Test ID: SB-643F | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot + 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 & Children | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
What Does This Test Measure?
Saliva — 4-Point Cortisol: Morning, Noon, Evening, and Night Cortisol.
Blood Spot — Full Sex Hormone Panel (LC-MS/MS): Estradiol (E2), Estriol (E3), Estrone (E1), Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEAS, Cortisol, SHBG.
15 markers total — a clinically complete picture of sex hormone balance, adrenal stress response, oestrogen metabolism, and hormone bioavailability in a single at-home kit.
Related Symptoms
Persistent fatigue, PMS, heavy or irregular periods, breast tenderness, perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, low libido, unexplained weight gain, sugar cravings, brain fog, anxiety, insomnia, night sweats, acne, excess facial hair, scalp hair thinning, fertility difficulties, or symptoms of oestrogen dominance or PCOS.
Did You Know?
Two women with identical total hormone levels can have completely different symptoms depending on their SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin). High SHBG — driven by the contraceptive pill or oestrogen — binds testosterone and oestradiol, leaving insufficient free hormone for energy and libido. Low SHBG — common in PCOS and insulin resistance — releases excess free testosterone, driving acne, hair loss, and cycle irregularities. Without SHBG, total hormone results are clinically incomplete.
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 saliva at four time points (morning before 9am, noon, evening, night) and blood spot via finger-prick; cycle timing guidance is included
- Post your samples to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your full report by email within 3–5 working days
What You Receive
- All 15 marker results with female-specific reference ranges
- Visual charts for your 4-point cortisol curve and full sex hormone panel including SHBG
- Clinical interpretation of free vs bound hormone availability and your oestrogen-progesterone ratio
- Written interpretation 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
Why is SHBG important for women?
SHBG determines how much testosterone and oestradiol is free and active versus bound and unavailable. Without SHBG, total hormone results are clinically incomplete — a woman with high SHBG may have deficiency symptoms despite adequate hormone production, while low SHBG (common in PCOS) drives androgen excess symptoms despite normal total testosterone.
When in my cycle should I collect?
For most women, collection in the luteal phase (days 19–21 of a 28-day cycle) provides the most clinically meaningful progesterone and oestrogen values. Guidance is included in the kit.
Can I use this test if I am on HRT or the contraceptive pill?
Yes. Both significantly affect SHBG, oestradiol, and progesterone levels — which is precisely why a comprehensive panel including SHBG is more informative than standard blood tests for women on hormonal treatment.
Why measure cortisol at four time points?
A single cortisol measurement cannot distinguish between burnout, high reactivity, evening elevation, or night-time excess — each with different effects on progesterone, DHEAS, and SHBG. The 4-point profile captures the full adrenal daily rhythm.
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.
