Saliva Test?

[Perry]

Hi folks,

Has anyone heard of a saliva test for T3, T4, and free levels?

If so, do you know what levels are considered hypo?

-Perry-

[Perry]

Hi Lois,

I haven't heard a lot, but my naturopath suggested one and I've done it.
I'm a real wuss when it comes to needles, so it sounded like a really good
alternative test to me. I know that saliva tests are often done for thyroid
antibodies, but was wondering if anyone else had done one for the T3/T4/free
measurements. My results are due within the next couple of days.

-Perry-

"Lois" <no_...@infoserve.net> wrote in message
news:L4Jj5.2129$tz6.12...@news1.van.metronet.ca...
Perry wrote:
: Has anyone heard of a saliva test for T3, T4, and free levels?

: If so, do you know what levels are considered hypo?

All I've heard is that our resident expert Encyclopedia Ted a.k.a.
Lab Man thinks that only blood tests can measure these levels.
What have you heard about them? I'm curious.

Lois

[Lois]

[Ted Huston]

Now that ET is back from his visit with Elvis.....
The reason that saliva testing for the thyroid hormones is a poor
substitute for bloodwork is that very nature of free- v bound-
states. Saliva works well for non-bound systems, like the adrenal
hormones, but not for the thyroid ones which depend heavily on
binders....more than 99% are bound, and the saliva is only going
to "see" the extremely variable portion that is able to pass the
membranes. Sorry to stick a needle in your balloon. However, you
can help your naturopath to get up to speed on this issue and not
mislead future customers.

Perry wrote:
> Hi Lois,
>
> I haven't heard a lot, but my naturopath suggested one and I've done it.
> I'm a real wuss when it comes to needles, so it sounded like a really good
> alternative test to me. I know that saliva tests are often done for thyroid
> antibodies, but was wondering if anyone else had done one for the T3/T4/free
> measurements. My results are due within the next couple of days.
>
> -Perry-
>

> "Lois" <no_...@infoserve.net> wrote in message...

--
Ted Huston dr...@umich.edu
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

[Perry]

Ted,

To be honest, I don't plan on doing any such thing. For someone such as
myself, who cannot tolerate even the idea of a needle and bloodwork, this
has been a godsend. It has allowed me to get the diagnosis I've been sure
of for years and for which multiple other doctors have refused to treat me
without blood tests. I have been on Armour Thyroid since my original post,
and am starting to feel so much better it boggles even my mind (what was
left of it!).

That, however, does not diminish my appreciation for your time and concern
in responding to my original post. :)

-Perry-

"Ted Huston" <dr...@umich.edu> wrote in message
news:39A2B502...@umich.edu...

[Ted Huston]

Perry wrote:
> Ted,
>
> To be honest, I don't plan on doing any such thing. For someone such as
> myself, who cannot tolerate even the idea of a needle and bloodwork, this
> has been a godsend. It has allowed me to get the diagnosis I've been sure
> of for years and for which multiple other doctors have refused to treat me
> without blood tests. I have been on Armour Thyroid since my original post,
> and am starting to feel so much better it boggles even my mind (what was
> left of it!).
>
> That, however, does not diminish my appreciation for your time and concern
> in responding to my original post. :)

And, in turn, this is perfectly fine by me. All I suggest is that if
you are PAYING for thyroid saliva tests, save your money for better
things, ....like body-piercing for the pig tail you will be sprouting
on that Armour of yours. Take it from my personal experience on
Armour that rooting for truffles and rolling in mud is veerrrry
pleasurable. Oink :@)

[Perry]

Ted,

Hey, if feeling this good again (and getting better every day) comes with a
porcine tail, bring it on... and the rolling in mud sounds good,
regardless. :)

-Perry-

"Ted Huston" <dr...@umich.edu> wrote in message

news:39A2CF20...@umich.edu...

[Lakaya]

Let me say this...about that.....butterfly needles. tell your nurse to use
them. frankly i have small veins...but after the first time these things were
used on me.....i dont care if its a vein that glows in the dark with a neon
sign that says 'im right here' and is 10 times the size of all the others, i
will only submit to blood work if they are using that type of needle. you dont
feel it....you dont see it. and you dont swell up after it.

[Perry]

Lakaya, that would probably work if it were the sensation that bothers me.
But it isn't. It's a squeamishness thing. It can give me nightmares just
reading your message about it, let alone subjecting myself to it.

"Lakaya" <pee...@purplebutterfly.cinternet.net> wrote in message
news:39A3D988...@purplebutterfly.cinternet.net...

[Lakaya]

I know that squeamishness...and thanks to you i now know how to spell it as
well. mine ranges from the physical urge to vomitcate from the feel of the
needle up to the fainting at the sight of my own blood. with butterfly needles
i no longer have to be put in a room with a nurse on stand by. i simply look at
what they have on tv....and keep my head glued to it till the nurse taps me on
the shoulder and says 'good to go now'. its kinda a mental game, but it is a
long way from having to be strapped down to the chair <2 years ago> and now i
can take shots 'like a big girl' which is funny cuz i tell my children that, but
until recently, i couldnt do it myself.

Lakaya