How Often to Test . . . Monitoring Hormonal Needs with Saliva Testing

A baseline saliva hormone test done when you are in your thirties provides an excellent picture of your healthy, youthful hormone levels. These levels become valuable as potential target ranges when your hormones begin to diminish and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) becomes an option.

Yearly saliva hormone testing beginning at age forty allows you and your healthcare provider to track how quickly or slowly your hormone levels are shifting. Regular monitoring helps determine when it is appropriate to begin HRT (if that is your choice) and which hormones need to be supplemented.

Once you have selected your particular HRT, taking into consideration the variety of preparations, types of delivery systems and dosage, it is critical to monitor your newly-adjusted hormone levels with saliva testing to make sure you are taking the appropriate amounts.

Once HRT has been optimized, yearly testing will reveal any changes in your hormonal needs over time.

If, for any reason, you decide to alter your HRT, saliva testing will be extremely useful in assisting you and your healthcare provider to make decisions regarding your new HRT protocol.