Topical & Oral: The day before testing, continue use of hormones as prescribed. Make sure any night dosage is applied at least 12 hours before planned morning collection. For example, dose before 8pm for an 8am collection. If using oral progesterone, your dosage can be right before bed. 

Do NOT use bare hands for topical hormone application for at least two days prior to collection (apply hormones using latex gloves or preferably hormone-loaded syringe or applicator). Avoid using hormones on the face, lips and neck. Change sheets, pillow cases and hand towels the night before collecting. Avoid touching bathroom surfaces which may be contaminated with traces of hormones. 

 Patches, Vaginal Rings, Pellets or Injectables: Test half-way between doses. For example, collect 3 days after a once-a-week patch or 2 weeks after a once-a-month injection. 

Troches or Sublingual Therapies: Not recommended for saliva hormones; talk to your health care provider about blood spot testing. 

7-Keto DHEA: Avoid for 3 days prior to collecting (unless testing LCMS Saliva Steroid Profile). Does not apply to regular DHEA. 

Steroids (e.g. glucocorticoids, hydrocortisone, prednisone): Talk to your health care provider about appropriate timing.