Saliva hormone tests are used to check hormone levels in saliva, but caution is advised as not all tests are equal and they are not designed for home diagnosis. Blood tests are considered more accurate. Saliva tests can be used for quick assessments and ongoing monitoring, but multiple tests may be needed. Saliva tests are cheaper and less invasive than blood tests, but over-the-counter kits may not be reliable.
A saliva hormone test is a laboratory test used to check hormone levels in saliva. Such tests may be offered in hospitals and clinics, and home tests are also available. Some caution is advised with saliva hormone testing because not all tests are created equal and these tests are not designed for home treatment and diagnosis. People who have hormonal abnormalities should be treated by an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in treating disorders related to the endocrine system.
Saliva, like other bodily fluids, contains traces of hormones. Blood tests are generally considered the gold standard of hormone testing because they provide highly accurate information about hormone levels at any given time. Urine and saliva can be used for testing, but are not always accurate. The results of a saliva hormone test aren’t typically used to do things like adjust medication regimens, but they can be used for quick assessments and ongoing monitoring of patients.
One situation where a saliva hormone test is actually preferred over a blood test is in diagnosing patients with Cushing’s syndrome, an endocrine condition that causes an overproduction of cortisol. A salivary cortisol test can be performed using an evening saliva sample, when cortisol levels should be low. If the test reveals high levels, it is a sign that the patient is producing too much cortisol and that the body’s circadian rhythms have been altered.
In a saliva hormone test, a sample of your saliva is taken with a probe or swab. The saliva sample can be tested for common hormone levels. It’s important to be aware that all hormone tests provide a snapshot, not definitive information about hormone levels, because hormones fluctuate throughout the day and over time. It may take multiple tests to gather a set of data, and because test results can vary, it’s important to use a consistent test method so that results can be compared.
If a saliva hormone test is recommended, there are some benefits for the patient. These tests are cheaper than blood tests and are also less invasive. Results can be obtained rapidly, and in some settings a quick reading with a saliva hormone test may be appropriate for patient treatment and care. Patients should be aware that over-the-counter kits are of variable quality and may not provide consistent, reliable results, even when used as directed.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
