| Testing Hormone Levels Hormones work together like an orchestra, and each woman's situation is unique, depending on her stage of life and personal circumstances. If eating well, exercising regularly and taking supplements don't leave you feeling the way you want to, or if you prefer to take the fast track to optimal hormone balance, Alicia Stanton, MD, suggests saliva tests. A test kit is sent to your home; you literally spit into a container at designated times of day and send in your samples for lab analysis. Based on the results, a health practitioner can recommend a program tailored to your individual situation. For women of all ages, Stanton advises testing for estradiol (one of several forms of estrogen), progesterone, cortisol (taking saliva samples at four different times during the day), testosterone and DHEA. If you're postmenopausal, have a family history of breast cancer, or don't resolve your difficulties with the first set of tests, Stanton recommends testing for two additional forms of estrogen: estriol and estrone. The complete battery of tests costs around $300, and health plans don't usually provide coverage. To find health professionals in your area who are familiar with saliva tests and learn more about testing, visit saliva.com. Many practitioners listed at naturopathic.org also provide individualized programs based on saliva test results. Check out "What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Menopause" Dr. John R. Lee |
| Articles How-To's News Girl, Get A Grip On Your Hormones |
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