are saliva tests for testosterone , e2 etc a waste of time?

[rush74]

My doc swears that they are far more accurate, i have heard otherwise, thoughts gentlemen?

[RPHMark]

I use them extensively and they have been very helpful for my patients (mostly women). They do have some limitations, especially after topical therapy is initiated. Most companies also have blood spot testing available if that suits you better.

[1cc]

Originally Posted by rush74

My doc swears that they are far more accurate, i have heard otherwise, thoughts gentlemen?

The only thing that saliva is good for is cortisol. None of the renowned doctors that have written books on HRT use saliva testing.

[Recless]

Saliva testing for any sex hormones is a waste for several reasons. Salivary flow rate can affect the concentration of certain hormones. Secondly, since 95% of hormones are bound to proteins in the blood, small amounts of blood in a saliva sample can lead to erroneous results. I have seen this numerous times, even in my own results. I had my test levels come back 5x the top of the normal range. Hormones in saliva can also be degraded by salivary enzymes. Here is what another respected Dr. in the field of TRT had to say about sailva testing...

Question for SWALE, salivary hormones

Self blood testing? anyone do this?

[hardasnails1973]

Originally Posted by 1cc

The only thing that saliva is good for is cortisol. None of the renowned doctors that have written books on HRT use saliva testing.

Well said !! Still cortisol testing for some drs can be just a legitimit reason to prescribe cortisol as well

[pmgamer18]

I don't buy this I have seen a lot of Saliva tests for Cortiso that were normal so how can this be. Because someone that is down on Saliva testing said this. I have read tests done by someone that redid them 3 times from 3 labs and got the same results + or - a little.

Originally Posted by hardasnails1973

Well said !! Still cortisol testing for some drs can be just a legitimit reason to prescribe cortisol as well

[RPHMark]

I guess everyone has an opinion, but consistent results in hundreds of patients is hard evidence to refute.

[hardasnails1973]

I look at alkalione phosphotase is gauge for adrenal activity it has always been low with me untill I started cortef and getting my EFAS back in balance.. AA -increases zinc uptake - increases alkaline phophotase activity
Notice alot of people with excessive use of fish oils plus thyroid imbalances have low alkaline phospholatse..Thats been a big red flag with 80% of people cases I have addressed