Getting your hormone levels checked: saliva test or blood test?
Hormones control almost everything in your body. They ensure that your cycle runs regularly and that pregnancy is possible. If your hormone levels are out of balance, this may be one reason why you’re struggling to get pregnant. Sex hormones in particular, such as oestrogen and progesterone, play a key role.
You can have your sex hormones tested – either at your GP’s surgery, at the gynaecologist’s or even quite simply at home.
A hormone test gives you clarity. It shows you what your hormone levels are like and whether treatment might be advisable.
Saliva test or blood test?
You may have heard of saliva tests or blood tests when it comes to hormone testing. Both options have their merits, but they provide different results.
Blood test: the classic method at the doctor’s
A blood test measures your hormone levels directly in your blood. This is the most common method – particularly at your GP or gynaecologist’s. It determines the amount of hormones and their carrier proteins in the blood.
However, this method only shows the total amount of hormones. What is often not recorded is how many of these hormones are actually active – that is, ‘free’ – and how many are bound. This can be particularly crucial when it comes to fertility issues.
Saliva test: The at-home alternative
A saliva test is a practical alternative that you can easily carry out at home. It measures not only the total amount but also the free hormones – such as oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA. This gives you a much clearer picture of your hormonal status.
When is a hormone test advisable?
A hormone test is particularly advisable if you feel that your cycle is irregular or if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant. An imbalance can also manifest through other symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Skin problems
- A short second phase of the cycle
- Spotting before your period
In such cases, it’s a good idea to have your hormone levels checked. It’s best to discuss this with your NFP counsellor or GP.
Our recommendation: Hormone test plus cycle tracking
If you suspect that your hormones are out of balance, we advise you to have a hormone test. A saliva test provides the most accurate results, as it also measures free hormones.
In addition, you can use the ovolution app to track exactly how your cycle is progressing. It’s based on the principles of the symptothermal method and helps you to better identify your fertile days and spot signs of hormonal imbalances.