A saliva hormone test is a laboratory test used to check hormone levels in saliva. Such tests can be offered in hospitals and clinics and there are also home tests available. Some caution is advised with saliva hormone testing because not all tests are created equal and these tests are not designed for home treatment and diagnosis. People who have hormone abnormalities should be treated by an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in treating disorders relating to the endocrine system.
Saliva, like other body fluids, contains trace amounts of hormones. Blood tests are usually regarded as the gold standard of hormone testing because they provide highly accurate information about hormone levels at a given point in time. Urine and saliva can be used for testing, but they are not always accurate. The results of a saliva hormone test are generally not used to do things like adjusting medication regimens, but can be used for quick assessments and ongoing monitoring of patients.
One situation where a saliva hormone test is actually preferred to a blood test is in diagnosis of patients with Cushing’s syndrome, an endocrine condition that causes overproduction of cortisol. A salivary cortisol test may be performed using a saliva sample from the evening, when cortisol levels should be low. If the test reveals high levels, it is a sign that the patient is making too much cortisol and that the body’s circadian rhythms have been disrupted.
In a saliva hormone test, a sample of saliva is taken with a probe or swab. The saliva sample can be tested for levels of common hormones. It is important to be aware that all hormone tests provide a snapshot, not definitive information about hormone levels, because hormones fluctuate over the day and over time. Multiple tests may be needed to collect an array of data and because test results can vary, it is important to use a consistent testing method so that results can be compared.
If a saliva hormone test is recommended, there are some advantages for the patient. Such tests are cheaper than blood tests and they are also less invasive. Results can be obtained quickly and in some settings a quick reading with a saliva hormone test may be appropriate for patient treatment and care. Patients should be aware that kits sold over the counter are of variable quality and may not provide consistent and reliable results, even when used as directed.