Barriers to Hormone Absorption

Lower than expected lab results with supplementaion is something that almost everyone will see. There are several reasons for this:

• Not using the full dose prescribed


• Skipping a dose before collection


• Showering too soon after hormone application


• Applying moisturizers, creams or lotions prior to dosing with topical hormones. Moisturizers and body lotions can act as a physical barrier that delays or prevents transdermal hormone absorption.

In discussing a patient’s low hormone levels with one practitioner, we went over the common reasons as described above. None seemed to apply as the practitioner was diligent with her instructions before giving out the test kit. However, these are very common mistakes, so i suggested re-checking with the patient. With further investigation the practitioner called back to report that the patient had been using a moisturizing body wash (aka shower gel).

Now, you would think that body wash should not pose a problem. After all, like soap it's supposed to "wash" the body, right? Yet, the product's website claims that it contains special moisturizers that don't just sit on top of the skin. New technology enables the moisturizers to be absorbed deeper into the skin. It seems likely that the deeper absorption would create a barrier which could interfere with hormone absorption. The patient will discontinue the body wash for several days, continue to apply her topical hormones as prescribed and then recollect for a retest. The new results should be interesting!

For more information on how to collect the best sample and best the most accurate test result, see ZRT's handout on the web: ZRT handouts
OR watch a video on saliva or blood spot collection

Sherry LaBeck ND