Low testosterone is far more common than most men realize. It affects an estimated 4 to 5 million men in the U.S., and the numbers climb sharply with age — nearly 39 percent of men 45 and older, and more than 60 percent of men over 65 have free testosterone levels below what’s typical for a man in his early 30s. If you’ve been feeling like a shadow of yourself, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
This Test Is for You If You’re Middle-Aged With Any of These:
- Impaired libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Baldness and/or thinning hair on the arms or legs
- Fat accumulation around the waist
- Urinary problems — pain, frequency, urgency, or an interrupted stream
- Changes in sleep habits
- A general lack of enthusiasm for life
- Rising “bad” cholesterol and falling “good” cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
Or Younger, With Any of These:
- Impaired libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Early baldness
- Inability to lose weight
What This Test Shows Us
Using a saliva sample, this test measures seven key hormones: DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol, and progesterone. An expanded version adds two more — LH and FSH.
Saliva reflects the active, usable concentration of these hormones in your tissue. Blood is mostly protein-bound hormone, so its active fraction can only be estimated. Urine gives active hormones plus a mix of metabolites, which only offers a rough estimate over time. For diagnosis and treatment, the active fraction we get from saliva gives a clearer picture than either.
Why LH and FSH Matter
Adding LH and FSH tells me where a hormone problem is actually coming from, not just that one exists. Low testosterone with elevated LH and FSH points to primary hypogonadism — the issue is in the testes themselves. Low testosterone with low or low-normal LH and FSH points to secondary hypogonadism — the testes are fine, but the signal from the brain isn’t strong enough. Knowing which one you’re dealing with changes the treatment approach entirely.
How You Benefit
- More affordable. You’ll typically save $250 to $300 compared to blood or urine testing for the same seven hormones.
- No needles. You skip the discomfort and biohazard risk of a blood draw.
- More accurate. Saliva reflects what’s actually active in your tissues.
- A truly individualized plan. Your results guide a customized approach using natural hormones.
- Less guesswork. Precise results mean less risk of over- or under-dosing.
Taking hormones without first evaluating your actual need carries real, unnecessary risk — that’s exactly why testing comes first. If any of this sounds like you, let’s talk. Restoring your well-being, vitality, and passion for life often starts with understanding what your hormones are actually doing.
— Dr. Faith Christensen