Estriol is one of the three estrogens produced by the body. Although it's considered to have the least significance due to its weak estrogenic activity, it shouldn't be ignored. The hormone has beneficial effects for bone density, cardiovascular health, multiple sclerosis, and postmenopausal urinary tract health. However, just like the other hormones in your body, an abnormal level of Estriol can trigger some negative symptoms, such as those listed below.
This saliva estriol hormone imbalance testing service is particularly useful during pregnancy to know if your estriol levels are within the expected optimal range. Existing literatures mention that low levels of "unconjugated estriol" in pregnant women may indicate chromosomal or congenital anomalies like Down syndrome or Edward's syndrome. Monitoring your estriol level during pregnancy can somehow give you the peace of mind in terms of how your offspring is developing.
This testing service is likewise very helpful to you and your physician in determining if any observed complications are in any way associated with your levels of estriol. It aims to measure the levels of estriol available in tissues and not the circulatory levels within your body. It is accurate, convenient and totally safe to use.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Female Estriol Hormone Imbalance
Bone loss
Decreased fertility
Depression
Hot flashes
Heavy or painful periods
Irregular periods
Irritability
Memory lapses
Mood swings
Nervousness
Night sweats
Poor concentration
Sleep disturbances
Tender or fibrocystic breasts
Vaginal dryness
If you need to you can use CPT Code 82677 for billing purposes
*Most of these signs and symptoms are multigenic as well as multifactorial and may be associated with genetic, epigenetic, dietary and environmental factors and mediated by variation in certain hormones. A careful interpretation of results by your physician is suggested. Any form of self-therapy without consulting a licensed physician is highly discouraged.
Each service includes:- Symptom Checklist on Test Requisition Form
- Requisition Form to complete including your personal and medical history
- Pre-paid, Pre-addressed Return Packaging
- Vial(s) for collecting saliva
- Instructions for How to Use Saliva Collection Kit
Kindly note that the results of this hormone saliva test may not imply a causative effect due to hormonal changes.
Most of the hormones show a daily endogenous rhythmic variation in their levels and the results of a hormonal test would depend significantly on the time at which the test was taken. So, sampling just once would be inadequate to make any suggestive analysis! Ideally, it is suggested that such profiling should be done periodically at different times in a day for multiple days for obtaining suggestive data that is biologically meaningful.
Saliva Testing
Saliva based hormone level testing is a convenient way of testing steroid hormones. Since mid 1980s thousands of scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between steroid hormone levels in saliva and the amount of hormone in the blood that is active or "bioavailable."
Saliva testing can be done anywhere anytime. Blood based hormone testing that relies on blood drawn in the doctor's office makes it harder to obtain samples at specific times (such as in the early morning) or multiple times during the day. In addition, hormones in saliva are exceptionally stable and can be stored at room temperature for up to a week without affecting the accuracy of the result. This offers maximum flexibility in sample collection and shipment.
Advantages
- Saliva measures the free, "bioavailable" fraction of steroid hormones that have moved out of the bloodstream and into the tissue -- NOTE: Blood and urine measure "total" levels
- Saliva as a collection tool is a painless, noninvasive and needle-free (stress caused by a conventional blood draw can alter test results)
- Hormones are stable in saliva at room temperature up to three weeks allowing for worldwide shipment
- Transport of saliva samples to laboratory requires no special handling
- Less expensive than conventional hormone blood testing
- Ease of collection allows for routine monitoring of hormone levels and adjustment of hormone supplementation as needed.
Clinical Utility
Saliva testing can help providers:
- Identify hidden hormonal imbalances (deficiency or excess) associated with patient symptoms of menopause and andropause as well as reproductive disorders, chronic illness and diseases of aging
- Link clinical symptoms to specific hormone imbalance(s)
- Maintain health and prevent disease through early detection of any hormonal imbalance(s)
- Establish treatment to restore hormonal balance and patient quality of life
- Monitor patient hormone levels for "individualized" hormone replacement therapy
- Track patient progress with comparative history reports provided with follow-up testing
NOTE:
California State residents:
California State health law requires that the testing of any specimen collected or mailed from California be sent with a written order from a health care professional licensed in California to order laboratory tests. This includes the following disciplines: M.D.; D.C.; LAc; R.D.; D.O.; N.P.; and Pharmacists (R.PH). As of September 2002 (Senate Bill 577), such lab tests may be ordered by complementary or alternative health care practitioners "not providing services that require medical training."
New York State Residents
New York State health law prohibits the testing of specimens collected in or mailed from New York, and prohibits the transmission of data from ZRT Laboratory to NY physicians or residents. Therefore, direct receipt of lab results for NY residents is not possible.
No other states are affected.
Hormone Testing - Collection Instructions
If you do not have a PDF reader installed on your computer, please download
one of the PDF readers below, and follow the on-screen instructions:
Please note that we strongly suggest that you visit your personal doctor with your results. The report is a complimentary service and not intended to provide health advice.
International buyers are responsible for shipping the specimens back to the lab in the United States. TestCountry is not responsible for failed tests due to delays and/or miscollection of specimens.
The Chain of Custody Form is valid for one year after the date of purchase.