Stress/Burnout (Saliva) Test Kits

Hormone levels from saliva

Steroid hormones are all produced from cholesterol and are divided into five different groups: progestins like progesterone, glucocorticoids e.g. cortisol, mineral corticoids e.g. aldosterone, androgens e.g. testosterone and estrogens e.g. estradiol.

Steroid hormones in the blood are almost completely bound to hormone binding proteins and in this form they are a biologically inactive reservoir. Not even 5% of the entire hormone concentration is available in its free and biologically relevant form. The saliva hormones represent this active, biologically freely available component of the circulating steroid hormones. They represent the present hormone activity, whereas the total hormone level in serum, can be compared to a reservoir of hormones from which free and active hormones can be regenerated. Due to secretion dependent fluctuation of the carrier proteins the saliva hormone levels are not comparable with the serum blood levels. The serum blood levels are more of a long term analysis, whereas the saliva levels are a snapshot of the momentarily present levels and so a cortisol saliva test for example, is reliable.

The saliva hormone measurement, cannot replace or be called superior to the serum blood test for steroid hormones, but one or the other method is more suitable depending on the question you want answered.

The serum blood method is methodically uncomplicated and indicates the amount of hormone available over a long time frame. The saliva test we offer here is more suitable for dynamic examinations such as functional tests.

Detailed information about ordering, payment, delivery and refunds is available on the ordering information page, please be sure to read this information before placing your order for a hormone test kit.

Saliva Test Kit 1 – Stress profile: morning and midmorning cortisol value
Cortisol is also called the activity or stress hormone. Our cortisol levels influence our protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism to support activity and stress reactions at an optimum level. It also influences our mental reactions and immune system. In the morning cortisol should be high and low in the evening. Consequently we feel fresh and awake in the morning and tired in the evening.

Cortisol is produced in the adrenals. Constant stress can often lead to constantly elevated cortisol levels. But there will be a point when the adrenals are exhausted and cannot provide these high hormone levels any more. Cortisol readings will be very low then. This is called adrenal exhaustion.

In this cortisol saliva test we test for your morning and mid morning cortisol level, since our experience of many years has shown that often the early evening values are normal, but the mid morning levels show changes much earlier and clearer.
The following conditions are some examples which can be aggrevated by cortisol problems:

  • exhaustion
  • burn-out
  • acute phases of atopic eczema
  • hay fever
  • obesity
  • fibromyalgia
  • multiple sclerosis

Cost: only £57.00 + £10 p&p – services included (for UK)
For ordering, payment and delivery information please see bottom of the page.
Order Saliva Test Kit 1. (Please include your address with your order)

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Saliva Test Kit 2 – Stress profile with problems going to sleep in the evening
Saliva Test Kit 1 + evening cortisol level
Please see description in Saliva Test Kit 1. Additional symptom:

  • inability or problem to fall asleep in the evening

Cost: £77.00 + £10 p&p – services included (for UK)
For ordering, payment and delivery information please see bottom of the page.
Order Saliva Test Kit 2. (Please include your address with your order)

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Saliva Test Kit 3 – Night time waking (Cortisol & Melatonin)
Melatonin is a hormone which is produced by the pineal gland in our brain from serotonin. It was only discovered in 1958. Melatonin regulates our circadian rhythm, thus influencing biological functions in the course of 24 hours like sleep, blood pressure, cortisol production etc.

As soon as light shines onto the retina in our eyes the production of melatonin is inhibited. Darkness as opposed stimulates melatonin production. Therefore melatonin levels rise at night. This sleep promoting hormone reaches peak levels about three hours after midnight. Then they fall again.

Melatonin also has an annual rhythm. Short days in winter cause higher levels during daytime than in summer. The consequence can be sleep disorders, tiredness and SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Melatonin works as the internal body clock. The system can be disrupted by e.g. artificial illumination, electromagnetic energy, exercise, seasonal changes, long haul flights, shift work, impairment in methionine metabolism, aging and in blind people.

Relaxing sleep is also very important for our memory. If our sleep is disturbed by low melatonin levels this will also influence our cortisol levels and stress resistance.

Melatonin imbalances have been associated with a wide array of health problems, including:

  • Sleep disorders
  • Depression
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Chronic progressive multiple sclerosis
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Mental health problems
Sampling is carried out directly after the night time waking, usually between two and three clock in the morning. Only one tube will be filled with a sample. From this same sample we also measure the cortisol value. Often, in cases of night time waking the melatonin levels are very low, but the cortisol far too high for this time of the night, which cause people to wake up at night.

Cost: £78.00 + £10 p&p – services included (for UK)
For ordering, payment and delivery information please see bottom of the page.
Order Saliva Test Kit 3. (Please include your address with your order)

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