I've learned, thanks to all the knowledgeable people here, that supplements containing biotin need to be stopped several days before bloods are taken đź‘ŤNo problems with that but what about cosmetics, shampoo and conditioners that contain biotin?
Would the biotin in these products be absorbed? I wouldn't think that shampoo and conditioner would be an issue but what about face creams that are obviously absorbed into the skin. Just read the ingredients list on one of my moisturising face creams and it has biotin listed.
Should it be stopped the same as supplements?
Sorry for the silly question.
Written by
Jingley
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I will say as a parallel that when taking a cortisol test you have to stop anti-aging lotions/creams before because they soak in through your skin and can interfere with the test. So that is definitely true.
Biotin shampoos that you apply with your hands would logically absorb into your hair and hands. Probably trace amounts, but my layman’s opinion is better safe than sorry for all of it.
I did think that about the creams etc that they should be stopped as they're absorbed. BUT I never even considered the fact that shampoo and conditioner was put on using your hands 🙄. I was only thinking about your hair absorbing it. But obviously some will be absorbed by your hands while massaging it into your hair..... And scalp for that matter.
Hopefully, I've not absorbed too much shampoo and conditioner this morning as I have a blood draw on Monday morning.
FallingInReverse just spotted this post, please can you say more about anti-ageing cream and cortisol tests as the search box is not throwing anything up and I will be doing a cortisol test in a while. Thanks
When I did my cortisol saliva, I relied on the kit insert - but also the telephone help line if the company. They were really helpful, so depending on what co you end up using I would definitely look for a phone number to ask all your questions as you prep.
That being said, here’s some info I pulled from a few test kit websites:
* from the website FAQ- it says Skip use of anti-aging creams that may contain hormone traces. (zrtlab.com/faq/ - In the section “Are there specific herbal supplements/vitamins that can affect hormone levels?”)
- Should I avoid using non-prescription (over-the-counter) anti-aging cream before I test?
Yes. Discontinue anti-wrinkle creams at least 3 days before collection. You may substitute moisturizing creams that are safe for infants during the three days.
* in reading more right now, they specify to keep hormones away from face, lips, mouth particularly.
- Topical hormones, please note: Do not apply hormones to face or neck. Apply hormones to areas of the body that can be covered by clothing to avoid transfer of hormones from fingers to face, lips, or mouth. False-high saliva results can result when hormones from contaminated surfaces (faucets, counters, door knobs) or towels are transferred inadvertently from fingers/hands and then to face, lips, or mouth.
Will skin lotions or moisturizers affect saliva hormone results?
All skin creams, lotions, and moisturizers have the potential to interfere with hormone testing, including measurements of cortisol, DHEA, estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Over-the-counter anti-aging creams, anti-wrinkle creams, sensitive skin creams, and various other lotions and moisturizers potentially may contain estrogens, progesterone, DHEA, and other hormones, even when these hormones are not disclosed on the label. Certain ingredients, such as placental derivatives, are known to contain hormones, and other additional ingredients containing hormones may not be listed as such on the label. It is best to instruct your patients to avoid all skin creams, lotions, and moisturizers for 24 hours before collection and on the day of collection.
- this too - relevant : )
Do patients need to avoid melatonin or thyroid hormone medications before testing?
Although melatonin and thyroid hormone medications may affect adrenal and ovarian function, these medications do not interfere with steroid hormone testing and do not need to be avoided before or during adrenal or other steroid hormone testing.
in sum: the kit insert and test co websites & help lines are really good. Even this one that I just googled I saw better details than my own test co website: diagnostechs.com/2015/08/03...
also- I am a conservative, better safe than sorry kind of person , but I also bet lots of people don’t know all these things and it’s probably “good enough.” And I just read now that certain makeups (like some eyelash treatments ) have hormones. I don’t use that, but wouldn’t have known. I think it’s generally “fine”, and we do what we know/can and it’ll work out.
Thanks that is very helpful, although a bit alarming. I always put my HRT gel on with gloves to avoid transferring it elsewhere but don't with skin moisturising cream. I had no idea that could contain hormones.
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