Saliva Testing
Is Saliva Testing Right for Me?
Over the past several decades, research has shown that saliva can be used to measure the free or “unbound” biologically active fraction of steroid hormones as they appear in the bloodstream.
Saliva testing is a convenient, inexpensive, and above all, accurate means of testing steroid hormones. Scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between steroid hormone levels in saliva and the amount of hormone in the blood that is active or "bio-available." It is this fraction of total hormone that is free to enter the target tissues in the brain, uterus, skin, and breasts.
Saliva testing can be done anywhere anytime. Testing that relies on blood drawn in the doctor's office makes it harder to obtain samples at specific times (such as in the early morning) or multiple times during the day. In addition, hormones in saliva are exceptionally stable and can be stored at room temperature for up to a week without affecting the accuracy of the result. This offers maximum flexibility in sample collection and shipment.
Saliva tests are available to measure levels of Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S and Cortisol.
For more information and to order saliva test kits please see the following article “Saliva Testing of Hormones”.
Saliva testing is a convenient, inexpensive, and above all, accurate means of testing steroid hormones. Scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between steroid hormone levels in saliva and the amount of hormone in the blood that is active or "bio-available." It is this fraction of total hormone that is free to enter the target tissues in the brain, uterus, skin, and breasts.
Saliva testing can be done anywhere anytime. Testing that relies on blood drawn in the doctor's office makes it harder to obtain samples at specific times (such as in the early morning) or multiple times during the day. In addition, hormones in saliva are exceptionally stable and can be stored at room temperature for up to a week without affecting the accuracy of the result. This offers maximum flexibility in sample collection and shipment.
Saliva tests are available to measure levels of Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S and Cortisol.
For more information and to order saliva test kits please see the following article “Saliva Testing of Hormones”.
Hormones tested in saliva:
- Estradiol (E2)
- Estrone (E1)
- Estriol (E3)
- Progesterone (pg)
- Testosterone (T)
- DHEA-S (Ds)
- Cortisol (C)
Susan Recommends. .
Saliva testing for a baseline measure of hormone levels, then regular follow-up testing to monitor and adjust hormone replacement therapies.
Recommended testing schedule:
*initial (prior to treatment), then
*in 3 months, then
*every 6-12 months thereafter
Recommended testing schedule:
*initial (prior to treatment), then
*in 3 months, then
*every 6-12 months thereafter
Saliva Testing for Hormones
In the past 20-30 years a number of research studies have validated saliva as a diagnostic medium to measure the free or "unbound" biologically active fraction of steroid hormones(estrogen,progesterone,etc.) in the bloodstream. The World Health Organization has been using saliva testing for over 15 years. The steroid hormones most extensively studied in saliva are: Estrogens (Estradiol, Estrone, and Estriol), Progesterone, Androgens (DHEA and Testosterone), and Cortisol.
Some ADVANTAGES of saliva testing compared to serum testing:
Some ADVANTAGES of saliva testing compared to serum testing:
- Saliva shows the free, unbound fraction of steroid hormones in the bloodstream-it is these biologically active fractions that are bio-available to the tissues throughout the body.Blood and urine tests measure total levels.
- Collection times can be more optimal which is very important for baseline hormone testing and assessment of HRT dosing. Note: Some hormones naturally fall by 50-90% during the course of the day so collection time is important. Hormone production is optimal in the morning and less susceptible to variation caused by stress, eating and drinking, and exercise.
- Painless, noninvasive, simple, safe, and needle-free.
- Private and convenient for both the patient and doctor.
- Hormones are stable in saliva at room temperature for 7-10 days.
- Transport of saliva to laboratory by regular US mail.
- Less expensive than blood testing.
Which Tests are Included in the Complete Thyroid Profile?
TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TSH is produced by the pituitary and acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate production of T4. Higher than normal TSH can indicate a disorder of the thyroid gland, while low TSH can indicate over-production of T4, which acts in a negative feedback on the pituitary to reduce TSH production. Low TSH can also be caused by problems in the pituitary gland itself, which result in insufficient TSH being produced to stimulate the thyroid (secondary hypothyroidism).
Free T4 – Thyroxine
The predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland. An inactive hormone, T4 converts to T3 within cells. Free T4 is the non-protein-bound fraction of the T4 circulating in the blood, representing about 0.04% of the total circulating T4, which is available to tissues. Low TSH combined with low T4 levels indicates hypothyroidism, while low TSH and high T4 levels indicates hyperthyroidism. High TSH and low T4 indicates a thyroid gland disease, such as thyroiditis.
Free T3 – Triiodothyronine
The active thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolic activity of cells. Free T3 is the non-protein-bound fraction circulating in the blood, representing about 0.4% of the total circulating T3, which is available to tissues. Elevated T3 levels are seen in hyperthyroid patients, but levels can be normal in hypothyroid patients.
TPO – Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme used by the thyroid gland in the manufacture of T4. In patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (predominantly Hashimoto’s disease), the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, and levels of these antibodies in blood can diagnose this condition and indicate the extent of the disease.
TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TSH is produced by the pituitary and acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate production of T4. Higher than normal TSH can indicate a disorder of the thyroid gland, while low TSH can indicate over-production of T4, which acts in a negative feedback on the pituitary to reduce TSH production. Low TSH can also be caused by problems in the pituitary gland itself, which result in insufficient TSH being produced to stimulate the thyroid (secondary hypothyroidism).
Free T4 – Thyroxine
The predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland. An inactive hormone, T4 converts to T3 within cells. Free T4 is the non-protein-bound fraction of the T4 circulating in the blood, representing about 0.04% of the total circulating T4, which is available to tissues. Low TSH combined with low T4 levels indicates hypothyroidism, while low TSH and high T4 levels indicates hyperthyroidism. High TSH and low T4 indicates a thyroid gland disease, such as thyroiditis.
Free T3 – Triiodothyronine
The active thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolic activity of cells. Free T3 is the non-protein-bound fraction circulating in the blood, representing about 0.4% of the total circulating T3, which is available to tissues. Elevated T3 levels are seen in hyperthyroid patients, but levels can be normal in hypothyroid patients.
TPO – Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme used by the thyroid gland in the manufacture of T4. In patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (predominantly Hashimoto’s disease), the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, and levels of these antibodies in blood can diagnose this condition and indicate the extent of the disease.
| Saliva Testing Validity Statement |
References:
- www.zrtlab.com
This information must be read and signed prior to receiving a saliva test kit.
| saliva_test_and_consult_information8-11.pdf |
| suggested_blood_testing.doc |
| 8_things_every_comprehensive_thyroid_evaluation_should_check_for.doc |
| low_thyroid_quiz.xls |
| salivary_hormone_testing_sheryl_sellman_nd.doc |
NY State residents:
New York State health law prohibits the testing of blood spot specimens collected in or mailed from New York and prohibits the transmission of blood spot laboratory data to NY physicians or residents.
All Testers:
You will be submitting health information and ordering tests for informational purposes only. For hormone tests, a contracted licensed physician will review your request and authorize the testing service you are purchasing. You are responsible for taking the test to your primary care physician for any additional interpretation and neither the physician authorizing the test, nor the lab, nor Murray Avenue Apothecary are diagnosing or treating any condition through your use of this service.
New York State health law prohibits the testing of blood spot specimens collected in or mailed from New York and prohibits the transmission of blood spot laboratory data to NY physicians or residents.
All Testers:
You will be submitting health information and ordering tests for informational purposes only. For hormone tests, a contracted licensed physician will review your request and authorize the testing service you are purchasing. You are responsible for taking the test to your primary care physician for any additional interpretation and neither the physician authorizing the test, nor the lab, nor Murray Avenue Apothecary are diagnosing or treating any condition through your use of this service.
Legal Notice: The Author specifically invokes the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. The information written is published for informational purposes only under the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution for the United States of America, and should not in any way be used as a substitute for the advice of a physician or other licensed health care practitioner. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products discussed herein are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Images, text and logic are copyright protected. ALL rights are explicitly reserved without prejudice, and no part of this essay may be reproduced except by written consent.
©2010 by Susan Merenstein, Pharmacist and Owner of Murray Avenue Apothecary.
©2010 by Susan Merenstein, Pharmacist and Owner of Murray Avenue Apothecary.
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