their total level and it affects the functioning of the entire body. Therefore, the measurement of steroids in a blood sample is too unreliable. To determine the actual state of the endocrine system, it is much better to determine only the active form of hormones in saliva samples.

Benefits of testing hormones in saliva:

• In saliva, hormones are not bound to proteins, so you can measure their actual levels in the body. The bound fraction is biologically inactive and is therefore only regarded as a reservoir.
• The collection of saliva as a diagnostic material is non-invasive and painless, and convenient for both young children and the elderly. It is also a good solution for people with so-called problematic veins, who often have to suffer several painful attempts to draw enough blood.
• Saliva can be collected by the Patient anywhere, also at home, without the need to travel to the laboratory’s collection point.

The steroid hormones that can be tested in a saliva sample include:

• Estradiol is the most important female hormone, it affects the condition of the skin, nails, and hair, the elasticity of blood vessels and protects against osteoporosis. Indications for the test: menopause, skin deterioration, hair loss, weight fluctuations, mood swings, malaise.
• Estriol is most important for pregnant or menopausal women, it is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy and the health of the mucosa. Indications for the test: menopause, dry mucous membranes, control of pregnancy health, and fetal health.
• Progesterone is a testosterone precursor and has strong bonds to the level of estradiol and thyroid hormones. Indications for the test: symptoms related to menopause, mood swings, weight gain, chronic fatigue, edema, acne.
• Testosterone is the most important hormone for males, it controls sex drive and is responsible for typically male sexual characteristics. High testosterone levels in women can indicate serious medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. The indications for the test for males are, among others, decreased sex drive, increase in adipose tissue and decrease in muscle mass and gynecomastia, while for females it’s the excessive body and facial hair and male-pattern hair loss.
• DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and is involved in the synthesis of estrogens and androgens. DHEA is also known as the youth hormone – its level decreases with age and also under the influence of prolonged stress. The indications for DHEA testing include, among others, a decrease in physical and mental well-being, susceptibility to infections, increased psychosomatic reactions in stressful situations, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders.
• Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. A high level of cortisol over a long period of time can weaken the immune system. The indications for the test are, for example, problems with weight gain and persistent acne, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome and excessive nervousness.
• Melatonin is a sleep hormone, the highest concentration of which is recorded at night. The indications for the test are sleep disorders, mood swings, and depression.

To maintain well-being and health, a hormonal balance in the body is essential. Preventive hormone tests should be performed at least once a year.

More information: info@biovis-lab.pl / + 48 538 460 916