Procedures for Determining Hormone Levels – Bioidentical Hormone Testing
The first step in treating hormonal imbalance is to determine current hormone levels. Unfortunately, accuracy of hormone testing varies widely - it is important make sure the test is performed by a competent and reliable laboratory, as well as to be sure of the type of test your doctor uses.
The two most common methods of hormone testing are saliva testing, where a small sample of saliva is used to determine specific hormone levels, and serum testing, in which a patient’s blood sample is analyzed.
Saliva Testing
Saliva testing has been extensively studied for over 30 years, and has been available to practitioners for more than a decade.
How it works:
Saliva testing correctly measures hormone levels at the cellular level. This is most accurate because it indicates the amount of biologically interactive form of each hormone, or the amount of hormone readily available for use by the body.
Saliva hormone testing can be used to test estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol.
Serum Testing
Unlike salvia testing, serum testing measures the amount of hormones in the blood. Serum hormone testing identifies the amount of “free” hormone, or hormone that can easily enter a cell, and “total” hormone, or hormone that is attached to other substances in the blood stream, and sometimes a combination of both free and total hormones.
Unfortunately, this type of testing has been shown to be much less accurate as it does not actually measure the active amount of hormones in organs and tissues. Additionally, the results of serum hormone testing can vary greatly from one test to the next.
One advantage of serum testing is that it is currently the only method for testing the thyroid. This can be done through blood collection, or a simple blood spot test.
Note:
It is extremely important to be aware of the type of bioidentical hormone testing you receive. Many physicians treating hormonal imbalance are only using serum testing. In many cases patients that are treated based on the results of serum testing that appear to be normal do not gain relief from symptoms pertaining to menopause, perimenopause, and andropause.
Our Practice
At Austin Wellness Clinic, our doctors use saliva hormone testing to ensure accuracy, and reduce stress of unnecessary blood draw, and when it comes to thyroid function and testing, we use a virtually painless blood spot test. We use only the best hormone testing facilities in the nation to ensure consistent, reliable results.
Call the Austin Wellness Clinic today to find out more about what our individualized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy programs can do to help you live your best life.
