Hormone Testing

 Which hormones should be tested and why?

  • Progesterone

    Called the anti-estrogen because it balances estradiol’s proliferative effects. It is considered preventive for breast and prostate cancers as well as osteoporosis. In addition, too little progesterone promotes depression, irritability, increased inflammation, irregular menses, breast tenderness, urinary frequency and prostate gland enlargement (BPH).

  • Estrogens

    There are three forms made by the body: estrone, estradiol and estriol. The form used in past hormone replacement therapies is estradiol, often in the form of concentrated pregnant mare’s urine (premarin). It is a proliferative (causes growth) hormone that grows the lining of the uterus. It is also a known cancer-causing hormone: breast and endometrial (uterine) in women and prostate gland in men. It will treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and memory-loss.

  • DHEA

    Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland and is an important hormone. It is essential for energy production and blood sugar balance. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.



  • Testosterone

    An anabolic hormone (builds tissue) that is essential for men and women. The proper level of testosterone is necessary for bone health, muscle strength, stamina, sex drive and performance, heart function and mental focus.

  • Cortisol

    Your waking day hormone (highest in the morning and lowest at night). It is necessary for energy production, blood sugar metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects and stress response.

  • Common Imbalances

    Some of the common imbalances identified through testing include estrogen dominance, estrogen deficiency, progesterone deficiency, androgen (testosterone and DHEA) excess or deficiencies, adrenal dysfunction and adrenal fatigue.

  • Hormones are powerful molecules essential for maintaining physical and mental health. We frequently think of estrogen as being a female hormone, and testosterone as being a male hormone.

    But men AND women make both, plus several more that need to be in balance for optimum health. An imbalance of any one hormone can throw your physical and mental health out of balance, causing aggravating and even serious health problems.

    One size does not fit all when it comes to hormones!

    For decades western medicine has prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy as if everyone needed the same thing and the same amount. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your hormones are like your fingerprints and in order to achieve optimal health, you need to know what your specific imbalances are.

    There are several ways to test for hormones(saliva, serum and urine), but the state-of-the-art method is through saliva. This is because only the active portions of hormones are measured and it is these portions that determine how individuals feel. So if your patient is seeking bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT), you’ll need to know active hormone levels. In addition, if using a topical (transdermal) hormone preparation for treatment, saliva testing is the most accurate tool to measure and monitor hormone status.

  • Both men and woman experience changes in hormone levels with age.  Sometimes those changes result in unpleasant symptoms that demand attention.  Often, the changes are more subtle yet there is still an impact on overall health.

    Hormone testing is applicable for:

    Men and women concerned with changing hormone levels as a result of age.

    Cycling women experiencing PMS symptoms, perhaps related to a hormonal imbalance.

    Peri and post-menopausal women concerned with their estradiol and progesterone levels for replacement considerations.

    Those wishing to monitor their hormone levels following replacement therapy (oral, sublingual or topical), and subsequently regulate their supplement levels.

    Anyone with symptoms involving fatigue, insomnia, stress, immunity problems, blood sugar problems, and overweight should be tested for cortisol levels as well as “sex” hormones.

    Men and women of any age who are having symptoms of hormone imbalances should test for all hormones that may be associated with their symptoms.  Men and women over the age of forty may want to do a baseline test.  Frequently imbalances will be detectable for a time period before symptoms gain attention.

  • Saliva Test Kits are available at our office. ( No appointment needed.) 

    This is covered by many insurances, even if you don’t have chiropractic coverage.  Check with your provider for coverage: procedure codes are: 82530, 82626, 82670,84144, 84402.  

    5 panel basic test is $225.  It tests Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, and Morning Cortisol; 8 panel is $360, which is recommended for those with sleep issues, in addition to the previous 5 tests, it tests Noon, Evening, and Night Cortisol.

    Still have questions?  Set up a 10 minute complimentary appointment with Dr. Adelee Dixon, or go to www.doctorsdata.com/Endocrinology