Why Saliva Tests?

Customers often ask why we utilize saliva hormone testing.  There are many reasons, but reliability, accuracy of measuring available hormones and convenience are three of the main reasons we utilize this tool.  Saliva testing has been FDA approved for many uses from recovering DNA information, disease markers, hormones and even bone density monitoring for astronauts at NASA.  It has been scientifically established as a highly accurate way to measure hormone levels equivalent to conventional blood testing.  In 2012, over 600 studies were published in peer-reviewed journals using saliva analysis of hormones.  I am going to turn this over to Anita Hester, RN and our BHRT Specialist, to explain this further.

The basic testing kits we offer are from a well respected company called ZRT Laboratory.   They are safe, easy, non-invasive and accurate in measuring estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol.  Founded by Dr. David Zava in 1998, ZRT is staffed by trained laboratory technicians, scientists, and doctors.  Dr. Zava was educated right here in Memphis at the UTHSC. He has a Ph.D in Bio-chemistry, and is an internationally known speaker and author on hormone imbalance, bio-identical hormone therapy, saliva testing, and breast cancer research.  ZRT is dedicated to research and testing, and also focuses on education of patients as well as practitioners.

So how can a saliva test be more accurate than a blood test?  We believe that saliva testing can be more accurate than blood testing because it evaluates only the hormones available for the body to use versus a blood test which tests all hormones in the blood.  The salivary hormone levels more closely relate to symptoms that patients feel such as hot flashes, fatigue, low libido and more.

Regular saliva testing is important to keep hormones at optimal levels to help reduce risks of certain types of cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and dementia just to name a few.  As we age, our bodies and hormones needs change.  Patients who get regular testing have the best results.  Patients on the same dose of hormones for several years without regular testing are often experiencing symptoms and don’t realize that it is related to an imbalance.  Our bodies gradually got used to the symptoms that first brought us to the point of seeking help with our hormones.  In most cases patients don’t realize just how poorly they feel until their energy and vitality bounce back once hormone therapy is initiated.

Here is an example of saliva test results so you may see the comparison between testing:

Saliva testing is convenient and easy.  No need for a doctor’s appointment since samples are collected by the patient at home, allowing convenient timing of collection especially for measuring cortisol which sometimes is measured at specific times of the day or night. Everything is provided in the kit.  You simply follow the instructions provided to collect your sample, and drop it off at any UPS store.  It usually takes about a week for us to receive the results.  You will be notified when it is time to schedule a consult to discuss them and a customized plan for balancing your hormones will be designed specifically for you.

Do you have more questions about balancing hormones?  Comment below or give us a call.  For a more thorough explanation of saliva testing contact anita@regelpharmalab.com.