Salivary gland function can be tested by collecting saliva and determining the amount produced in a five minute period.

One of the main characteristics of this disorder is adrenal insufficiency, which is a reduction in adrenal gland function resulting from incomplete development of the gland's outer layer (the adrenal cortex).

Leading the pack is the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome, which impairs lacrimal gland function and the formation of watery tears.

Dr. Sullivan has been studying the use of testosterone eye drops to restore Meibomian gland function.

How they work, allegedly: Ginseng improves adrenal gland function, ginkgo helps circulation, and Echinacea boosts white blood cells.

Xerostomia (decreased salivary gland function)

My tests showed normal thyroid and adrenal gland function.

Her estrogen levels and pituitary gland function must be normal, and her male partner must be diagnosed as fertile.

Future research targeted at developing technologies to reduce incidence and severity of oral mucositis, improve infection management, protect salivary gland function, and minimize risk of chronic sequelae is needed.

Kam MK, Leung SF, Zee B, et al.: Prospective randomized study of intensity-modulated radiotherapy on salivary gland function in early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.