Saliva testing is an easy and noninvasive way of assessing your patient’s hormone status and balancing needs, and is proving to be the most reliable medium for measuring hormone levels.
Appreciating the reliability of saliva testing is based on understanding the difference between steroid hormones in saliva and in serum. This difference is based on whether or not the hormones are bound to proteins in the medium used for testing. The majority of hormones exist in one of two forms: free (5%) or protein bound (95%). It is only the free hormones that are biologically active, or bio-available, and available for delivery to receptors in the body. Those which are protein bound do not fit the receptors and are considered non-bioavailable. When blood is filtered through the salivary glands, the bound hormone components are too large to pass through the cell membranes. Only the unbound hormones pass through and into the saliva. What is measured in the saliva is the bioavailable hormone, the clinically relevant portion which will be delivered to the receptors in the tissues of the body.
Individual Saliva Tests
Progesterone (Pg) Pg $40
Testosterone (T) T $40
DHEA (D) D $35
Estrone (E1) E1 $40
Estradiol (E2) E2 $40
Estriol (E3) E3 $40
Cortisol (C) C $40
Urine Iodine Spot & Load Test $85
Every cell in the body contains and utilizes iodine. Essential for life, iodine has many effects on the body: hormone production, nerve and muscle function, metabolism, tissue growth and repair, and cell respiration.
It has been estimated that approximately one third of the world’s population is iodine deficient, and studies in the United States have suggested that the number may be even higher, with some estimates as high as 95%. Iodine deficiencies can occur not only because of inadequate intake, but also due to the damaging toxins we are exposed to every day. Given the various functions of iodine in the body, it is easy to see how even a slight deficiency can cause widespread problems. An especially interesting area of study in iodine deficiency is the field of hormone balancing. Iodine is a crucial ingredient in the delicate balance of the endocrine system, and deficiencies have been implicated in conditions such as diabetes, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS), fibrocystic breast disease, increased breast cancer risk and most commonly goiter.
Comprehensive Plus Panel E1, E2, E3, Pg, T, D, Cx4 $345
Total: 10 Tests
The Comprehensive Plus Panel expands on the Comprehensive Panel and includes estrone (E1) and estriol (E3) plus the Estrogen Quotient. The Estrogen Quotient (EQ) is a simple ratio of the cancer protective E3 to the proliferative estrogens E1 and E2. The EQ provides an assessment of breast cancer risk, with a lower number (<1.0) indicating increased risk, and a higher number (>1.0) signifying a lower risk. For maximum protection, an optimal EQ is >1.5. Because the research on the Estrogen Quotient and the protective properties of estriol has not been done with men, this panel is currently recommended for women only. This panel should be considered for patients who have:
Increased risk of developing breast cancer
History of breast cancer or other hormonally sensitive cancers
Personal or strong family history of autoimmune disease
PCOS
Comprehensive Hormone Panel E2, Pg, T, D, Cx4 $295
Total: 8 Tests
The Comprehensive Hormone Panel is the starting point for initial assessment of hormonal status and endocrine function and includes estradiol (E2), progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and four cortisols. This panel is useful with male and female patients because it looks at the full diurnal cortisol pattern it is especially important in patients who are experiencing the following symptoms in addition to the symptoms listed for the Basic Hormone Panel:
Weight gain
Multiple chemical sensitivity
High blood sugar
Elevated lipids (cholesterol and/or triglycerides)
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Short Comprehensive Panel E2, Pg, T, D, Cx2 $220
Total: 6 Tests
This assessment is useful in men and women whose primary symptoms are related to sex hormone imbalances (elevated or depressed E2, P or T). The abbreviated adrenal panel that includes DHEA and the AM and PM cortisol levels provides a brief assessment of the level of involvement of adrenal dysfunction. Additionally, this condensed panel (like the Basic Hormone Panel) is often used for re-evaluation 2-3 months after hormone replacement has begun to monitor therapeutic values. The Short Comprehensive Panel should be ordered if the patient is suffering from:
Fatigue
Sleep Disturbances
Family history of breast cancer
Brain fog
Basic Hormone Panel E2, Pg, T, D, C $200
Total: 5 Tests
The Basic Hormone Panel provides a basic evaluation of the sex hormones and a brief glimpse at adrenal function with the AM cortisol level. This panel is useful when retesting patients who have begun hormone therapy, but we encourage use of the Comprehensive Panel for initial evaluation. This is the minimal test recommended for symptoms that include:
Men Experiencing:
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Loss of stamina
Decrease in mental sharpness
Reduced muscle size
Tearful episodes or increased moodiness
Metabolic syndrome
Prostate enlargement or cancer
Hot flashes
Irritability
Women Experiencing:
Hot flashes
Anxiety/Depression
Night sweats
Breast tenderness
Irritability
Forgetfulness
Irregular menstrual cycles
Vaginal dryness
Urinary incontinence
Uterine fibroids
Increased facial / body hair
Acne
Adrenal Function Panel D, Cx4 $200
Total: 5 Tests
This panel provides a comprehensive view of adrenal function and includes 4 cortisol levels timed throughout the day as well as DHEA. Symptoms that would indicate ordering this panel include:
Fatigue
Nervousness
Weakness
Sugar cravings
Insomnia
Dizzy spells
Headaches
Decreased stamina
Irritability
Fibromyalgia
Anxiety / Depression
Diurnal Cortisol Panel CX4 $160
This panel provides a comprehensive view of adrenal function and includes 4 cortisol levels timed throughout the day. Symptoms that would indicate ordering this panel include:
4 Tests
This panel is similar to the Adrenal Function Panel, but would be used in patients who do not require DHEA testing.
25(OH) Vitamin D Blood Drop Test $99
Vitamin D Blood Drop testing, a convenient and accurate serum testing methodology researched and developed for convenient, home collection of the patient sample without the inconvenience of venipuncture.
The test kit contains everything needed for sample collection. The kit comes with a small lancet to pierce a finger (similar to the procedure for glucose testing) and then allows drops of blood to fall onto a collection card. When the collection card is dry simply put the sample into the prepaid mailer to send it to the lab. We’ll send you a copy of the test with recommendations when it gets back to us (about a week).
To order kits send email to office@cindeegardner.com

Dr. Cindee Gardner is a internationally renowned Homeopathic Consultant with over 28 years of experience in the field of natural medicine. CindeeGardner.com is your source for the highest quality of homeopathic and natural healing services available anywhere. If you’re looking to achieve ultimate health, you’ve come to the right place.