Quick Facts
- Sample: Saliva and dried blood spot (finger stick)
- Fasting: Not required; morning collection recommended
- Turn-around: 5-7 business days after lab receipt. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- High-precision hormone measurement using advanced LC-MS/MS technology
- At-home collection with no phlebotomy needed for saliva samples
- Clear reference ranges adjusted for age, sex, and menstrual status
- Supports monitoring of hormone replacement therapy effectiveness
- Helps identify hormone imbalances affecting energy, mood, and libido
Who Is This Test For?
- Women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms
- Adults with persistent fatigue, low energy, or mood changes
- People on hormone replacement therapy needing effectiveness monitoring
- Men concerned about low testosterone or age-related androgen decline
- Individuals with irregular menstrual cycles or fertility concerns
- Anyone managing PCOS, adrenal dysfunction, or chronic stress effects
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order and receive your kit: Purchase online and receive prepaid packaging with clear collection instructions tailored to your sample type.
- Collect samples at home: Provide a morning saliva sample and optional finger-stick blood spot in a comfortable, private setting without clinic visits.
- Mail and review results: Send samples back in prepaid packaging; receive your report within 5–7 business days with personalized reference ranges.
FAQ
What is the purpose of this test? It evaluates seven key sex hormones (estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol) plus SHBG to identify imbalances affecting fatigue, mood, libido, weight, and menstrual regularity (Mayo Clinic 2023, Endocrine Society 2024).
Who would benefit from this test? Adults with suspected hormone imbalance, people on hormone therapy, perimenopausal and menopausal women, men with possible low testosterone, and anyone experiencing persistent symptoms related to hormonal changes.
Do I need to stop my hormone therapy before testing? No. ZRT reference ranges are adjusted for supplementation, so you typically continue therapy. However, follow your clinician's guidance if they prefer a baseline off-therapy measurement.
How is saliva testing different from blood tests? LC-MS/MS saliva assays measure bioavailable hormone levels at the tissue level with excellent sensitivity at low concentrations and reduced cross-reactivity. Serum tests remain the diagnostic standard; saliva is ideal for monitoring therapy (ZRT Lab 2024).
What if my results are outside the normal range? Values outside reference ranges don't automatically indicate disease. Your provider will correlate results with symptoms, medical history, and possibly order confirmatory serum tests (ACOG 2023, Endocrine Society 2024).
When should I retest after starting hormone therapy? Re-testing is typically recommended after 3–6 months to assess response and adjust dosing if needed, then periodically (e.g., annually) once stable, based on your clinician's judgment (ZRT Lab 2024).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This panel measures seven key steroid hormones plus sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) using high-precision liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It evaluates estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, adrenal function, and binding capacity to help explain symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, mood changes, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities (Mayo Clinic 2023, NAMS 2022).
What biomarkers are measured in this test?
- Estradiol (E2)
- Estrone (E1)
- Estriol (E3)
- Progesterone (Pg)
- Testosterone (T)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)
- Cortisol (AM – morning)
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Who would benefit from this test?
Women navigating perimenopause or menopause, men experiencing age-related androgen decline, anyone on hormone replacement therapy, and individuals with persistent fatigue, mood changes, low libido, or menstrual irregularities. It's also useful for those managing PCOS, suspected adrenal dysfunction, or chronic stress effects (NAMS 2022, Endocrine Society 2024).
When should I order this test?
Order when experiencing persistent symptoms (≥3 months) suggestive of hormone imbalance, before starting hormone therapy, while adjusting dosages, or during major life transitions like perimenopause or midlife. Baseline testing helps guide treatment decisions (ZRT Lab 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
- Results are compared to reference ranges based on age, sex, and supplement use.
- High or low results are reviewed along with your symptoms and medical history.
- Your provider may suggest follow-up blood tests or more evaluation if results look concerning.
- Saliva testing supports monitoring, but medical diagnoses are usually based on blood tests and clinical judgment.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Collect your morning saliva sample soon after waking, before eating, drinking (except water), smoking, or brushing teeth for at least 30 minutes. If providing a blood spot sample, follow the fingerstick instructions carefully and allow blood to dry completely on the collection card. Label all specimens with your name, date, and collection time. Mail samples the same day in the provided biohazard bag.
How often should I get tested?
- Baseline: Once to establish hormone status
- During therapy adjustment: After 3–6 months of starting or changing treatment
- Ongoing monitoring: Annually or as recommended by your clinician once stable
Why early detection matters
Approximately 1.3 million U.S. women enter menopause annually, and over 1 billion women worldwide are postmenopausal (NAMS 2022). Early identification of hormone imbalances helps prevent symptoms, reduce long-term cardiovascular and metabolic risks, and optimize quality of life during major hormonal transitions (ACOG 2023, Endocrine Society 2024).
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