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 Male Hormone Panel (LC-MS/MS): Testosterone, Estradiol (E2), DHEAS, Progesterone, Cortisol.
5 markers — the foundational male hormonal assessment covering androgenic status, adrenal reserve, oestrogen balance, and the cortisol–testosterone relationship in a single at-home saliva kit.
Related Symptoms
Low libido or erectile dysfunction, persistent fatigue or low energy, loss of muscle mass or poor gym recovery, increased body fat particularly around the abdomen or chest, poor sleep or night waking, low mood, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, reduced motivation, gynaecomastia or breast tenderness, burnout or overtraining, or symptoms of low testosterone with normal standard blood test results.
Did You Know?
Standard NHS blood testosterone panels measure total testosterone by immunoassay — including the protein-bound fraction 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 a normal total blood testosterone result with critically low free testosterone and full androgenic deficiency symptoms. This profile extends that assessment to include DHEAS — the adrenal testosterone precursor — and cortisol, revealing whether adrenal dysfunction and HPA axis dysregulation are contributing to the androgenic picture. Progesterone in men acts as a natural aromatase inhibitor, directly regulating testosterone-to-estradiol conversion — a mechanism completely absent from standard blood panel evaluation.
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
- Burnout, overtraining, or sustained high physical or psychological stress
- Plateaued training performance or poor recovery despite adequate rest
- Currently on TRT and wanting to monitor estradiol conversion and adrenal 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
- DHEAS is the primary adrenal testosterone precursor in men — its inclusion reveals whether adrenal depletion is contributing to androgenic decline independently of HPG axis function, a distinction that standard panels never make
- Cortisol and testosterone are assessed together — the cortisol-to-testosterone ratio is the most clinically useful marker of overtraining and stress-driven androgenic suppression available from a single test
- Estradiol must be measured alongside testosterone — excess estradiol from aromatase-driven conversion suppresses HPG axis testosterone output, causes gynaecomastia, and drives water retention; the testosterone-to-estradiol ratio is the most actionable number in this panel
- Progesterone is the natural aromatase inhibitor in men — low progesterone allows unchecked testosterone-to-estradiol conversion and is frequently the hidden driver of oestrogen dominance symptoms in men with plausible testosterone values
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
- Testosterone, Estradiol (E2), DHEAS, Progesterone, and Cortisol results with male-specific reference ranges
- Visual charts for all five hormones
- Testosterone-to-estradiol ratio, cortisol-to-testosterone ratio, 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?
Testosterone, Estradiol (E2), DHEAS, Progesterone, and Cortisol — five markers covering androgenic status, adrenal reserve, oestrogen balance, and the cortisol–testosterone relationship.
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, DHEAS adrenal reserve, and cortisol balance alongside their testosterone levels.
Is this test useful for athletes or men concerned about overtraining?
Yes. The cortisol-to-testosterone ratio is the most clinically informative marker of overtraining and under-recovery available from a single test, and DHEAS provides additional context on adrenal reserve under sustained training load.
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.
