Most-Used Female Hormone Test Kits

Introduction to the Hormone Saliva Test Kit

There are several ways to measure female hormones, however the preferred way is through saliva. Saliva hormone test kits assist by measuring initial hormone levels, as well as checking whether a hormone-balancing treatment is working.

Distinct types of saliva hormone test kits help in determining different types of female hormones.  Here is a list of the most commonly used saliva hormone test kits for measuring female hormones.

1. HPA Stress Profiles (201A)

Saliva samples are collected throughout the course of a single day. This test kit helps in assessing adrenal function, and includes the following markers:

• Cortisol (measured at four points throughout the day)
• DHEA-S

2. HPA Stress Profile +5 (205A)

Saliva samples are collected throughout the course of a single day. This test kit helps in assessing adrenal function and sex hormones. It assesses the following markers:

• Cortisol (measured at four points throughout the day)
• DHEA-S
• Melatonin
• Estradiol
• Estriol
• Progesterone
• Testosterone

3. HPA Stress Profile +6 (205AE)

The BioHealth 205AE panel is used to evaluate adrenal function and provides insight into all of the hormones included in the BioHealth 205A panel, in addition to estrone. It assesses the following markers:

• Cortisol (at 4 points throughout the day)
• DHEA-S (DS)
• Melatonin
• Estradiol
• Estriol
• Progesterone
• Estrone

4. HPA Stress Profiles with Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)

BioHealth’ s panels (201-CAR, 205-CAR, and 205E-CAR) provide the benefits of the previously mentioned panels, in addition to measuring the cortisol awakening response (CAR). These panels provide a more accurate and dynamic assessment of the patient’s stress response. A perceived stress score is included to aid in addressing mental/emotional health factors. These panels include the following markers:

• Cortisol (at 6 points throughout the day)
• DHEA-S (DS)
• Melatonin (available in the 205-CAR and 205E-CAR panels)
• Estradiol (available in the 205-CAR and 205E-CAR panels)
• Estriol (available in the 205-CAR and 205E-CAR panels)
• Progesterone (available in the 205-CAR and 205E-CAR panels)
• Testosterone (available in the 205-CAR and 205E-CAR panels)
• Estrone (available in the 205E-CAR panel)

5. Female and Male Hormone Profiles (209/209D/209E)

BioHealth offers the Female and Male Hormone Profiles to establish baseline levels of hormones in post-menopausal woman, hormone levels on a particular day of the menstrual cycle in pre-menopausal women, and hormone levels for men. These panels can be used to monitor the efficacy of hormone therapies, and include the following markers:

• DHEA-S
• Estradiol
• Estriol
• Testosterone
• Progesterone
• Estriol (available in the 209E panel)

6. Month-long Premenopause Hormone Profile (208)

BioHealth offers a month-long hormone profile, which helps to map the cycle. Saliva samples are collected throughout the month, beginning on day two of the menstrual cycle, and finishing on day one of the next cycle. This panel can map cycles up to thirty-four days in length but can still provide valuable insight for longer cycles. This panel includes the following markers:

• Estradiol (17 collections throughout the month)
• Progesterone (17 collections throughout the month)
• Testosterone (2 collections during the month)

7. Single Hormones

In addition to the previous panels, BioHealth offers a variety single/double hormone tests. The markers are specific to each panel and include:

• Cortisol (available as the 251 panel)
• Estradiol (available as the 252 panel)
• Estriol (available as the 253 panel)
• Melatonin (available as the 254 panel)
• Progesterone (available as the 255 panel)
• Testosterone (available as the 256 panel)
• Estrone (available as the 258 panel)
• Estradiol and Testosterone (available as the 260 panel)

Things About Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Varieties of bacteria are found in the large intestine normally. The problem occurs when these strains are found in the small intestinal zones. Due to the improper migrating motor complex (MMC), digested food is not properly swiped down by the small intestine causing an abnormal increase in the formation of bacteria in the small intestine. Often, due to fasting this type of bacterial overgrowth occurs. The bacterial flora grows rapidly and feeds on the carbohydrates very fast. Due to this process, hydrogen and methane are produced in amounts above the baseline. This is called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO.

Cause behind SIBO

As mentioned earlier, SIBO occurs when digested food is not properly passed down to the large intestine. Due to diabetes and scleroderma affect the involuntary movements of the muscles in the gut. Often, physical obstructions such as surgery scars, diverticulitis, etc can also hinder the free movement of the muscles.

Signs of SIBO

The possible signs of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are mentioned below.

• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Cramp and/or pain in the abdominal area
• Constipation (less common)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Specific food intolerances for gluten, lactose, casein, fructose, etc.
• Chronic diseases like fibromyalgia, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune diseases, neuromuscular disorders, etc.
• Deficiency of vitamins and minerals
• Mal-absorption of fat

Tests for SIBO

The best way to find out SIBO as per location is via the breath test. It is a non-invasive test where a patient is fed with a specific amount of glucose or lactose. If the gut bacteria are present in the small intestinal region then the amount of hydrogen or methane produced will be higher than the normal level. Assessing the gas concentration, SIBO can be diagnosed. The test takes only a few hours and the patient does not have to suffer any kind of invasive procedure.

A Comprehensive Guide To Female Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones are effective chemicals/particles that are the building blocks of practically every moment of a human life. Hormones are critical to keep up a man’s physical and psychological well-being. Imbalance in any of the hormones can prompt irritating and serious medical problems and can make your physical and emotional wellness go haywire. Albeit dismissed, hormones are the building pieces of a man’s health. It is a typical conviction that estrogen is the female hormone, while testosterone is the manly hormone; however, the two, men and ladies produce estrogen, testosterone and various different hormones. Regular female hormonal tests are important to make sure that all of the crucial life functions go on smoothly.

Problems Faced My Women Due To Hormonal Imbalances

As women start to age, hormonal imbalances start emerging and effecting the menstrual cycle and the general physical well-being. Pre-mature menopause or irregular periods and mood swings are the most common issues faced by women due to hormonal imbalances. Fat accumulation, acne, breast aches, migraine, loss of libido, burn-outs and PMS are other nasty issues that women face.

Estrogen dominance leads to excessive weight gain, acne, thinning skin, puffy eyes, brittle nails, and increased body hair. There is an extra risk of developing estrogen dominance if you have been a smoker, breast cancer patient, or have been undergoing hormone replacement therapies.

Low testosterone levels lead to fat accumulation is chest and belly, hair loss, pale skin, decreasing strength, dry eyes and infertility. Under eating and over exercising and stress are the most significant reasons behind hormonal imbalances.

Methods Of Testing Hormones

The most common and effective methods of female hormonal tests are by serum tests, urine tests and saliva tests. Urine test is an extensive test method. All female hormones are effectively tested in these tests. However, the best option for female hormonal tests is salivary hormonal tests. In a saliva test, only the bio-active hormones get tested. Salivary hormonal tests are the most effective and accurate kind of female hormonal tests. Salivary tests include the testing of Testosterone, Estrogen and other most common hormones that cause the regular hormonal imbalance symptoms.

Achieving Hormonal Balance In The Healthiest Possible Way

It’s pitiful that hormonal irregularities are regularly ‘treated’ with hormonal substitution treatment. It’s normal for specialists to turn to anti-conceptive pills or other engineered hormones to treat your side effects. A considerable measure of indications caused by hormones can be settled normally by adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating habits before swinging to prescription. Consumption of the correct supplements and receiving the best way of life propensities is the best way to tackle your hormonal problems and feel great again.

How Do Lactulose SIBO Breath Tests Work?

The primary functions of the small intestine are those of digestion and absorption of nutrients from our food. The bacteria in our small intestine aid in these processes, providing valuable nutrients, supporting gut immunity, and protecting us from other invasive organisms.

Overgrowth or misplacement of normal colonic bacteria in the small intestine results in fermentation, rather than the normal digestion and absorption that are its primary functions. When carbohydrates ferment rather than digest, hydrogen and methane can be produced in measurable quantities. The process of fermentation creates a host of symptoms that can be difficult to treat effectively without diagnosing and addressing the root cause. Diagnosing Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can be done through breath tests.

To complete a SIBO Breath Test, patients collect a baseline breath sample, before drinking a solution containing a sugar substrate. The patient then collects additional breath samples over the course of several hours. The hydrogen and methane within these samples is then tested.

Hydrogen and methane are produced by bacteria and are not a normal product of human metabolism. Too much hydrogen, methane, or both, is a positive test for bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine.

With this condition, the small intestine does not get a chance to digest and absorb sugar and carbohydrate as the bacteria digests them. Therefore, a large of amount hydrogen is produced in the small intestine.

BioHealth Laboratory offers several different options for SIBO Breath Tests, including lactulose, glucose, and fructose as well as combination kits.

Role of Good Bacteria in Human Digestive System

We have written several pieces about bacteria in past. Bacteria play very important roles in the completion of various important processes, especially in the digestive system. And, if the digestive system is not functioning properly, you are going to suffer from a range of digestive disorders and other health problems. The digestive system processes the food and converts it into energy. And, the waste is shown way out of the body.

There are more than 100 trillion bacteria in your gut. Some of these bacteria are good and some are bad. The bad bacteria do not cause any problem if present in a little amount. Otherwise, the bad bacteria can lead to several digestive disorders. Apart from this, these bacteria can also cause other problems when move into some other parts of the body.

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test 

For example, if the bacteria from large intestine travel into small intestine then you will experience the symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Bacterial overgrowth breath test tells whether you are suffering from this condition or not. Good bacteria, on the other hand, perform a number of very important functions in the small and large intestine.

Bacteria perform following functions in the intestinal tract.

Beat Bad Bacteria

Good bacteria prevent the growth of bad bacteria that can cause several health problems. Good bacteria use up nutrients. So, no nutrient is left for bad bacteria. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria respectively present in small and large intestine produce lactic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to create and maintain an acidic environment. The bad bacteria cannot grow in this acidic environment.

Digest Nutrients

Good bacteria break down proteins, fats and complex sugars. This makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. Lactobacilli break down lactose and proteins in the small intestine.

Synthesize Vitamins

Lactobacillus acidophilus is bacteria that manufacture vitamin K. Lactic acid bacteria produces B-group vitamins. Enteric bacteria manufacture vitamin B-12. Similarly, there are other bacteria that synthesize vitamins.

Improve Immune System

Bacteriocins produced by a type of Lactobacillus discourage the growth of bad bacteria in the small intestine. Good bacteria increase the number of T-cells. These are white blood cells that improve the immune system to restrict bad bacteria.

If you feel that something is wrong with your digestive system then don’t put in on the back burner. Visit a doctor or a lab for bacterial overgrowth breath test. This test will help in the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and other digestive system disorders.

Six Signs of Digestive Issues Due To SIBO

Food is one of the basic needs of human. However, the food can serve your needs of energy only when it is digested properly. The digestion of the food is started right from the mouth. Every organ in the digestive system has an important role to play in the digestion process. Digestive system organs secrete special enzymes for breaking down the food and absorbing nutrients. Small intestine and large intestine are two of these digestive system organs. And, Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition associated with small and large intestines. More than 50% of the patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome also suffer from SIBO.

SIBO occurs when the bacteria from the colon (large intestine) is migrated into the small intestine. This condition is diagnosed with Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test. The bacteria in the small intestine (small bowel) are overgrown due to poor enzyme production by the pancreas or low stomach acid. This causes symptoms including bloating, diarrhea or gas.

Six Signs That Tell That Your Digestive Problems Are Due to SIBO

1. Your constipation is worsened when you eat more fiber.
2. Taking antibiotics improves the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
3. Symptoms of celiac or gluten intolerance are not 100% resolved even when you are on a gluten-free diet.
4. Taking probiotics containing prebiotics increase bloating and gas.
5. Taking opiates or other pain medications can also develop chronic symptoms of constipation, gas, diarrhea or bloating.
6. Blood test shows low iron in the blood.

Top 6 Symptoms of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

1. Abdominal pain or distention
2. Constipation
3. Diarrhea
4. Abdominal bloating and distension
5. Excessive gas or belching
6. Acid reflux or heartburn

Striking Out Leaky Gut

Small intestine bowel overgrowth causes local GI symptoms. On the other hand, leaky gut affects the entire immune system. One can suffer from both conditions simultaneously. Having SIBO for a longer period is likely to develop leaky gut.

50% of the patients having SIBO are also diagnosed with leaky gut. Most of the times, leaky gut is healed itself with the treatment of SIBO.

Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test

Bacterial overgrowth breath test is used for diagnosing small intestine bacterial growth. Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen which is exhaled in the breath. Lactulose Breath Test checks the amount of hydrogen in the breath. If the amount of hydrogen in the breath is more than normal then the patient is suffering from SIBO. Sometimes, urinary organic acid analysis and comprehensive stool analysis is also required.

If you are having some digestive system problems with the symptoms of SIBO, see a doctor for Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test.

Woman Health – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common problems caused due to hormone imbalance in women. This syndrome causes problems with periods. Getting pregnant becomes difficult when you are suffering from this syndrome. Delays in the treatment of this syndrome can cause other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. This syndrome gets its name polycystic due to the growth of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. These cysts cause the hormone imbalance. However, the symptoms of this syndrome can be controlled for long-term.

Hormones trigger some specific processes in the body. Some examples of hormone imbalance due to PCOS are:

Sex Hormone Imbalance

Ovaries produce a little amount of androgens – a male sex hormone. Ovaries of a woman suffering from this syndrome produce more androgens. This can interrupt ovulating, grow extra body hair and acne.

Insulin Resistance

This syndrome affects the ability of the body to use insulin well. This increases the blood sugar level which further increases the risk of diabetes.

Causes of PCOS

Causes of this syndrome are still to be fully understood. However, genetics is a common factor. Therefore, this syndrome runs into families.

Symptoms of PCOS

The initial symptoms of this syndrome are mild. Following are the common symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:

• Increasing weight and problem in losing weight
• Acne
• Irregular periods
• Extra body hair including facial hair
• Thinning hair on scalp
• Decrease in breast size
• Deeper voice
• Depression
• Pelvic pain
• Infertility

Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Here is how a doctor diagnoses PCOS:

• The doctor will ask questions about the medical history of the patient, menstrual cycles and other symptoms.
• The doctor will do a number of tests like hormone testing to check insulin, blood sugar and other hormone levels. These tests will rule out other problems causing similar symptoms. Cysts on ovaries are diagnosed with ultrasound.

Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Healthy diet suggested by the doctor, regular exercise and weight control can minimize the unpleasant symptoms.

• Walking is the best exercise. Also, try moderate and vigorous physical activity.
• Eat a lot of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, beans, nuts and other heart-healthy foods. Avoid fried and cheeses foods and meat.
• Losing even 4.5 kg of your weight will regulate the menstrual cycle and also get normal hormone balance.
• Smoking increases androgen level in the body. Therefore, quit smoking.

Visit a doctor for hormone testing if you experience these symptoms.

Lactose Intolerance – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which body cannot digest milk and dairy products. In the terms of biology, the body cannot digest lactose (a natural sugar in milk and dairy products). This is not a food allergy to milk. It is a different condition. This happens when lactose moves through the colon without proper digestion. Bloating, gas and belly pain are common symptoms of lactose intolerance. This condition is common among native African, Asian and South American adults. However, this condition is less common in European adults.

This condition is diagnosed using Lactose Hydrogen Breath Test. Milk and dairy products cause this problem. People suffering from this condition have to make some adjustments in their diets. This helps in avoiding discomfort. And, this also helps in getting enough calcium.

Causes of Lactose Intolerance

Small intestine produces an enzyme called lactose. This enzyme breaks down and digests lactose (milk and dairy products). Sometimes small intestine does not produce an adequate amount of lactose. This condition usually runs in families. Symptoms of this condition are experienced in teen or adult years. Small intestine stops producing lactase due to some short-term disease like stomach flu.

Similarly, lifelong diseases like cystic fibrosis can also cause small intestine stop producing lactase. In some cases, small intestine stops making lactase when a part of the intestine is removed surgically. This condition can be either temporary or permanent.

Cases are rare, but some newborns are born with lactose intolerance. They cannot eat any food with lactose. This condition is temporarily developed in premature babies. Once the small intestine starts producing lactase, the baby can digest lactose (milk and dairy products).

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Depending on the amount of lactase produced by the intestine, this condition can be mild to severe. Symptoms of the lactose intolerance include:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Rumbling or gurgling sound in belly
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Throwing up

Diagnosis and Treatment

Avoid milk and dairy products for several days. If you stop experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance, start adding milk and dairy products in your diet. If symptoms of lactose intolerance come back, you are likely to suffer from this condition. You should visit a doctor for lactose hydrogen breath test. when you visit a doctor, he will ask some questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. Blood sugar test or lactose hydrogen breath test confirms lactose intolerance. This condition cannot be cured. You can control symptoms by avoiding foods causing this problem. Some dietary supplements can help in digesting lactose products.

Everything You Need To Know About SIBO

Being an essential part of our small bowel, bacteria perform various important functions. However, bacterial overgrowth in small bowel can cause several symptoms such as leaky guts. The small bowel connects large bowel and the stomach. The length of normal small bowel is 20 feet long. The number of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract varies. However, it is present throughout the tract.

The number of bacteria living in the small bowel is way less than the number of bacteria in the colon or large bowel. And, bacteria present in the colon are completely different from the bacteria living in the small bowel.

Bacteria in small bowel provide protection from ingested yeast and bad bacteria. The bacteria help in absorbing nutrients and also produce vitamin K, folate and a few more important nutrients. The bacteria also help in normal small bowel muscle activity. The movement of intestinal content depends on the small bowel bacteria. However, overgrowth of the bacteria is not good for the health of the small bowel.

Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO Breath Test helps in diagnosing Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth. In this condition, the number of bacteria in the small bowel is increased. Apart from this, the type of bacteria might or might not be changed. In most of the cases, this condition is caused due to overgrowth of different types of bacteria. These bacteria are usually found in the colon. SIBO due to overgrowth of small bowel’s normal bacteria is less common.

Damage Caused by SIBO

• SIBO affects the function and structure of the small bowel.
• It damages the small bowel cell lining which affects the digestion and also the absorption of essential nutrients.
• Damage to cell lining causes leaky gut.
• Large molecules due to leaky guts enter the bloodstream and cause complications like autoimmune disease, food allergies or sensitivities, generalized inflammation and other immune reactions.

Common Symptoms of SIBO

If you experience one or more than one of the following symptoms then you should visit a doctor for SIBO Breath Test.

• Abdominal discomfort/pain
• Diarrhea
• Bloating and abdominal distention
• Belching and gas
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies

SIBO Risk Factors

SIBO Breath Test helps in diagnosing SIBO. The risk factors of SIBO include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Prior bowel surgery
• Multiple courses of antibiotics
• Organ system dysfunction

SIBO breath test on time helps in controlling and treating small intestinal bowel overgrowth. Therefore,

Women’s Health – Female Hormone Imbalance Test

For optimal health, a proper balance of hormones must be maintained. When the proportion of a single hormone is not in balance, the body’s systems can be adversely affected. Hormonal imbalances can lead to uncomfortable symptoms and can increase the risk of certain diseases.

For example, estrogen and progesterone interact to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and reproductive system. Imbalance in these hormones can results in an irregular cycle, PCOS, breast tenderness or pain, in addition to other symptoms.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Women

By monitoring their symptoms, women can self-evaluate their hormone balance. If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your health professional for further evaluation including hormone testing.

• Acne or oily skin
• Bloating or weight gain
• Decreased fertility
• Bone loss, loss of muscle mass, or loss of hair
• Tender or fibrocystic breasts
• Depression, mood swings, nervousness, or irritability
• Urinary incontinence
• Excess facial and body hair
• Poor concentration or memory lapses
• Sleep disturbances
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Low libido or vaginal dryness
• Heavy or painful periods or irregular periods

Laboratory testing for hormones is a simple and important step to ensuring optimal hormone balance. BioHealth offers several options for hormone testing through saliva. Patients collect saliva samples at home and ship them to the laboratory for processing. Within 7-10 business days, the results of the test are released to the ordering health professional.