Now here's thing......... re saliva testing

[Guest guest]

Val Forster (bless her) has just clued me in on what is said on

Genova's website about saliva testing for sex hormones and I think it

is of serious interest and may explain my high results from Lab 21.

Genova tell patients in advance of testing -

ŸThe following drugs and herbs may influence levels of hormones

reported in this test: melatonin (at doses greater than 5 mg),

ketoconazole, cimetidine (Tagamet), anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole

(Femara), exemestane (Aromasin), Chrysin, Apigenin, Tribulus

terrestris,

clomiphene, antiepileptics, digoxin, oral steroids (e.g. Prednisone),

cortisone cream, and any steroid-based nasal sprays, inhalers, or eye

drops Let your physician know about these and any other medications,

herbs, and supplements that you have used in the past 3 months. Do

not change use of supplements or medications unless instructed to do

so by your Physician or Therapist.

ŸThe " normal " range for hormone levels reported on this test was

determined with individuals who were not taking hormone supplements

(including pills, patches, and creams). Transdermal (cream) hormones

will generally produce artificially high levels in the saliva that do

not

correlate with blood levels. This increase may last for weeks to

months

after discontinuing use. If you are taking these substances, or have

recently, consult your Physician or Therapist before taking this test.

Now I have been taking 6 mg melatonin some nights during my recent

bout of severe insomnia and of course I am taking steroids in the

form of h/c which is also prohibited though they mention Pred. as an

example but I suppose it would apply to both.

They also seem to be saying tha saliva testing for sex hormones is

not suitable for people supplementing their sex hormones as the

results are artificially high.

Wish I had known this but we live and we learn do we not folks?

I will stick to the blood testing from now on for this area.

Mo