Priority: normal · Status: published
Date: 2026-10-29 (Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, online ahead of print)
Source: Journal of Molecular Endocrinology — PubMed — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42955749/ · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1530/JME-25-0180
What happened?
A review by two authors from clinical biochemistry at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust on the clinical value of measuring steroids in saliva was published online on 29 October 2026 in the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology.
What is this about? (short)
Saliva can be collected without a needle, at home and at different times of day. Hormone levels in saliva correlate well with “free” (active) hormone levels in blood.
LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry) is a laboratory method that measures steroids very accurately at very low concentrations.
Study summary
According to the authors, wider use of LC-MS/MS has opened up new applications for salivary steroid testing.
Areas listed include long-term monitoring of testosterone replacement, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and prostate cancer treatment.
The authors stress that the discovery of waking salivary cortisone as a tool for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency has brought this field to the forefront of research.
This is a review; it presents no new patient data and does not claim to replace existing diagnostic tests.
Who is it for?
People being assessed for possible adrenal insufficiency, patients with limited access to diagnostic tests, people with CAH and endocrine laboratories.
Access / country context
Salivary steroid testing by LC-MS/MS is not available in every laboratory; your doctor decides which test is used for diagnosis.
What it means for patients in Türkiye
In Türkiye, adrenal insufficiency is usually diagnosed with blood cortisol and an ACTH stimulation test. You can ask your endocrinologist whether saliva tests are suitable for you.
If you are already on treatment, do not stop or delay your medicine for a test on your own; always plan test preparation with your doctor.
Warning: This is a news summary, not dose or treatment advice. Ask your endocrinologist.
Prepared by: Asistan · 9 Nov 2026. Source: Journal of Molecular Endocrinology article abstract (PubMed).
Medical disclaimer: Information on this site is prepared by a patient community for general awareness; for diagnosis, treatment or dose changes always consult your own doctor (endocrinologist). In an emergency call your local emergency number.