• Sample required: 1 vial with 3 mL of saliva
• Lab reporting time: 3 - 4 days
• Also available with ESTRONE added (ask for BHD #209E)

Overview
This profile provides a snap shot of sex hormone levels from a single saliva collection. DHEA-S, estradiol, estriol, progesterone and testosterone are measured. This profile can be used both to establish baseline levels of sex hormones and also to monitor the efficacy of adjunctive hormone therapies.

Physiology
Estradiol, estriol and progesterone are “female” hormones that among other things regulate the menstrual cycle in pre-menopausal women. (Estradiol and estriol along with estrone are collectively known as the estrogens). When a woman’s adrenal function is compromised as a result of chronic stress, an outcome can be a reduction in sex hormones, with progesterone affected to a greater extent than the estrogens. (Refer to Functional Adrenal Stress Profile plus V (BHD # 205). Prior to menopause up to 30% of female hormones are produced in the adrenals, after menopause up to 50% are produced in the adrenals.

Testosterone is a “male” hormone which also in women maintains lean body mass, bone density, skin elasticity and libido. DHEA modulates many physiological processes, including the immune function in addition to being a precursor from which testosterone and the estrogens are formed.

Clinical Use
The Female Sex Hormone Profile (BHD #209) is used to assess sex hormone levels. This profile can be used both to establish baseline levels of sex hormones and also to monitor the efficacy of adjunctive hormone therapies.

Conditions Assessed
This profile assesses sex hormone imbalance. Examples include conditions resulting from inappropriate hormone replacement therapy, high or low libido, dysmenorrhea, premature menopause, feminization, and masculinization.

Logical Sequence of Testing
The logical sequence of using this test as an initial or as a follow-up test is determined by a variety of individual considerations, including the patient’s chief complaint, the array of signs and symptoms, the chronicity of the condition, the tests previously taken, and the judgment of the practitioner. Technical assistance is available from BioHealth Diagnostics’ support staff.