Female Hormone & Diurnal Cortisol Test (Medium)

About this test

How It Works

You collect saliva samples at home at four time points during the same day, including a sample taken 30 minutes after waking. The samples are then sent to a CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis.

Your results are delivered digitally once testing is complete.

Saliva Collection

The test uses saliva samples collected at home.

This non-invasive method allows hormone levels to be measured at specific time points throughout the day, including the morning cortisol sample, which reflects the early part of the body’s daily rhythm.

Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR)

A key component of this test is the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), which reflects the natural increase in cortisol that occurs shortly after waking.

Cortisol is measured immediately upon waking and again at 30 minutes, followed by additional samples later in the day. This provides insight into how cortisol levels rise and decline throughout the day.

Hormones and Daily Patterns

In addition to cortisol, the test measures estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA-S.

Assessing these hormones together provides insight into how hormone levels vary in relation to stress, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance.

Preparation Instructions

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine on the day of collection.

Rinse your mouth with water at least 5 minutes before each sample.

Avoid eating, drinking (except water), brushing teeth, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before each sample.

Avoid taking biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements for at least 72 hours prior to testing, as this may affect results.

If you are using hormonal medications or supplements (such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA), results should be interpreted in the context of this use.

Who Should Consider This Test

This test is relevant for individuals who want insight into hormone levels in relation to stress and daily energy patterns.

It may be particularly useful when exploring factors such as fatigue, stress, mood changes, or overall hormonal imbalance.

Understanding CLIA Certification

Your samples are analyzed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, ensuring that testing is performed according to established U.S. quality standards using validated methods.

Biomarkers included

• Estradiol (E2): Estrogen — 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
• 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 caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine on the day of collection. Rinse your mouth with water at least 5 minutes before each sample. Avoid eating, drinking (except water), brushing teeth, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before sample collection. Avoid taking biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements for at least 72 hours prior to testing, as this may affect results. If you are using hormonal medications or supplements (such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or DHEA), results should be interpreted in the context of this use.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the 30-minute morning sample so important?

The 0-minute (immediate waking) and 30-minute samples are critical for calculating the CAR. This 'surge' tells us how effectively your brain is communicating with your adrenal glands to prepare you for the day.

Is this test available in New York?

Yes, this test is licensed and available for residents of New York, as well as NJ and RI, meeting all state-specific laboratory requirements.

What is the benefit of saliva over blood testing?

Saliva measures 'free' bioavailable hormones. Blood tests often measure 'total' hormones, which include those bound to proteins and unavailable for the body to use. Saliva is often more reflective of clinical symptoms.

Customer reviews

4.8/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Got my results quickly and the CAR data really explained my morning brain fog.
• 5/5 — Great for tracking my cortisol levels throughout the day.
• 5/5 — Easy to use and much more convenient than going to a lab.
• 4/5 — Solid test, but spitting into four tubes first thing in the morning takes some patience.
• 5/5 — Fast shipping!