Functional Tests

Comprehensive Female II (Saliva: Cx4) (Blood Spot: E2, E1, E3, Pg, T, SHBG, DS, C, TSH, fT3, fT4, TT4, Tgbn, TPOab)

Overview

The Comprehensive Female II test measures adrenal, sex and thyroid hormones using four-point salivary cortisol sampling alongside dried blood spot analysis of oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, DHEA-S, thyroid stimulating hormone, free T3, free T4 and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Saliva collection captures cortisol variation across the day, while dried blood spot sampling provides a practical approach to assessing circulating sex and thyroid-related markers.

This combined approach may be clinically useful when hormone-related symptoms span energy, mood, sleep, menstrual changes, thermoregulation or metabolic concerns. Rather than focusing on a single hormone, the test allows practitioners to observe how adrenal, ovarian and thyroid markers align, particularly where symptoms appear interconnected or fluctuate over time.

Practitioners typically interpret results alongside menstrual cycle timing, life stage, stress exposure, medication or hormone use, dietary patterns, lifestyle factors and other laboratory findings. This contextual interpretation helps support informed discussions with clients without relying on isolated markers.

Indications


  • Menstrual health: pre-menstrual syndrome and cycle-related symptoms.
  • Vasomotor symptoms: hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Energy and stamina: fatigue, particularly in the evening.
  • Mood changes: low mood, irritability or emotional volatility.
  • Cognitive symptoms: foggy thinking or reduced mental clarity.
  • Sleep disturbances: difficulty falling or staying asleep.
  • Androgen-related symptoms: acne, oily skin or excessive facial and body hair.
  • Libido and intimacy: low sex drive or vaginal dryness.
  • Thyroid-related symptoms: feeling cold, low stamina or thyroid problems.
  • Metabolic concerns: weight gain around hips and thighs or poor blood sugar regulation.

Practical

Practical

 

Specimen requirements:

Saliva & dried bloodspot

 

Average processing time:

10 ±3 days

Downloads

Research

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.