Estradiol, Saliva -TEST KIT

What is Estradiol?

Hormones are chemical messengers that are released into our bloodstream towards tissues and organs. With time, they work using different processes to ensure the proper growth and development of the body, a well-functioning metabolism, good sexual health, a well-functioning reproductive system and a well-maintained mood. These hormones are produced by glands. Your body has numerous endocrine glands. Aside from these glands, hormones can also be formed in the testes (in men) and ovaries (in women).

Estrogens are produced by fat cells and adrenal glands. They play a major role in the development of secondary sex characteristics and reproduction, among other functions. There are three types of estrogens: estrone, estradiol and estriol. Estradiol, specifically, helps growing and developing the uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and breasts. It also helps distributing fat in a woman ‘s body, and maintaining healthy bones and joints. This hormone is also important for men: it helps maintaining healthy sperm cells and keep sexual health well.

Hormones have too much power; and, only a small amount can make a big difference in your body. So, when you have a very high or very low level of these hormones, your body becomes a chaos and health conditions start arising. Hormones can be tested in the urine, blood or saliva.

Saliva testing has been a well adopted method to test hormones like estrogens and cortisol. It is a non-invasive collection method that consists of spitting in plastic tubes. As simple as it may sound, this test can be done at anytime and yield accurate results. When you test for hormones collecting your saliva, you are testing the portion of the hormone that is not bound to anything. Almost ninety five percent of steroid hormones in our blood are bound to proteins: carrier proteins. These are no longer available to target issues. Saliva testing measures the amount of the hormone that is available to target issues, and is not bound to any protein carrier. It measures bioavailable hormones. This estradiol saliva test measures the amount of unbound estradiol from saliva samples.

Why take the Estradiol Saliva test?

If you are on hormone therapy and need to monitor the changes of your hormones caused by your treatment, the estradiol saliva test is your best option. It is the simplest non invasive solution that allows you to take as much as needed samples. All you have to do is provide a saliva sample.

Estradiol test is needed if you have symptoms like bloating and swelling in your abdomen, trouble eating because you feel full quickly, pain in your pelvic area and have been losing weight for no apparent reason. The test is also recommended if you are a female who has abnormal menstrual periods, abnormal vaginal bleeding or are infertile. The test is a great diagnostic tool for men and women who have been showing signs of sex hormone developing abnormally. Teenagers who are having abnormalities in their puberty growth should get tested. Also, anyone experiencing low levels of estradiol need to find out the reason behind their imbalance.

What causes the levels of Estradiol Saliva to rise?

Your estradiol levels are affected by numerous factors. Some medications may alter your estradiol levels. These include birth control pills, estrogen therapy, glucocorticoids, phenothiazines and tetracycline antibiotics. Levels are vary depending on the menstrual cycle, in women.

What your Estradiol Saliva test results mean?

When estradiol is measured from a saliva sample, normal ranges for women are between 1.3 and 3.3 pg/ml during luteal phase, 0.5 and 1.3 pg/ml for postmenopausal women and 0.5-1.7 pg/ml for postmenopausal women. Between days 21 and 22, values are normally between 1.3 and 1.7 pg/ml.

If your estradiol levels are lower than normal ranges; then, you may have menopause, turner syndrome, ovarian failure, premature menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, depleted estrogen production, hypopituitarism and hypogonadism.

If your estradiol levels are higher than normal values; then, you may have early puberty, tumors in the ovaries and testes, gynecomastia, hyperthyroidism, and liver cirrhosis.

Where can I get an Estradiol Saliva test near me?

This test kit will be mailed to you via USPS. You will receive 4 saliva collection tubes as well as other materials in the test kit. Please review all instructions prior to performing this test. Depending on the tests ordered it may not be necessary to fill all 4 saliva tubes. All 4 saliva tubes must be filled if you have ordered any test that includes 4 cortisol tests. Kits should be shipped via USPS back to the laboratory in the enclosed packaging. Results take 1 to 2 weeks upon receipt of the specimen by the laboratory.

TEST COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS PDF

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Jan 29, 2020