[Diagnostic and Functional Tests]


The Female Hormone Profile is a comprehensive salivary assessment of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone spanning a full 28-day period. Imbalances revealed in this profile can help illuminate root causes of disorders such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, and menstrual irregularities.


Research has long shown that fluctuating levels of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone play a key role in shaping the course of a woman’s menstrual cycle, as well as mood, sleep patterns, appetite, and sexual drive. Chronic imbalances of these hormones are implicated in disorders such as PMS, anovulation, infertility, amenorrhea, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer.

Laboratory evaluation of hormone imbalances typically involves a single serum measurement of sex hormones. While this approach may reveal a glaring deficiency or excess, it has the clear disadvantage of demonstrating hormone levels at only one point in time. In contrast, this Female Hormone Profile analyzes 11 saliva samples over a full 28-day period for levels of estradiol and progesterone. Testosterone is measured from the 28th day specimen. Levels of estradiol and progesterone, as well as the ratio between the two, are plotted on a graph, enabling the Naturopathic Doctor to observe levels throughout the month, as well as the relationship between the two hormones. Reference ranges are strictly based on women not using hormone supplements or oral contraceptives. Imbalances such as unopposed estrogen, high follicular progesterone, anovulation, and luteal phase defects are easily identified, providing clues about contributing factors to irregular cycles, infertility, PMS, and other chronic gynecological disorders.

Salivary hormone analysis offers another distinct advantage. It represents the free biovailable fraction of hormone, and may identify a functional deficiency or excess not apparent in a regular blood measurement. Several research studies have demonstrated the reliability of saliva testing for the evaluation of steroid hormones.

The Female Hormone Profile is appropriate for both premenopausal and perimenopausal women who are not currently supplementing with hormones. Perimenopause often spans a period of a year or more, during which time ovulatory cycles may be sporadic and hormone levels may fluctuate significantly before finally declining. The Comprehensive version of the Female Hormone Profile includes a circadian analysis of cortisol and melatonin, and an assay of DHEA, providing valuable information about the interrelationships between the various hormones.

 

     



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