Proper Testing Is Vital To Your Recovery
There is a great deal of confusion about testing for hormonal issues. Typically, if a woman presents with varied complaints that are significant for hormonal issues, i.e. thyroid, PMS, heavy bleeding, cramping, hot flashes, etc., a medical doctor will order a routine bound blood test. These tests are not adequate for targeting functional endocrine problems. It isn't that they're not accurate, they are, but they simply don't measure the information that is needed to identify your physiological imbalances.
It is important to understand the difference between 'bound' hormone and 'free' hormone tests.
Bound hormone tests only the amount of inactive hormone the body has in reserve.
Free hormone tests the amount of unbound hormone being used by the body.
Obviously, for functional endocrine issues we want to know how much physiologically active hormone the body is utilizing. Serum 'free' blood tests do test for this form of hormone, however, it is not often done because it is quite expensive. Saliva testing can measure the same hormones for 20-30% less than serum free tests.
For a description of the saliva tests we use, please click on your area of interest below.