Test ID: S-123 | Sample Type: Saliva | Technology: LC-MS/MS | Results Time: 3–5 Working Days After Laboratory Receives Sample | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Hormone Specialist Doctor Interpretation: Included | Suitable For: Adults and Children | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
What Does This Test Measure?
Saliva — Core Sex Hormones (LC-MS/MS): Estradiol (E2), Progesterone, Testosterone.
3 markers — the essential androgenic trio for assessing testosterone balance, estradiol excess, and progesterone-mediated regulation in men in a single at-home saliva kit.
Related Symptoms
Low libido, erectile dysfunction, persistent fatigue or low energy, loss of muscle mass or difficulty building strength, increased body fat particularly around the abdomen or chest, brain fog, poor concentration, low mood, anxiety, poor sleep quality, gynaecomastia or breast tenderness, or feeling hormonally off despite normal standard blood test results.
Did You Know?
Standard NHS testosterone blood tests measure total testosterone by immunoassay — including the fraction bound to proteins and unavailable to cells. Saliva LC-MS/MS measures free, bioavailable testosterone — the fraction actually reaching tissues and driving androgenic function. A man with elevated SHBG can have normal total testosterone but critically low free testosterone, with full androgenic deficiency symptoms. This is the distinction that standard blood panels miss and that this test reveals. Progesterone in men is the most commonly overlooked marker: it is a natural aromatase inhibitor, directly preventing excess testosterone-to-estradiol conversion, and low progesterone is frequently the hidden driver of oestrogen dominance symptoms in men with otherwise plausible testosterone levels.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Low libido or reduced sexual interest
- Erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual performance
- Persistent fatigue or low energy despite adequate sleep
- Loss of muscle mass or difficulty building strength
- Increased body fat, especially around the abdomen or chest
- Brain fog, poor concentration, or reduced motivation
- Low mood, irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Poor sleep quality or difficulty staying asleep
- Symptoms of andropause, typically from age 35+
- Gynaecomastia or breast tenderness (possible sign of elevated estradiol)
- Currently on TRT and wanting to monitor estradiol conversion and progesterone balance
- Feeling hormonally off but told results are normal on standard blood tests
Why This Test Is Particularly Important for Men
- Saliva LC-MS/MS measures free, bioavailable testosterone — the fraction actually reaching cells and driving libido, muscle, and mood; a man with high SHBG can have normal total blood testosterone but critically low free testosterone with full androgenic deficiency symptoms
- Estradiol must be measured alongside testosterone in men — excess estradiol from aromatase-driven testosterone conversion suppresses HPG-axis testosterone production, causes gynaecomastia, drives water retention, and impairs sexual function; the testosterone-to-estradiol ratio is the most clinically actionable number in this panel
- Progesterone is the natural regulator of male estradiol balance — acting as a direct aromatase inhibitor, low progesterone allows unchecked testosterone-to-estradiol conversion and is frequently the hidden driver of oestrogen dominance symptoms in men with plausible testosterone values
- This is the most appropriate starting panel for men with suspected androgen deficiency, early andropause, or TRT-related estradiol monitoring needs — capturing the three markers that must be interpreted together
Not Sure Which Test Is Right for You?
Email us at info@hormonelab.co.uk with your gender, age, symptoms, medications, and any current treatments. We will forward your enquiry to our doctors and respond within 24 hours.
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered directly to your door
- Collect your saliva sample in the morning (ideally 7–9am), when testosterone is naturally at its peak, before eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth
- Post your sample to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your full report by email within 3–5 working days
What You Receive
- Estradiol (E2), Progesterone, and Testosterone results with male-specific reference ranges
- Visual charts for all three hormones
- Testosterone-to-estradiol ratio interpretation and progesterone–estradiol balance assessment by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Personalised next-step recommendations
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
- Pioneers of at-home dried blood spot (DBS) and saliva hormone testing
- Advanced LC-MS/MS technology for clinical-grade accuracy
- Qualified for the CDC Hormone Standardization (HoSt) Program
- Personalised reference ranges based on age and sex
Through our partnership with ZRT Laboratory, Hormone Lab UK delivers internationally recognised, research-backed hormone testing to people across the UK and Europe — from the comfort of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hormones does this test measure?
Estradiol (E2), Progesterone, and Testosterone — the three core sex hormone markers for assessing androgenic balance and estradiol regulation in men.
When should I collect my sample?
Collect in the morning, ideally between 7–9am, when testosterone is naturally at its daily peak. Full collection instructions are included in your kit.
Can I use this test if I am on TRT?
Yes. This test is particularly valuable for men on TRT wanting to monitor estradiol conversion and progesterone balance alongside their testosterone levels.
Why is saliva better than blood for these hormones?
Saliva LC-MS/MS measures free, bioavailable hormone — the fraction actually active at the cellular level. Standard blood tests measure total hormone including the protein-bound, inactive fraction, which can mask clinically significant imbalances.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. There are no additional charges. You are only responsible for posting your sample to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.
