How Do I Have My Hormone Levels Checked?

There are two ways to test hormone levels.

Saliva Test and Blood Test

The Saliva Test

Saliva is the most reliable way to measure free bio-available hormone activity, those hormones actually doing their job at the cell level. Most blood tests do not measure bio-available hormone levels. And, very importantly, saliva testing more accurately reflects uptake and response of topical hormone supplementation delivered through the skin in creams, gels or patches.

Blood and urine assays significantly underestimate hormones delivered topically, often leading to overdosing. Saliva testing is painless – NO NEEDLES. It negates the need for blood drawing, which all too often causes stress that can alter the accuracy of test results. And saliva collection is easy. It can be done anyplace and at the optimal time of day for hormone collection. ZRT Lab’s state-of-the-art saliva testing methods and reporting can be used to identify hidden hormone imbalances that once corrected can lead to improvement of chronic health problems. Saliva testing can be used to retest and monitor hormone levels periodically in order to maintain balance, health and well-being.

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Blood Test

What is the FSH blood test?

The FSH test measures the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. This hormone is produced by a gland in your brain. In women FSH stimulates the production of eggs and is important in the regulation of menstruation. In men FSH stimulates the production of sperm.

Why is this test done?

The FSH test is usually done to help diagnose problems with sexual development, menstruation, and fertility. The test is used to help diagnose:

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How do I prepare for this test?

You may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Make sure your health care provider knows about any medicines, herbs, or supplements that you are taking.

How is the test done?

A small amount of blood is taken from your arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab. Having this test will take just a few minutes of your time. There is no risk of getting AIDS, hepatitis, or any other blood-borne disease from this test.

How will I get the test result?

Ask your health care provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

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What does the test result mean?

The normal range of FSH depends on your age and sex. For women who are menstruating the normal range is 5 mIU/mL to 30 mIU/mL. For women in menopause or after menopause the values range from 50 mIU/ml to 100 mIU/ml. For men the levels range from 5 to 20 mIU/mL. Other hormone tests are done with the FSH test. The results of the different tests are interpreted together to make a diagnosis. In women FSH and the blood level of the hormone estradiol are measured. (Estradiol is a type of estrogen. Estrogens are hormones responsible for the growth and functioning of a woman's reproductive tract.) The level of FSH is increased and the level of estradiol is decreased in women who are in menopause or who have gone through menopause. FSH and estradiol levels are higher than normal if a woman has ovarian cancer or adrenal cancer. Hormone therapy can cause increased levels of FSH and estradiol. Both the FSH and estradiol levels are higher than normal in girls who have started puberty at a very young age. FSH and estradiol levels are lower than normal in women who have anorexia nervosa or whose hormone regulating system (the pituitary and hypothalamus) isn't working normally. FSH is higher than normal and estradiol is lower than normal if a woman has Turner's syndrome (a genetic abnormality). In men, FSH is measured along with the blood level of the hormone testosterone. The FSH and testosterone levels are both lower than normal if a man's pituitary gland is not making enough hormones or if the hypothalamus (another part of the brain's hormone-regulating system) is not working normally. The FSH and testosterone levels are higher than normal if a man is being treated with hormones for a medical condition. FSH and testosterone levels are higher than normal in boys who have started puberty at a very young age. The FSH level is higher than normal and the testosterone level is lower than normal if a man has Klinefelter's syndrome (a genetic abnormality), if his testicles have been removed, and if he has gone through male menopause. There are many other reasons why FSH test results may be outside the normal range. Sometimes the results vary with recent activity or diet. At other times the way the sample is collected or stored can influence the results. If you are concerned about your lab results, talk to your health care provider.