• Hormone-related symptoms: changes in cycle patterns, hot flashes or PMS.
• Skin changes: acne, oily skin or rapid skin ageing.
• Energy concerns: fatigue, low stamina or evening tiredness.
• Mood patterns: irritability, low mood or foggy thinking.
• Stress exposure: ongoing or repeated stressors with possible adrenal involvement.
• Temperature sensitivity: feeling cold frequently.
• Sleep disturbances: difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Metabolic balance: poor blood sugar regulation or high cholesterol under review.
• Weight distribution: weight gain around the hips and thighs.
• Hair and body changes: excessive facial or body hair or changes in hair texture.
• Feminine health patterns: vaginal dryness, fibrocystic breasts or uterine fibroids.
• Fluid balance: water retention or swelling.
• Immune considerations: suspected immune system dysregulation.

TComprehensive Female I measures oestradiol (E2), progesterone (Pg), testosterone (T), DHEA-S (DS) and cortisol (Cx4) using saliva samples, alongside TSH, free T3, free T4 and TPO antibodies from a bloodspot sample. This combined approach enables evaluation of adrenal, thyroid and sex hormone markers within a single profile. Saliva collection reflects the bioavailable fraction of many steroid hormones, while bloodspot is used for thyroid-related analytes.

Practitioners may consider this panel when clients present with complex hormone-related concerns such as fatigue, cycle changes, sleep disturbance, weight shifts, temperature sensitivity or mood fluctuations. Because multiple hormone systems influence one another, viewing adrenal, thyroid and sex hormone markers together can help identify broader patterns rather than focusing on one system in isolation.

Results are typically interpreted alongside symptom history, stress exposure, menstrual patterns, lifestyle factors and any current hormone use. This integrated view allows practitioners to explore how hormonal interactions may relate to energy, mood, metabolic balance and overall comfort for clients.

Practical

Specimen requirements:

Saliva & bloodspot

Average processing time:

10 ±3 days

Research

• Allolio B, Arlt W, Hahner S. DHEA: why, when, and how much DHEA replacement in adrenal insufficiency. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2007;68:268-73.

• Edelman A, Stouffer R, Zava DT, Jensen JT. A comparison of blood spot vs. plasma analysis of gonadotropin and ovarian steroid hormone levels in reproductive-age women. Fertil Steril 2007; 88:1404-7.

• Kaaks R. Nutrition, hormones, and breast cancer: is insulin the missing link? Cancer Causes Control. 1996; 7:605-25.

• Magri F, Cravello L, Barili L, Sarra S, Cinchetti W, Salmoiraghi F, Micale G, Ferrari E. Stress and dementia: the role of the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2006;18:167-70.

• Miller KK. Androgen deficiency in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86:2395-401.

• Selby C. Sex hormone binding globulin: origin, function and clinical significance. Ann Clin Biochem. 1990; 27:532-41.

• Shirtcliff EA, Reavis R, Overman WH, Granger DA. Measurement of gonadal hormones in dried blood spots versus serum: verification of menstrual cycle phase. Horm Behav 2001; 39:258-66.

• Worthman CM, Stallings JF. Hormone measures in fingerprick blood spot samples: new field methods for reproductive endocrinology. Am J Phys Anthropol 1997; 104:1-21.