Saliva Hormone Testing Review

In this call we will be focusing on Conducting a Saliva Test REVIEW for Women and Men

NOTE: You will need both sample review sheets ( one for men and one for women) and all 9 sampletests on the training website for both men - 5 and women - 4.

NOTE: I always like to be training others on the calls so I encourage you to do the same and have a TEAM member on call with you. If a TEAM member listens in on 10 calls they will be able to do it themselves.

Supplies:

  1. Newsletters – 5 Step Program, Nutrition Basics, Progesterone, Estrogen, Menopause, PeriMenopause, Andropause.
  2. 3 articles on Using Progesterone, Expectations and How to get the Most from the Progesterone Cream.
  3. Products in our program article, Fiber Score Card, Estrogen Wake Up Crisis, Men and Progesterone, Safely Getting of Estrogen

Be prepared to send out an email immediately following the call or after the order has been placed.

WOMENS SALIVA TEST

When should women do a saliva test and why?

Teenagerscan do a saliva test. It is especially helpful for those who experience PMSbefore being put on the pill and after using the pill. It is also appropriate to do a saliva test to get a guideline before beginning progesterone for a few cycles.

Is Saliva testing beneficial when on the Pill?

From ZRT Labs

Is a saliva test beneficial for women taking birth control pills? What is the suggestion for the women who do not intend to stop taking the pill but show symptoms of low progesterone and testosterone?

The saliva test can be beneficial for anyone using hormones and/or contraceptives. It is not uncommon for saliva testing to identify hormonal imbalances in women using contraceptives. A suggestion for a woman using contraceptives with symptoms of low progesterone and testosterone might be to test these two hormones to identify whether an imbalance exists and to what extent. When testing progesterone it is important to test estradiol at the same time to establish a ratio. Saliva test results could then serve as a guideline to help the patient and healthcare provider adjust the dosage of hormone in the birth control pill accordingly. So those on the pill should consider doing a 3 panel test.

Women who want a base linebefore hormone health challenges begin. This option is often not available through our doctors for younger women unless the doctor determines the need. Most will not test healthy women.

Women who would like to know if they are at risk for breast cancerwould benefit from a saliva test.

Dr. Zava has what he calls a Breast cancer profile. He says”It relates to the hormone profiles that we look at in saliva. We’ve been doing some work with Dr. Rebecca Glaser from Ohio. She’s a breast surgeon and has been sending us saliva samples from women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. The breast cancer patient hormone profile we’re seeing is high estradiol and testosterone, low progesterone and DHEA, and flatcortisol levels, usually created by high night cortisol. “I think the hormone profile should, and will, be used in the future as an adjunct to tumor imaging procedures (mammography,sonography, etc.)” says Dr. Zava.

When asked “What role do you see progesterone playing here? Dr. Zava Answered, “Progesterone will counter nearly all biochemical pathways that give the tumor cells a growth advantage, by directly inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, suppressing estrogen receptors, preventing blood vessels from forming around the tumor, and enhancing natural immunity by boosting natural killer cell activity, the first line of defense against all cancers.”

DR. Lee: Perhaps this is why Cowan found that women producing higher levels of progesterone had fewer types of all cancers. This underscores the importance of having balanced hormones before breast cancer surgery.

Women who desire to go on a Hormone-Balancing program would benefit taking a saliva test before beginning a hormone-balancing program, to know their hormone levels at the starting point. The saliva test often validates how we feel when blood tests do not.

Example: Progesterone Deficiency/Estrogen Dominance

42-year-old female experienced increased breast tenderness, headaches and fluid retention prior to menses over a two-year period. Her fibrocystic breasts and uterine fibroids continued to worsen. The salivary progesterone level in the second half of her cycle (luteal phase) was found to be low relative to estrogen, which was high-normal. Supplementation with progesterone skin cream during the luteal phase resulted in an improvement in symptoms.

Women with PMS benefit with a saliva test.Stress is often a factor which increases cortisol production. Cortisol blockades some progesterone receptors and thereby prevents progesterone function. To compete with this cortisol blockade, topical progesterone in the range of 30 to 40 mg/day is sometimes initially required to achieve a beneficial effect. Test First!

Women who have been on a cream and not getting good resultsare advised to do a saliva test to find out what is going on. Lack of absorption, weak cream, not using enough or using too much will, all show up on the saliva test.

Women who want to work with their doctors as they begin a program. Doctors respond to tests well. And if women can explain the test to their doctors – they at least won’t be as likely to hand us an anti-depressant.

Women who have been on HRTand are concerned that their estrogen/progesterone levels may be too high – putting them at risk for breast cancer would definitely benefit from a saliva test.

Example - Inappropriate Hormone Replacement

A 53-year-old woman who stopped menstruating at age 52, and was convinced to take oral estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA, a synthetic form of progesterone) for relief of hot flashes. She complained of weight gain, fluid retention, migraines, and the persistence of hot flashes. Her ratio of salivary progesterone-to-estrogen was very low, indicating a lack of progesterone and a relative excess of estrogen. Use of progesterone skin cream in place of the MPA allowed her to halve her estrogen dosage. Her hot flashes stopped, and her other symptoms disappeared. She was ecstatic to report that she felt normal again. Ultimately she went totally off the estrogen that she was taking orally.

Women who are on ERT – A saliva test will show estrogen levels

while on HRT. The saliva test then tests the program that they are on to see if they are on the correct does and to see where the progesterone levels are. If they are out of balance, that may be putting them at risk for breast cancer.

Saliva Testing benefits any woman who is having problems getting pregnant.

Example: Infertility

Saliva estrogen and progesterone levels on day 21 of the menstrual cycle of a 33-year-old woman having difficulty conceiving for more than one year revealed normal estradiol but subnormal progesterone output, suggesting a possible reason for her infertility.

Women with a diagnosis of PCOSwould benefit with a saliva test to determine if Dr. Lee’s program will work for them.

Example: Polycystic Ovaries

A 29-year-old woman presented with excessive facial/body hair growth, acne, and weight gain about the waist. Suffering these problems since puberty, she had been on several low-fat/high-carb diets, resulting in rebounds and even more weight gain. Menstrual periods were irregular. Saliva testing during the second half of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase) indicated high-normal estradiol, low progesterone, and high androgens, both DHEAS and testosterone. Further examination by her doctor revealed cystic ovaries. Dietary modification (removal of refined carbohydrates, pastas, chips, pastries, sodas etc.) and use of natural progesterone restored normal menstrual cycles and resolved the cystic ovaries.

Aging womenwill benefit with a saliva test .

Example Progesterone/Estrogen Insufficiency

This 63-year-old woman had never taken hormones since her menopause at age 51. She complained of vaginal dryness with painful intercourse, urethral irritation with urination and a bone density scan revealed osteoporosis in her hip and spine. Both her salivary estrogen and progesterone levels were low. Supplementation with natural progesterone skin cream improved her symptoms to some extent, but complete resolution of her complaints was obtained with the addition of an oral biestrogen (estradiol + estriol). Her bone density will be followed with yearly measurements, and is expected to improve. Appropriate nutritional interventions and a weight-bearing exercise program have also been made.

When To Test

When on topical hormone program, it is wise to test saliva levels after at least 1 month of transdermal hormone use. Dr. Mead suggests that it takes one month consistently on a topical progesterone for example to reach sufficiency. When testing for the effect of transdermally applied hormone, it is wise to standardize the time between dosing and the time of saliva collection. Labrix advises that saliva collection be done 12-24 hours after the application of the hormone. Testing done in this manner will be more informative and reliable.

We encourage testing before starting any hormone program to determine that hormones are in fact needed. With having said that,after doing over 8000 saliva tests we see that immediately beginning a program with progesterone cream along with our supplement program is advised when money is an issue or time is an issue. Then we recommend a saliva test be done within 3 - 6 months of starting a balance program.

WOMEN’S and Men’s REVIEW

These can be done in person or via telephone (which I now prefer).

The saliva test results from Labrix are sent to the clients via email. As the consultant they will also be sent to you so that you can follow up with the client and set up an appointment time to do a review.

We think that it is important to require that the client have watched the DVD or attended a live seminar before doing a review. This ensures that everyone is on the same page.

PREPARATION:

  1. Set up an appointment to do the reviewwith your client. This can also be done in a 3-way call with a3rd party expert.
  2. Request a copy of the saliva test if you have not previously received one.
  3. Make sure that your 3rd party expert receives a copy too.
  4. Email the client the Labrix Review Sheet for Womenor the Labrix Review Sheet for Men once you have confirmed the appointmentand ask them to have a copy of their Lab results and the review sheet printed out and ready for the appointment.

The goalof the appointment is to make sure that the person understands what the test is telling them and understands “the Next Step” in resolving their hormone imbalance.

IN PERSON OR ON THE PHONE:

  • Go over the Estradiol Levels – filling in the review sheet
  • Go over the progesterone level – filling in the review sheet
  • Go over the Ratio – it should be a 1 – 200 to 600 ratio for women and a 1 – 200 to 300 for men This means that for every 1 estrogen there should be at least 200 progesterone to protect the tissues from estrogen excess.
  • If progesterone is low refer to the last line in the estrogen box for women regardless of the estrogen level. Refer to the symptoms in all three boxes as they will be applicable.
  • Set a new goal for the next saliva test… for Estrogen and Progesterone
  • Ask the client to turn to the second page of the Test Results ( the symptoms pages) and the second page of the review sheet.This is the “next Step”.
  • Review the Guidelines section leaving the supplement area for last and adding in 40/30/30 under lifestyle.
  • Then have them write down numbers 1 – 4 in one of the margin beside specific guideline for you and review our program explaining that this program comes in a pack and is available to order immediately.
  • Then review the Specific Guidelines high lighting what is appropriate for the client and confirming our program.
  • Symptoms Page –The value of this page is that they can use it to determine if their program is working. They should re-visit this page monthly and will be able to see a change – the symptoms that are severe will become moderate, the moderates will become mild and the mild symptoms will dissipate. This is an excellent way to monitor their program. At the end of 6 months they should re-test and then retest annually.
  • Then ask “What is the Next Step For You?” or “How soon would you be able to begin your program?” Susan suggests saying “ What would keep you from beginning your program today?” They will know what they want to do by this time. Suggest that they can provide you with their credit card information and you will place their first order and put them on a monthly auto ship order so that they receive their products for the next 6 months without delay. They will either order by giving you their credit card info or they will place the order with you coaching them – on line or they will WAIT to have more questions answered.

To EVERYONE: send them some information by email EG:

Reading List

Fiber Score Card

Newsletters

3 articles on Using Progesterone

Website address

Your ID number so that they can buy online.

No one gets better watching the DVD or attending a seminar or doing a saliva test. They can only achieve balance once they move forward on a program.

REMEMBER: you get what you ask for!!! If you ask for a preferred customer that’s what you will likely get; if you ask for a consultant that’s what you will eventually get.

SCRIPT FOR SALIVA TEST REVIEW with Women and Men

If you are the consultant with an expert on your 3 way call with your client …you are there to take notes so your client can listen. Once the Expert is finished then you will take over the call and assist your client with their purchase.

PREPARE THE CLIENT

  1. Confirm that they have their test results – and specifically ask them to print it out before the call
  2. Send them the Labrix Review Sheet – and specifically ask them to print it out before the call.
  3. Set up the appointment and remind them of the appointment call the day before
  4. Confirm the appointment time with your EXPERT

THE CALL

  1. The EXPERT will call you. Then you complete the 3 way call to your client. (make sure that you have 3 way calling capability)
  1. Have in front of you … their test results, a Saliva Review Sheet and your computer on with the MaxxAlive website in view (for the last part of the call).
  1. Connect everyone and introduce your EXPERT then go on mute and start taking notes.

THE REVIEW

Whether your EXPERT does this or you are the EXPERT all calls start and continue in the following fashion.

  1. Start by asking: “Do you have your test results – both pages and review sheets - two pages… in front of you to write on?”
  1. Then Visit with the Client First by asking Questions: Ask questions related to what you see on their test results. EG. how long ago they have their hysterectomy and why? How long they’ve been on or off the pill, any health challenges that motivated them to do the test, and whether they consider themselves to be overweight, underweight or normal weight. (The symptoms sheet that came with the lab results helps clarify things as well).
  1. EXPLAIN EXPECTED RANGE on the Test results: “If you look on your test results, you’ll see to the left, “Expected Range”. This is not, however, the healthy range. These numbers on the lab results are based on all the women they’ve tested so far – the low range they found and the high range. But the optimal ranges which will be healthy ranges for you are found on the Review Sheet Especially prepared for our Consultants by the Lab.”
  1. Start with Estrogen: After repeating their score and asking them to write it in the appropriate blank in the estrogen box of the review sheet. Then for women direct their attention to the last sentence in the estrogen box of the Review Sheet that is underlined: In the absence of adequate progesterone, both high and low estrogen symptoms are accentuated. Then say “This means that the symptoms you are experiencing are a result of a fluctuating estrogen and a presence of inadequate progesterone.

In a menstruating woman, who is normally ovulating, estrogen levels should optimally be between 2 and 2.5.

In a menopausal woman, estrogen will drop 40 to 60% and will settle in around 1.3to1.7. This is adequate or optimal range for estrogen for health and wellness.

In Men estrogen should be below 1 optimally

  1. Next look at her Progesterone numbers : “Let’s look at your progesterone score. “(If the client is supplementing already with progesterone, but her estrogen is low, it’s probably because E1 is not converting to E2 which would suggest that she needs the I3C in DailyMaxx).

Progesterone is relative to estradiol so optimal number are not given. Instead a ratio is used to determine if the amount of progesterone is adequate relative to the amount of estradiol produced in the body.