Menstrual Cycle Comprehensive Profile (CycloScan®) is a saliva test that evaluates the hormones Estradiol (E2), Progesterone, Testosterone, and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). For this test, 11 saliva samples are collected at specific dates during the entire menstrual cycle (28 days), thus allowing the detection of possible imbalances in the production of hormones of the female reproductive cycle.
The Menstrual Cycle Comprehensive Profile can help identify the underlying causes for many chronic gynecological disorders and fertility, in order to design appropriate individualized treatment interventions.
When is Menstrual Cycle testing useful?
The measurement of sex hormones in the saliva is useful in the investigation of many pathological gynecological conditions such as:
- Pre-menstrual syndrome
- Infertility
- Polycystic ovaries
- Heavy bleeding
- Endometriosis
- Osteoporosis
- Mood disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Appetite disorders
- Libido disorders
What are the advantages to measure the hormones in saliva?
Compared to standard blood hormone tests, salivary hormone measurement offers several advantages:
- The levels of hormones measured in saliva are those that are not bound to proteins (free) and therefore the actual bioavailable fractions of hormones. Various disorders affecting the production of proteins, both their increase and decrease, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, do not affect the measurement of hormones in saliva
- The levels of bioavailable hormones in saliva are correlated with those circulating in the blood. Bioavailable hormone levels are those associated with the underlying symptoms
- Collecting saliva samples is easy, performed at home, and does not cause additional stress (taking blood for many people is very stressful)
- The sample can be easily taken any day and at any time so that the circadian (daily) rhythm of hormones and the way they are secreted during days or after certain events can be monitored (e.g., after exercise)
What does the Menstrual Cycle Comprehensive Profile include?
Diagnostiki Athinon’s Menstrual Cycle Comprehensive Profile (CycloScan®) includes the following tests:
Estradiol (E2). It is produced by the ovaries and is the most active form of estrogen before menopause. Its normal levels are essential for a normal, healthy menstrual cycle and fertility.
Progesterone. Progesterone (pregnancy hormone) prepares the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) for the implantation of the fertilized egg. Abnormal progesterone levels can play a role in infertility and recurrent miscarriages.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). This hormone is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor molecule for the synthesis of estrogen and testosterone. Disorders in DHEA levels can lead to disturbances in these hormones.
Testosterone. The "male hormone" plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, metabolism and energy management as well as libido. Elevated hormone levels may be associated with symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, and possibly polycystic ovary syndrome.
