Test ID: S-124 | 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
What Does This Test Measure?
Saliva — 4 Hormones (LC-MS/MS): Estradiol (E2), Testosterone (T), Progesterone (Pg), DHEAS (DS).
4 markers total — the four key hormones most directly responsible for hormonal acne in the female body, measured via bioavailable saliva.
Related Symptoms
Acne that worsens before or during a period, breakouts concentrated on the lower face, jaw, chin, or neck, persistent adult acne unresponsive to skincare or antibiotics, acne alongside irregular or painful periods, acne that worsened after stopping the contraceptive pill, PCOS, perimenopausal acne, acne during periods of high stress, excess facial hair, oily skin or scalp, or PMS with mood swings.
Did You Know?
Hormonal acne in women is not a skin problem — it is a visible symptom of internal hormonal imbalance. Even mildly elevated testosterone, or normal testosterone in the context of low oestradiol, stimulates excess sebum production, clogs pores, and drives the inflammation that produces breakouts. Treating the skin without addressing the hormonal root cause rarely produces lasting results.
Why This Test Is Particularly Important for Women
- Hormonal acne follows the menstrual cycle — classically worsening in the luteal phase when progesterone peaks and oestradiol drops
- It concentrates on the lower face, jaw, and chin — the androgen-sensitive zones most reactive to testosterone and DHEAS fluctuations
- It persists or worsens into the 30s and 40s as oestrogen declines relative to androgens during perimenopause
- It is strongly associated with PCOS — characterised by elevated androgens, insulin resistance, and suppressed progesterone
- Elevated DHEAS from chronic stress drives acne independently of ovarian hormones — explaining why breakouts worsen during high-stress periods even when cycle hormones appear normal
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Acne that worsens before periods or in the second half of the cycle
- Breakouts concentrated on the lower face, jaw, chin, or neck
- Persistent adult acne that has not responded to skincare or antibiotics
- Acne alongside irregular, painful, heavy, or absent periods
- Diagnosed or suspected PCOS
- Acne that worsened during perimenopause or after stopping the contraceptive pill
- Acne alongside excess facial or body hair, hair thinning, or oily skin and scalp
- Acne that worsens during periods of high stress
- Wanting to understand the hormonal root cause before or instead of medication
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 following the detailed instructions provided; cycle timing guidance is included (luteal phase, days 19–21, is generally recommended)
- 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
- All four hormone results with female-specific reference ranges
- Graphical and numerical hormone data for easy interpretation
- Written interpretation of your specific hormonal acne pattern by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Personalised treatment and lifestyle guidance
- 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
Why saliva instead of blood?
Saliva measures bioavailable (free, active) hormones — the fraction actually reaching your skin cells and sebaceous glands. Blood tests measure total hormone including the bound, inactive fraction, which can miss the imbalances most relevant to acne.
When in my cycle should I collect?
Collection during the luteal phase (days 19–21 of a 28-day cycle) is generally recommended for the most clinically useful results. Detailed guidance is included in your kit.
Can I use this test if I am on the contraceptive pill or HRT?
Hormonal medication can significantly alter results. Follow the timing guidance in the kit or consult your clinician before testing while on hormonal medication.
Will a specialist review my report?
Yes. A Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor adds personalised commentary to every report.
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 samples to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.
