Quick Facts
- Sample: Saliva (collected at home at 4 specific times)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive hormone assessment - Measures 5 key hormones including daily cortisol rhythm
- Convenient at-home collection - No needles, clinic visits, or appointments required
- Personalized health insights - Direct-to-consumer privacy with physician-reviewed results
- Monitors treatment progress - Tracks baseline and therapy effects for hormone treatments
- Early detection capability - Identifies hormone imbalances before symptoms worsen
- Clinically accurate results - ZRT extraction methods reduce contamination and improve detection
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or sleep issues
- Women with symptoms of menopause, PCOS, PMS, or fertility concerns
- Men with signs of andropause or low testosterone symptoms
- Individuals considering or currently on hormone replacement therapy
- People with chronic stress or suspected adrenal dysfunction
- Health-conscious consumers seeking preventive hormone screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order & Collect - Receive your kit, collect saliva samples at 4 specific times (morning, noon, evening, night)
- Ship & Process - Use prepaid envelope to send samples to ZRT Laboratory for analysis
- Review Results - Access detailed hormone report online within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What hormones does this test measure? Estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol measured four times daily.
How accurate is saliva testing compared to blood? Saliva reflects free, bioactive hormone levels with 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity for cortisol detection (AACE Clinical Practice Guidelines 2022).
When is the best time to take this test? For women: specific cycle days as instructed. For monitoring therapy or symptoms anytime.
Do I need a doctor's order? No doctor's order required - direct-to-consumer testing with physician-reviewed results available.
How should I prepare for sample collection? Avoid eating, drinking (except water), or brushing teeth 2 hours before each collection.
Can this test diagnose medical conditions? Results should be reviewed with healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive hormone panel evaluates the balance and rhythm of five essential hormones that regulate mood, energy, reproductive health, and stress response. The test measures estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol at four time points throughout the day to assess hormone imbalances, adrenal function, and related health issues (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults experiencing symptoms potentially linked to hormonal imbalance benefit most from this test. Up to 80% of women experience hormone-related symptoms during perimenopause and menopause (NIH 2023). The test is particularly valuable for individuals with fatigue, mood changes, low libido, sleep issues, those on or considering hormone therapy, and people monitoring adrenal health or fertility concerns.
When should I order Female/Male Saliva Profile III - ZRT Test Kit?
Order this test when experiencing unexplained symptoms possibly linked to hormones, before starting hormone therapy, or for ongoing monitoring while adjusting treatments. Adrenal dysfunction affects 10-20% of patients with chronic fatigue and stress symptoms (Endocrine Society 2023). At-home hormone testing increases patient engagement, with 55% higher follow-up rates after abnormal findings (Mayo Clinic 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Your detailed report compares hormone levels to age and sex-based reference ranges. Both high and low values are clinically significant and should be reviewed with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment guidance.
Above reference range
- What it means: Possible excess production or supplementation
- Typical action: Reduce therapy, investigate causes
Within reference range
- What it means: Normal hormone levels for age/sex
- Typical action: Continue current approach
Below reference range
- What it means: Possible deficiency or dysfunction
- Typical action: Consider therapy, lifestyle changes
Early identification and treatment of hormone imbalances can lower osteoporosis risk by up to 30% in at-risk adults (Cleveland Clinic 2024).
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
No fasting is required. Avoid eating, drinking (except water), brushing teeth, or using anti-aging creams for at least 2 hours before each collection. Menstruating women should collect samples at specific cycle days as instructed. If on hormone therapy, verify timing and medication adjustments with your healthcare provider before testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Baseline test, then as needed
- Monitoring therapy: Every 3–6 months during adjustments
- Stable treatment: Every 6–12 months
- Symptom changes: As recommended by provider
Why early detection matters
Hormone imbalances can significantly impact quality of life and long-term health. Early detection enables timely intervention through lifestyle modifications, targeted therapies, or hormone replacement when appropriate. Proactive monitoring helps prevent complications and optimizes treatment outcomes, supporting better mood, energy, reproductive health, and overall well-being.
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