Saliva Testing

Saliva testing is an excellent tool to measure the level of steroid hormones in the body. Saliva concentration represents the free form of a particular hormone, thus is a true reflection of its bioactivity. The most common saliva tests that I give are the female hormone panel and the post menopause hormone panel.

The female hormone panel is crucial for women that are having troubles conceiving. The test measures hormone levels throughout all three phases of a woman's cycle. 11 saliva samples are taken throughout the cycle. The first cycle follicular phase starts with the onset of menstrual blood flow and is of variable length. This phase is normally characterized by both low Estrogen and Progesterone output. The ovulation phase is 1 to 3 days long and the human ovum (egg) is released in this phase. This phase is characterized by high estrogen levels. The luteal phase is rather constant in length, 12-14 days, and ends with menses. Compared to the follicular phase, the luteal phase is characterized by high Progesterone concentrations and a moderate increase in Estrogens. Estradiol and Progesterone affect several target organs involved in a successful conception and pregnancy.

Applications of the Female Hormone PanelT

Detection of Luteal Phase Defect

There are at least three luteal phase defect patterns which are characterized by a reduced output of Progesterone that leads to Estrogen dominance. This imbalance is usually associated with PMS, infertility, fibroids and other female hormonal problems and can be readily detected by our panels.

Hormonal Imbalance and PMS

Many women suffer from hormonal imbalance in the Estrogen to Progesterone ratio. Our panels can objectively evaluate the hormonal state with great accuracy which, in turn, provides specific insights for appropriate intervention or treatment to relieve hormonal imbalance and PMS related symptoms.

Customized Hormone Therapy

Presently, female hormone therapy is not individualized to the needs of each woman because current diagnostic tests do not provide sufficient data. Consequently, most women are empirically treated without regard to their individualized physiology and specific needs. The FHP,T for the first time, will allow a clinician to customize therapy to each female patient.

Other Applications

The FHPT can also be used to detect & monitor the following:

Post-Menopause Panel

Literally, menopause means the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycle and signals the end of a woman's natural childbearing years. Menopause is neither a disease nor an illness, it is a natural and usually gradual change in glandular function. It has its origins in the beginning of menses and culminates in a series of hormonal changes that result in the cessation of menstrual flow. This transition produces a variety of bodily manifestations and symptoms, and is due to changes in production of hormones and the timing of their release.

Various body parts undergo change and can produce one or more of the following symptoms:

Endocrine

Nervous system

Metabolic changes

Hormones are powerful substances that control multiple functions throughout the body. Hormone levels should be sufficient and balanced. Too much or too little of them is not conducive to long-term emotional, mental and bodily health. By not measuring the hormones before and after treatment your hormone picture is, at best, an educated guess, since hormone levels from woman to woman can vary 200 - 1,500%. In fact many women need only one hormone, while others require 3 or 4 different kinds. Just as you cannot balance your bank account without numbers on your bank statements, hormone testing provides both a basis for treatment and proximity to your goal.

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