Hormonal Update Volume 2 Number 1

The Saliva Story - Part 1

Spit is not something most of us like to think about. It has all kinds of negative connotations and cultural associations. Little boys growing up often consider spitting a manly thing to do. Little girls on the other hand are taught that it is unladylike to spit. Spittoons have been commonplace throughout history, but once it was discovered that saliva could carry germs these receptacles quickly fell out of favor. And then there are those ghastly spit balls most of us are introduced to in grade school. Not a pleasant thought. Yet, in spite of what we think about spit, from the time we are born, whether it is the drool on our chin that signals the onset of teething, or the sticky sweet slime that remains on our lips and fingertips after licking an ice cream cone - spit is a presence in our lives. And, as you are about to discover, spit, or saliva, as it is more scientifically known, is a very important bodily fluid. 

Some of the most profound scientific discoveries in recent history have come about as a result of saliva research. For example, did you know that a detective can now determine whether or not you are the person who sent a ransom note just by examining the saliva you left on the postage stamp? That’s right. Your saliva holds a complete imprint of your DNA. But that’s not all your saliva can reveal about you. A few drops of your saliva can reveal whether you have had too much to drink, or have been using illegal drugs. It can also reveal whether you have been exposed to a particular virus, or have a genetic predisposition for certain diseases. Finally, a small saliva sample can inform you and your doctor precisely what your hormone profile looks like, which is why we are going to discuss the saliva story in the next two Hormonal Updates. 

Important Bodily Fluid

The saliva glands in your mouth produce your saliva. They are located inside each cheek, at the bottom of the mouth, and under the jaw at the very front of the mouth. These glands produce nearly two pints of saliva per day. For many years it was believed that saliva was only useful for chewing and swallowing food. However, saliva research, which began in the 1950’s, enabled us to transcend our limited beliefs about spit. 

The chief functions of saliva, which is mostly water, are lubrication and initiation of digestion. The enzyme amylase, present in saliva, helps begin the breakdown of starches. However, highly complex in both composition and function, saliva does indeed do more than moisten our food and make it easier to swallow. In addition to important enzymes, saliva contains hundreds of other substances - minerals, proteins, hormones, blood cells, and bacteria, to name a few — that form an elaborate protective mechanism for tooth enamel and the oral cavity. The discovery of the immunoglobulin IgA in saliva demonstrated that, along with its role in digestion and oral health, saliva is also active in immune function, helping protect us from foreign invaders. IgA is an important antibody that protects your eyes, nose, throat, intestines, and lungs from infectious diseases. 

In addition to being antibacterial, saliva has been shown to be antifungal, antichlamydial and antiviral. Some scientists refer to saliva as a gatekeeper because of its protective role against harmful pathogens and dental caries. But scientific research is showing us that saliva may also be a gateway to simpler, more noninvasive answers to some of our most challenging medical dilemmas. 

Your Spitting Image

The ease with which a saliva test can be performed combined with the highly sensitive nature of test procedures now available make it possible to detect and monitor the existence and concentration of numerous drugs, hormones, antibodies and other molecules present in the body. Drug monitoring includes therapeutic drugs like theophylline, lithium, methadone and cyclosporine as well as the abusive drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, opiates and methamphetamines. 

The results of saliva testing can also be used to determine the presence of viral antibodies to HIV and viral antigens like Hepatitis A, B, and C and measles. Testing saliva may now be useful in detecting the presence of helicobacter pylori, the bacterium closely associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers and an increased risk for stomach cancer. Systemic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and rheumatoid arthritis can also be identified, and the list is growing. 

Virtually all the natural steroid hormones of significance in routine endocrinology - the estrogens, testosterone, DHEA, progesterone, cortisol and melatonin - can now be accurately measured and monitored in saliva. Having trouble sleeping at night? A saliva test to evaluate your melatonin level can give you insight as to why. Hot flashes, mood swings, or failing libido? An estradiol, testosterone, or progesterone saliva test can give you the answers. Is your job or lifestyle stressful and hectic? A cortisol test can help determine how much the stress in your life is really affecting you. 

Saliva Testing Reveals Hormonal Individuality

Because of saliva research and testing we now know that a woman’s hormonal profile varies greatly throughout her life. While it’s true that all women have the same hormones at work in their body, the levels are highly variable. In addition, by using saliva testing, it has been found that when a woman takes replacement hormones, not only are her hormone levels affected in a way that is unique to her, but also her actual response to the hormones is highly individual. In other words, some women have a quick and dramatic response when the hormone enters their system. While others have a much slower response, indicating that the hormone is metabolized more slowly. The individual response of a woman to her therapy has a considerable impact on how her therapy should be prescribed. 

Measuring and monitoring hormone levels in saliva helps physicians tailor hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to suit a patient’s individual needs. Saliva hormone level testing and monitoring allows physicians to determine hormone levels before prescribing therapy and then to monitor response and customize therapy. In this way a dosage can be prescribed that provides hormone levels that are appropriate and safe for each individual. There is no reason to take more of a hormone than your body needs. Because of saliva hormone level testing, standard, one-size-fits-all doses of hormone treatments may be going the way of the dinosaur. 

Saliva hormone level testing and monitoring are invaluable tools in HRT. Because of the thousands of women who have had hormone levels evaluated and monitored with saliva testing, HRT is now offered to women in a way that provides symptom relief and long term health benefits, with a minimum of side effects and risk. 

Saliva collection is easy, stress free and noninvasive. When you saliva test, the stress, pain, and apprehension usually associated with a blood test are avoided. You can do the test at home, can do repeated sampling at the same time of day, with ease, without ever having to make an appointment or leave the house. That makes it easy to work with your doctor and become an active participant in your own medical care. 

A Higher Form of Healthcare