FEMALE HORMONE PANEL SALIVA (FHPS)
The FHPS is a simple non-invasive test. Eleven saliva samples are collected during specific time periods throughout the menstrual cycle.The FHPS, for the first time in routine medical practice, will allow both patient and doctor to actually view the profile of Estrogen and Progesterone simultaneously. It also checks testosterone and DHEA levels. Diagnostic guesswork is minimized, and hormonal balance evaluation and customized treatment becomes a reality with the FHPS.
Customized Hormone Therapy
Presently, female hormone therapy is not individualized to the needs of each woman because other diagnostic tests do not provide sufficient data. Consequently, most women are empirically treated without regard to their individualized physiology and specific needs. The FHPS, for the first time, will allow a clinician to customize therapy to each female patient.
Advantages of the FHPS
- Convenience. Requires no blood draws, no repeated clinic visits. Avoids the inconvenience of the 24 hour urine collection.
- Economical. The fee for the 11 sample test is less than that of 2 blood determinations or a urine analysis for Estrogen and Progesterone.
- More Physiologic. Research has demonstrated that the free hormone fraction predominates in saliva. Hormones can be bound free or bound to protein. The free hormone fraction is most significantly influences living cells. Salivary hormone levels correlate at 93% with the free hormones in the tissues.
- Superior. One or two blood determinations or a 24 hour analysis of urine for these hormones cannot give an idea of the ovaries' capacity to produce sufficient hormones. The FHPS gives a good picture of the ovarian capacity over a whole cycle.
The FHPS has a number of applications
- Detection: Luteal phase defect. Luteal phase defects are characterized by a reduced output of Progesterone which leads to Estrogen dominance. This imbalance is usually associated with PMS, infertility, fibroids or other female hormonal problems and can be readily detected by the FHPS.
- Hormonal Imbalance & PMS. Many women suffer from hormonal imbalance in the Estrogen to Progesterone ratio. The FHPS evaluates the hormonal state with great accuracy which, in turn, provides specific insights for treatment.
- Pattern recognition for early prediction of menopause onset. When the FHPS is performed once every 2-3 years, a base line of ovarian function can be established. Over a period of several years, the FHPS can reveal specific deviations in hormone patterns, which permits doctors to predict the onset of menopause 4-6 years in advance. This allows the women to institute extra precautions, dietary modifications, and other required interventions to reduce health related changes associated with menopause.
Other applications
The FHPS can also be used to detect and monitor the following conditions:
- Double ovulation and early ovulation
- Functional infertility
- Influence of life-style (diet, excercise, etc.) on the cycle
- Hypothalmic-pituitary-ovarian problems, i.e. problems with how the brain controls ovarian function
- Early pregnancy problems-spontaneous abortion
- Cycle irregularities, especially following the use of the birth control pills
- Dysmenorrhea, i.e. painful and heavy periods
- Migraine headaches
- Endometriosis and cystic ovary disease
The Cyclical Pacing of the Ovaries
The human ovary releases its hormones in a cyclical manner which is referred to as the menstrual cycle. The average cycle is about 26-30 days. The timing and pacing of hormone release is governed by the brain, specifically the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. The two major classes of ovarian hormones released during the menstrual cycle are Estrogens and Progestins, which are known as female steroid sex hormones. The major and most active Estrogen released is Estradiol, while the major Progestin is Progesterone.
The female cycle has 3 physiologic phases
- The follicular phase starts with the onset of menstrual blood flow and is of variable length. This phase is normally characterized by both low Estrogen and Progesterone output.
- The ovulation phase is 1 to 3 days long and the human ovum (egg) is released in this phase.
- The luteal phase is rather constant in length, 12-14 days, and ends with menses. Compared to the follicular phase, the luteal phase is characterized by high Progesterone concentrations and a moderate increase in Estrogens.
Some Major Functions of the Female Sex Hormones
Estradiol and Progesterone affect several target organs which prepare and promote a successful conception and pregnancy. Additionally, these hormones maintain a number of secondary sexual characteristics such as reduced body hair, soft skin texture, a higher voice pitch, etc.
Target Organs Affected by Estrogens and Progesterone
- The Uterus. Estrogen prepares the uterus for conception and produces a 3-5 fold increase in the thickness of its inner lining, and also promotes uterine gland development and mucus secretion. Progesterone causes a swelling of the uterine lining, an increase in glycogen (a complex sugar) content, and an increase in the mucus secreted by the uterus. If conception does not occur the uterine lining is shed, resulting in the menstrual flow.
- Fallopian Tubes. Sex hormones stimulate the fallopian tubes to move the egg toward the uterus. The fallopian tubes also secrete nutritious fluids that nourish the egg, the sperm and ultimately the embryo when fertilization occurs.
- Vagina. Estrogens promote the thickening of the vaginal lining and increase its secretions, which makes the lining more resistant to infections.
- Breasts. Before puberty, the breasts grow only in proportion to the rest of the body, but under the influence of Estradiol and Progesterone during puberty, the breasts develop to maturity. During the menstrual cycle, excess Estrogen causes breast swelling and tenderness.
- Bones. In the adult female, Estrogen and Progesterone play an important role in the inhibition of osteoporosis and improve the incorporation of calcium and magnesium into bone. This is why doctors prescribe Estrogen for menopausal women.
- Kidney. Estrogens cause the body to retain sodium which results in fluid buildup. Conversely, Progesterone causes a loss of excess sodium and retained fluid. Before the period begins, there may be a relative excess of Estrogen over Progesterone which commonly leads to several PMS associated complaints.
- Liver .Estrogen has stimulatory effects on liver proteins which may reduce thyroid hormone availability and increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Estrogen also slows the process of liver detoxification of various harmful substances.
- Miscellaneous. Estrogen can elevate blood sugar in certain susceptible individuals. Progesterone can increase the appetite and has a general calming effect on the nervous system, especially at night.