Nutrition

Why We Test Hormones with Saliva

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FDN has been working hard over the last several months to put together Holistic Health Weekbringing together over 25 leaders in the health space and sharing their expertise in every area of holistic health. This virtual event showcases experts from the functional health sphere. Participants will dive into a series of enlightening talks covering everything from industry-specific business strategies to client support techniques, all through a functional health lens. This event is designed to empower and educate, offering valuable insights. This is the FDN version of a “summit” and we want YOU to be a part of it!

When is this event? April 22nd – 26th from 11 am – 5 pm EST each day.

Who’s invited? Everyone! This includes FDN grads, trainees, and non-FDNs.

What are we selling? Only a VIP package where people can purchase the replays ($47 – $97).

Grab a front-row seat for nerdy conversations with renowned functional health experts on how to succeed as a practitioner and build better health naturally.

Test Hormones with Saliva: Summary

In Test Hormones with Saliva, co-hosts Detective Ev and Lucy McKellar dive into the second session of their Lunch&Learn series, focusing on why saliva is preferred for hormone testing in FDN practice. The episode starts with Detective Ev reviewing the subject of HPA axis dysfunction, contrasting it with the commonly referenced term ‘adrenal fatigue’. Lucy explains the four stages of HPA axis dysfunction: optimal (homeostasis), acute, compensatory, and exhaustive, emphasizing the importance of achieving homeostasis.

The discussion shifts to the importance of testing hormones using saliva, highlighting its accuracy in measuring bioavailable hormone levels. Saliva tests, Evan and Lucy argue, better reflect free, active hormone levels and offer practical benefits – cost effectiveness, convenience, less stressful collection. The hosts also touch on how saliva testing allows for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s diurnal cortisol rhythm, essential for assessing their circadian rhythm and providing insights into their overall health

Lucy elaborates on the scientific backing for saliva testing, discussing its evolution from being seen as unreliable to now being considered a gold standard in hormone testing. She emphasizes the role of saliva testing in accurately assessing circadian rhythm and cortisol levels throughout the day, which is critical for understanding a patient’s stress response and energy fluctuations. The ease and non-invasiveness of saliva collection compared to blood draws are also mentioned as key advantages.

Detective Ev and Lucy share their personal and clinical experiences with HPA axis dysfunction and how saliva testing has been instrumental in diagnosing and managing patients’ conditions. The episode closes with a teaser for the next topic, metabolic chaos, promising to delve into how this concept serves as a unifying diagnosis for various chronic conditions.