Testosterone powerfully influences:

• Emotional well-being
• Cardiovascular health
• Sexual function
• Bone integrity
• Muscle mass and strength
• Cognitive ability

Because of testosterone’s synergistic impact on immune, metabolic and inflammatory functions in the body, imbalances in the hormone may be found in a diverse array of health disorders, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Osteoporosis
• Insulin resistance

Saliva testosterone levels.

Salivary testing of hormones, unlike serum testing, measures the free, unbound fraction of hormone that is available to exert its effect on the target tissue. This test can be used to assess baseline levels and monitor testosterone replacement therapy.

Saliva sample. Sample needs freezing prior to returning.

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine on day of test
• Do not eat, brush or floss teeth, use mouthwash, or chew gum  for 1 hour before taking test

Transdermal (cream) and sublingual bio-identical hormones may influence levels in the saliva. These may not correlate with blood levels. Any increase from cream hormones may last for weeks to months after stopping use.

Let your GP or therapist know about if you are taking these substances, or have taken them within the last 12 months.

The following drugs, herbs and dietary supplements may influence levels of hormones reported in this test: melatonin (at doses greater than 5 mg), ketoconazole, cimetidine (Tagamet), anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), exemestane (Aromasin), Chrysin, Apigenin, Tribulus terrestris, clomiphene, antiepileptics, digoxin, oral steroids (e.g. Prednisone), cortisone cream, and any steroid-based nasal sprays, inhalers, or eye drops.

Let your GP or therapist know about any medications, herbs and supplements that you have used in the past 3 months.

Do not change stop supplements or medications without consulting your GP or therapist.

18 years and above.

Sample requires freezing at least 2 hours prior to returning to the laboratory.

Once you’ve collected your sample, you’ll need to send it back to the lab via a next day service, which is offered by Royal Mail if you’re in the UK. If you’re outside of the UK, please check with your postal service for options. The cost of the test does not cover the return postage.

Please note that samples should only be posted on Monday – Thursday so that they do not arrive over the weekend when the lab is closed.

10 working days.

Your test results will be emailed to you.