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At-Home Hormone Panels
Saliva and dried blood spot (DBS) tests allow for convenient tracking of diurnal cortisol patterns and sex hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, DHEA-S).
Testing Media
| Media | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Saliva | Measuring *free* (unbound) cortisol throughout the day (4-point curve). |
| Dried Blood Spot | Thyroid panels, Total Testosterone. |
| Venous Blood Draw | Gold standard for Free Testosterone (via equilibrium dialysis) and SHBG. |
Common Mistakes
- Testing at the Wrong Time: Testosterone peaks in the early morning. Testing at 4 PM will yield artificially low results.
- Ignoring SHBG: High Total Testosterone means nothing if Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is so high that Free Testosterone is suppressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are at-home kits accurate enough to start TRT?
A: No. At-home kits are for screening and tracking. Clinical intervention requires a standard venous blood draw.