Bio-identical Hormones: Testing
Type of Testing |
Oral Capsules |
Creams |
Troche |
Metabolites
(Breakdown products) |
| |
|
|
|
|
Blood |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Saliva |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Urine |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Saliva Testing
- Advantages
- Very specific and narrow reference ranges are available
- The most accurate hormone testing method
- Measures the unbound, biologically active hormone molecules
- Measures adrenal gland contribution to hormones
- Factors in all hormone levels throughout the body (hormones made in fat, muscle, etc.), not just the hormones present in the blood.
- Most BHRT practices use this method
- Disadvantages
- Not covered by insurance
- Cost is $263 per test
Blood Testing
- Advantages
- Covered by insurance
- Testing option for pellet therapy treatment
- Disadvantages
- Reference ranges are broad and are only a guideline to go along with symptoms
- Usually measures total and not bioavailable hormone (clinically significant) levels
- Blood testing measures serum levels of hormones, which are clinically irrelevant
- May not accurately reflect tissue uptake of hormones
- 80% of hormones measured in serum blood tests are mostly inactive hormone metabolites (breakdown products)
Urine Testing
- Advantages
- Also measures hormone metabolites
- Disadvantages
Cost of Testing
BioHealth Cortisol - $158
ZRT Hormones (Estradiol, estriol, progesterone, testosterone) - $140
= Initial Tests for BHRT = $298
Dr. Brenner, MD & Associates - Women's Health Care and Gynecology - is pleased to serve patients from the following towns: Anderson, Blue Ash, Cincinnati, Fairfield, Finneytown, Hamilton, Harrison, Hyde Park, Indian Hill, Landen, Lebanon, Liberty Township, Loveland, Madeira, Mariemont, Mason, Middletown, Milford, Monroe, Montgomery, Norwood, Sharonville, Springboro, Trenton, West Chester. |
