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 | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
What Does This Test Measure?
Saliva — Core Female Hormone Panel (LC-MS/MS): Estradiol (E2), Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEAS, Cortisol.
5 markers — the foundational female hormonal assessment covering oestrogenic status, progesterone balance, androgen sufficiency, adrenal reserve, and the cortisol–sex hormone relationship in a single at-home saliva kit.
Related Symptoms
Irregular, heavy, or painful periods, PMS including mood swings, bloating or breast tenderness, perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms including hot flushes and night sweats, low libido or reduced sexual responsiveness, persistent fatigue or low energy despite adequate sleep, anxiety or emotional instability, poor sleep quality or night waking, weight gain particularly around the abdomen, fertility concerns, burnout or chronic stress, or feeling hormonally off despite normal standard blood test results.
Did You Know?
Progesterone decline begins years before oestrogen in perimenopause — making it the first hormonal shift most women experience, and the least likely to be detected by standard GP testing. The addition of cortisol and DHEAS in this panel reveals whether adrenal dysfunction — via pregnenolone steal and DHEAS depletion — is contributing to oestrogen dominance, low progesterone, and sex hormone decline independently of ovarian function. This adrenal–sex hormone interaction is entirely absent from standard blood panel assessment and is one of the most clinically important patterns in women’s hormonal health.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
- PMS — mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability
- Perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms — hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, or low mood
- Low libido or reduced sexual responsiveness
- Persistent fatigue or low energy despite adequate sleep
- Anxiety, depression, or emotional instability
- Difficulty sleeping or waking in the night
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially around the abdomen
- Fertility concerns or difficulty conceiving
- Symptoms of oestrogen dominance — bloating, breast tenderness, or heavy bleeding
- Burnout, chronic stress, or emotional exhaustion
- Currently on HRT or bioidentical hormones and wanting to monitor response
- Feeling hormonally off but told results are normal on standard blood tests
- Women aged 35+ wanting a comprehensive hormonal baseline
Why This Test Is Particularly Important for Women
- Saliva LC-MS/MS measures free, bioavailable estradiol and testosterone — the fractions actually driving symptoms; standard blood immunoassay measures total hormone including the protein-bound inactive fraction, which frequently masks clinically significant imbalances in women on HRT or with elevated SHBG
- The progesterone-to-estradiol ratio is the most clinically meaningful number in this panel — oestrogen dominance (low progesterone relative to estradiol) drives the majority of PMS, cycle irregularity, breast tenderness, and perimenopausal anxiety even when absolute estradiol appears within range
- DHEAS is the adrenal precursor to both oestrogen and testosterone in women — its inclusion reveals whether adrenal depletion is driving sex hormone decline independently of ovarian function, a distinction that determines whether adrenal or ovarian support is the appropriate clinical priority
- Cortisol and sex hormones are assessed together — chronic cortisol elevation suppresses progesterone via pregnenolone steal, impairs thyroid T3 conversion, and depletes DHEAS; identifying this pattern changes the clinical approach entirely
- Testosterone deficiency in women is systematically overlooked — low testosterone produces persistent fatigue, flat mood, reduced libido, and difficulty maintaining muscle tone; it becomes increasingly prevalent after age 35 and is rarely assessed by GP panels
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 at home following the detailed instructions — ideally on Day 19–21 of your cycle (7 days after ovulation) for optimal progesterone and estradiol capture; guidance for postmenopausal and HRT users is included
- 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, Testosterone, DHEAS, and Cortisol results with female life-stage-specific reference ranges
- Visual charts for all five hormones
- Progesterone-to-estradiol ratio, oestrogen dominance assessment, and cortisol–sex hormone interaction analysis 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, Testosterone, DHEAS, and Cortisol — five markers covering the core female hormonal picture including sex hormones, adrenal reserve, and the cortisol–sex hormone relationship.
When should I collect my sample during my menstrual cycle?
Day 19–21 of your cycle (approximately 7 days after ovulation) is optimal for capturing both estradiol and progesterone in context. Full timing guidance for irregular cycles, perimenopause, postmenopause, and HRT users is included in your kit.
Can I use this test if I am postmenopausal or on HRT?
Yes. This test is suitable for women at all life stages, including those on HRT, bioidentical hormones, or the contraceptive pill. It is particularly valuable for monitoring HRT response and identifying whether adrenal dysfunction is contributing to residual symptoms.
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.
