2. If you use Saliva testing, refrain from applying any hormones to your neck or face for at least 3 days before you test. This will prevent any potential false elevations related to your salivary glands getting saturated with hormones due to such close proximity to the hormone application.

Be aware that there are facial moisturizers which actually contain low dose Estrogens because of their wonderful effects on the skin. Therefore, check your facial products to make sure none contain any hormones. If they do, refrain from using them for 3 days before Saliva testing.

3. If you are going to do a blood spot test, you want to make sure you do not touch any topical hormones for at least 3 days before doing a finger stick blood spot test. Even though you may wash your hands after applying Topical Hormones, your fingers will still absorb hormones into the deeper levels of the skins surface and may falsely elevate testing. To really use Topical Hormones most effectively and safely, it is always best to wear gloves when you apply your hormone creams.

4. If you use ORAL hormones, (other than Prometrium / Micronized Progesterone) then the timing of your last oral dose before you do your testing should be between 12 and 24 hours, just like it is with Topical Hormone replacement. This includes Sustained Release Compounded Oral Hormones as well.

5. However, there is one difference in ORAL hormones and that is If you take ORAL Prometrium, or the generic for Prometrium, which Micronized Progesterone. This form of Progesterone is only active for a short period and you need to take your last dose of Prometrium (Micronized Progesterone) 6-10 hours before you test.

6. If you use Troches or Sublingual Hormones (under your tongue), make sure you do NOT do Saliva testing unless you are willing to be off of your Troches or Sublingual Hormones for at least one week (or longer!) Troches and sublingual hormones fully saturate your salivary glands and require at least a week, and sometimes longer to assure correct Saliva testing results. A better option would be to use Blood Spot testing.

7. If you use injectable hormones, then you will want to test your hormones mid cycle between injections. For instance, if you inject once a week, then you will want to test at day 3 to 4, in-between doses.