Hormone Blood Test: What Is It and How to Prepare?

Hormone blood tests measure the amount of hormones in your body and can help you figure out if you have any health problems. Besides, hormone blood tests can also help doctors determine if someone has diabetes or thyroid disease. If you want to know what a hormone blood test is in detail and how to prepare for one, keep reading.

An Overview of Hormone Blood Test

Using a hormone blood test, a doctor can find out how much of different hormones are in your blood. These tests are essential for finding hormone changes that can have a significant effect on your health.

By measuring hormone levels, these tests can tell you a lot about your metabolism, mood, and libido, among other things. The primary functions of these tests are to diagnose hormonal imbalance conditions and assess the effectiveness of treatments.

Who Can Go for a Hormone Blood Test?

If you think your hormone levels might not be correct, getting tested for hormones can help. In the following situations, your doctor may suggest this test, if:

• Your menstrual cycles that aren’t normal or stop happening.
• You experience hot flashes and night sweats, which are signs of menopause.
• You have infertility.
• There is excessive acne or too much hair growth.
• You gain weight or feel tired for no reason.
• You experience mood swings.
• You have thyroid problems.
• There is late puberty or abnormal growth.

Also, hormone tests are often used in:

• Regular check-ups for women who are getting pregnancy care.
• Concerns about testosterone in men.
• Anyone who shows signs of an endocrine problem.

Preparation Tips for Hormone Blood Test

If you prepare for a hormone blood test Atlantis the right way, you’ll get accurate results and have a better experience. Here are some tips to prepare for hormone blood tests:

·       Carefully Follow What Your Doctor Tells You to Do

Always look over the test recommendation form to see if your doctor wrote any specific directions on it. Besides, some of these are related to fasting and the particular times of hormone release.

·       Go To the Lab First Thing in the Morning

Most labs open early so that fast tests can be done. Make an early appointment and bring a healthy snack to eat afterward to replenish your energy.

·       Make Sure You Fast Right Before the Test

For 12 hours before the test, don’t eat or drink anything but water. Before engaging in any physical exercise, it’s best to go for a test in the morning.

·       Watch Out For Low Blood Pressure

If you often pass out or have low blood pressure, lie down while the blood is being drawn. Besides, this helps keep you from getting dizzy or passing out.

·       Drink Plenty of Water before the Test

To make it easier to get to your veins, drink water before your visit. Remember, a lack of water can cause veins to narrow, making it harder for blood to collect.

Preparing for a hormone blood test the right way ensures accurate results and a correct diagnosis. Always do what your doctor tells you, even if it means not eating or taking medicine. If you know what the test is for, you can take steps to improve your hormone level.