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): Oestradiol (E2), Testosterone (T), Progesterone (Pg), DHEAS (DS).
4 markers total — the four key hormones most directly responsible for hormonal acne in men, measured via bioavailable saliva.
Related Symptoms
Persistent acne on the face, back, chest, or shoulders beyond teenage years, acne that worsens during high stress or intense training, severe back or chest acne, acne after starting testosterone supplementation or TRT, oily skin and scalp, hair loss, acne alongside gynaecomastia or water retention, or adult acne unresponsive to skincare or antibiotics.
Did You Know?
Progesterone in men acts as a natural inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase — the enzyme that converts testosterone to the highly potent DHT. Low progesterone means more DHT reaches the skin, significantly amplifying sebum production and acne severity. Elevated DHEAS from chronic stress or overtraining raises the total androgenic load on the skin independently of testicular testosterone, which is why breakouts often worsen under pressure even when hormone blood tests appear normal.
Why This Test Is Particularly Important for Men
- Excess androgens stimulate sebum overproduction — testosterone and DHEAS bind to receptors in the skin’s oil glands, triggering excess sebum that clogs pores and drives bacterial overgrowth and inflammation
- Oestradiol imbalance worsens acne — too little oestradiol leaves androgen activity unchecked at the skin; too much disrupts the androgen–oestrogen balance and drives breakouts
- DHEAS drives adrenal acne independently of testosterone — elevated under chronic stress or adrenal overactivity, it raises the androgenic load even when testosterone appears normal
- Low progesterone allows DHT to dominate — without sufficient progesterone to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, DHT conversion from testosterone is unchecked at the sebaceous gland
- Hormonal acne concentrates on the face, back, chest, and shoulders — the androgen-sensitive zones with the highest density of sebaceous glands
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Persistent acne on the face, back, chest, or shoulders beyond teenage years
- Acne that worsens during periods of high stress or intense training
- Severe back or chest acne — a strong indicator of androgen excess
- Acne that appeared or worsened after starting testosterone supplementation or anabolic steroids
- Acne alongside oily skin and scalp, hair loss, or aggressive mood
- Acne alongside signs of high oestradiol: gynaecomastia, water retention, or reduced libido
- Adult acne that has not responded to skincare or antibiotic treatment
- Currently on TRT and experiencing acne as a side effect
- Acne alongside fatigue, low motivation, or mood changes
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 in the kit
- 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 male-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.
Can I use this test if I am on TRT?
Yes. This test is particularly valuable for men on TRT experiencing acne as a side effect, as it reveals whether the issue is testosterone excess, oestradiol elevation from aromatisation, or progesterone insufficiency.
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.
