Anyone had problem with cortisol/DHEA test due to dry mouth?

[Nico101]

Hi everyone.

I feel a bit silly writing this, but I bought the Regenerus saliva cortisol/DHEA test but can't produce enough saliva - esp first thing - to give a sample?

I followed the guidelines I was sent and also searched online. Even tried cooking bacon with my nose hovering over the pan: nada.

I've just looked up acupuncture, which seems to have a treatment for this, but I was wondering if anyone else had experienced this and how they resolved it?

Cheers.

[Hidden]

Yes. My mouth was so dry. It took me literally ages to produce enough saliva and it was very bubbly and white. Just small amounts of bubbly saliva at a time. I used a Genova kit that can apparently be rinsed out with water to redo test. Not sure what you can do to help but just take your time and you will hopefully do it.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Hidden]

You can rinse out the Regenerus tubes as well, but once rinsed the tubes have to air dry properly before reusing.

Nico101 I don't have the trouble that you've had but my mouth is drier for the first sample and it does take longer to do. As the first sample is waking + 30 minutes, you can drink some water when you wake up and rinse around your mouth, Regnerus instructions say to wait 10 minutes after rinsing your mouth before saliva collection so you'd have plenty of time. Regenerus also say that some bubbles and foam are acceptable.

[Nico101 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Yes, Regenerus did tell me to rinse out the tube and have another go.

I did ask how long I had to complete the first sample when I rang them up, the girl that answered couldn't tell me.

Could you take, say 15-20 mins to do it do you think? She implied not, but I don't think she knew what she was talking about and admitted she'd never been asked this before.

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Nico101]

I really don't know if there's a time limit.

[G2G2]

I couldn't produce enough saliva. So I had a DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Complete Hormones). So easy & some believe it's more accurate. Samples are taken throughout the day.

[Nico101 in reply to G2G2]

Is that the same as the 24hr urine testing?

[G2G2 in reply to Nico101]

No. Totally different.

[Nico101 in reply to G2G2]

Where would I get that one from? I've never heard of it before. I did do the 24hr urine on through the NHS, but it was inconclusive.

[humanbean in reply to Nico101]

Regenerus does Dutch testing :

regeneruslabs.com/shop?sear...

I don't know anything about it, and have never done it myself. My first impression is that it is very expensive!

[Nico101 in reply to humanbean]

Yes, it's horrifically expensive for me. But If I can get a refund on the saliva test I bought from them (that was £90), then I can just about afford it if I tighten my belt - again. Thing is, I can't afford NOT to do it if I can't produce enough saliva for the saliva test.

I found all the add-ons very confusing, so i just emailed them. If I phone, I get a receptionist who doesn't have a clue, so I think better to ask in writing.

[Nico101 in reply to G2G2]

Is this also for cortisone and DHEA?

[G2G2 in reply to Nico101]

I had hormone testing panel--sex hormones, DHEA, cortisol, etc. You can get it for just cortisol & DHEA.

[Nico101 in reply to G2G2]

I've found one on Regenerus, thanks. Was yours a cortisol test? Only they ask about a lot of extras and I don't know what they're on about. I really only need cortisol and DHEA, as far as I know.

[FancyPants54]

I used to have this trouble. Test after test over time took ages to complete, just scant foam and having to bash the tube to make it settle out. It was horrible.

This won't be the answer for men certainly, but as soon as I started HRT that problem resolved. I can produce plenty of saliva now. I was dried up inside and out before it.

[humanbean]

I have a very dry mouth, and I've just bought a saliva test from Regenerus - haven't done the test yet though. I'm worrying about having the same problem as you.

I did some practice before I ordered and the only way I can produce any saliva at all is if I sit down, close my mouth, bend my head forward, and then wait... and wait... and wait... I also have to resist the temptation to swallow during the long wait which I find extremely difficult. But if I wait long enough saliva does collect. I'm hoping I can get enough saliva out that way. Fingers crossed.

[Nico101 in reply to humanbean]

I hope so. I tried all the trick Regenerus and others on here recommended, but it wasn't even worth reaching for the tube. I knew I couldn't do it - and TBH, I'd struggle during the day, to - not just the waking one.

I'll let you know if they allow me to return mine for a refund.

There is a test - the DUTCH one - which is £206. I was thinking, for myself, that I should pay a bit more and get sex hormones and melatonin done at the same time, since it's more cost-effective, and I'm pretty sure I'll have issues with those hormones, too.

I need to sort something out soon, though, as I need to go back on my adrenal and thyroid supplements. It's really stressing me out - which doesn't help, of course.

Also, I take medical cannabis oil for Crohn's and that dries your mouth out during the night, so I'm off that, too, which is an additional worry.

I doubt I have much choice but to go for the DUTCH one at this rate.