Saliva Testing for Hormones: Accurate, Convenient, and At-Home
How Does Saliva Testing Work?
Saliva testing is a simple, convenient, and highly accurate way to measure your hormone levels. ZRT Laboratory makes it easy with at-home test kits that include everything you need for collection. You can order your kit online or by phone (restrictions may apply). Once your sample is collected, simply place the filled tube(s) and completed paperwork into the pre-addressed, pre-paid packaging and return it using the included mailer bag. When ZRT receives your sample, results are typically available within 5 to 7 business days and sent directly to you or your healthcare provider.
What Hormones Can Be Tested in Saliva?
ZRT’s saliva tests measure seven key hormones:
- Estradiol (E2)
- Estrone (E1)
- Estriol (E3)
- Progesterone (Pg)
- Testosterone (T)
- DHEA-S
- Cortisol (C)
How Accurate is Saliva Testing?
Saliva testing has been used in scientific research for decades and is recognised as a highly accurate method for assessing hormone levels. Unlike blood or urine tests, saliva testing measures the free, bioavailable hormones—the hormones actively working at the cellular level. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between hormone levels in the bloodstream and those detected in saliva. Researchers such as Peter T. Ellison, Ph.D., from Harvard University, have used saliva testing extensively to study hormone variations in different populations. In addition, saliva testing is particularly effective for monitoring hormones delivered through skin-based therapies like creams, gels, or patches, offering a clearer picture of tissue uptake and response.
Which saliva tests will give me a comprehensive picture of my hormone levels?
Our basic panel, Female/Male Saliva Profile I, includes estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol. This will give you an overall sense of hormonal balance or imbalance as these five hormones work closely together.
Female/Male Saliva Profile II provides a more comprehensive idea of hormonal interactions. Of the four tubes included in this kit, two are used: one large tube for testing all the hormones of the basic panel (Female/Male Saliva Profile I discussed above), and a smaller tube for collecting a cortisol sample at bedtime as well. This panel is recommended for those with mild to moderate symptoms of fatigue, stress, sleep disturbance, allergies, and food cravings.
With severe symptoms, Female/Male Saliva Profile III, the most comprehensive of our saliva panels, is recommended. This test analyses complete adrenal function by testing cortisol levels throughout the day. The Female/Male Saliva Profile III test kit contains four tubes, one large tube for testing all the hormones of the basic panel in the morning, and three small tubes for noon, evening, and bedtime collections of cortisol.
Should I test estriol and/or estrone?
Estradiol is the most predominant and potent estrogen, so it is the one most commonly measured in testing. Estrone and estriol are usually only tested in individuals who are supplementing with these hormones.