Female Hormone & Diurnal Cortisol Test (Large)

About this test

Progesterone and Hormonal Balance

Progesterone is an important hormone involved in reproductive physiology and endocrine regulation. Evaluating progesterone alongside estrogen levels can help illustrate broader patterns in female hormone signaling.

Cortisol and the Daily Stress Rhythm

Cortisol follows a natural diurnal rhythm, typically rising shortly after waking and gradually declining throughout the day.

This panel measures cortisol at four time points, including the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) during the first hour after waking. Evaluating cortisol across multiple points in the day helps illustrate how the body’s stress hormone patterns change over time.

Adrenal Hormones

In addition to cortisol, the panel measures DHEA-S, another hormone produced by the adrenal glands that participates in endocrine signaling and hormone metabolism.

Evaluating adrenal hormones alongside sex hormones may provide additional context when assessing overall hormonal balance.

How the Test Works

This test uses a saliva collection kit with multiple sampling times throughout the day. Samples are collected at home according to the provided instructions and sent to a CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis.

Results are delivered digitally for convenient review.

Biomarkers included

• Estradiol (E2): Estrogens — Estradiol is the most biologically active form of estrogen in the body. It plays a central role in reproductive health, regulating the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility. Estradiol also affects bone density, cardiovascular health, brain function, and metabolism. Levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle and across different life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Measuring e
• Estriol (E3): Estrogens — Estriol is a naturally occurring estrogen and the weakest of the three primary estrogens. It is produced in small amounts in non-pregnant individuals but becomes the dominant estrogen during pregnancy, as it is generated through interactions between the placenta and the fetus. Estriol reflects aspects of estrogen metabolism and hormone turnover. Measuring estriol can help provide a broader picture
• Estrone (E1): Estrogens — Estrone is one of the three main forms of estrogen produced in the body. It is synthesized primarily from androgens in fat tissue and becomes the dominant estrogen after menopause. Estrone can be converted into estradiol or further metabolized into various estrogen metabolites. Measuring estrone helps provide insight into overall estrogen production and balance, particularly in relation to age, bo
• Progesterone: Progesterone — Progesterone is a female sex hormone primarily produced by the ovaries after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy, maintaining pregnancy, and regulating the menstrual cycle. Progesterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Low levels can lead to irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, or complications
• Testosterone: Androgens — Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, although it is also produced in smaller amounts in women. It plays a crucial role in male reproductive development, muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. In women, testosterone contributes to libido, muscle mass, and bone health. Imbalances can lead to various issues, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (in men), fatigue, loss of muscl
• DHEA-S: Androgens — DHEA-S is a hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens. Compared with DHEA, DHEA-S is more stable in the bloodstream and is therefore commonly measured to evaluate adrenal androgen production. Levels typically peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age. Elevated DHEA-S may be seen in conditions associated w
• Cortisol: Stress Hormone — Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, known as the body's primary stress hormone. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure, making its levels important for assessing stress response and adrenal function.

How to prepare

Avoid food, caffeine, tobacco, and brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes before each saliva collection. Rinse your mouth with water 5 minutes before sampling. For the first two morning samples, avoid brushing your teeth or using mouthwash beforehand to prevent contamination. If you are using hormone medications or topical hormones, consult your healthcare provider regarding the timing of your last dose before testing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Saliva and Blood testing for hormones?

Saliva measures 'free' or bioavailable hormones that have left the bloodstream to interact with tissues. Blood tests often measure 'total' hormones, which include those bound to proteins and currently inactive, potentially masking a deficiency or excess at the cellular level.

Is this test available for residents in New York State?

Yes. This specific panel is fully compliant with NYS CLEP requirements, making it one of the few comprehensive at-home saliva hormone panels available for residents in New York State.

When should I take this test during my menstrual cycle?

Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. For cycling women, samples are typically collected during the mid-luteal phase (approximately days 19–22 of a 28-day cycle), when progesterone levels are expected to peak.

Customer reviews

4.6/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Super easy to follow the instructions and finally got answers about my fatigue.
• 5/5 — Really impressed that this is New York approved; it’s hard to find good at-home tests here.
• 5/5 — Detailed profile that helped me understand my cortisol spikes.
• 4/5 — Fast turnaround on the results. The morning collection was a bit of a hassle but worth the data.
• 4/5 — Good test, though I wish it was a bit cheaper.