A blood test for hormones plays a major role in correct laboratory diagnosis and further treatment.
Common indications for conducting a primary blood test for hormones in gynecology are:
- Pain before and during menstruation;
- In case of menstrual irregularities;
- Lack of natural pregnancy;
- Miscarriage (spontaneous).
Doctors also strongly recommend taking a general blood test for hormones if problems with the skin, stomach have been detected, weight has increased sharply, hair has begun to fall out, as well as if you are planning a pregnancy or another development of the disease. It is possible that after deciphering the tests, you will need to visit other doctors on issues of endocrinology, oncology, neuropathology, and gastroenterology.
A blood test for hormones in gynecology will also help your doctor choose the right hormonal contraceptive for you, taking into account all the characteristics of your body based on the results of laboratory tests. In the female body, hormones occupy far from the last place; the hormonal background affects the general condition of the female body, both externally, physically, and even psycho-emotionally.
Recommendations before donating blood for gynecological tests.
It is important to take the blood test for hormones very seriously and follow certain recommendations before donating blood for laboratory diagnostics:
- Before a blood test for hormones, you should refrain from alcohol and smoking, as well as from sexual intercourse and general physical activity for one day before your doctor’s appointment.
- Three days before the test, it is recommended to avoid visiting saunas and baths to avoid overheating, as well as long walks, especially in the cold season.
- The patient’s primary task is to inform the attending gynecologist about the medications they are taking, as they may adversely affect the overall results of blood tests for hormones or be inaccurate.
- Hormone tests should be taken on an empty stomach (you should not eat any food for about twelve hours before donating blood), and you should also reduce the amount of water you drink.
By adhering to these small rules and recommendations, the results of your hormone tests will be more complete and accurate.
How to choose on what day you can take hormone tests in gynecology?
When taking hormone tests, it is important to choose the right day to take it so that the results are as accurate as possible. There are several hormonal tests: for progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, prolactin or human chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones.
- Testosterone is involved in the female body in the process of producing the hormone estrogen. Tests for this hormone are taken 6-7 days after the start of menstruation;
- Estrogen is a female hormone that has a beneficial effect on beauty, femininity and women’s health in general. Tests for estrogen are taken on days 5-7 of the menstrual cycle;
- Progesterone is a hormone that carries out all stages of pregnancy in women. Tests are taken on days 22-23 of the menstrual cycle.
- Prolactin – the growth and development of the mammary glands is stimulated by this hormone, and also helps stimulate the woman’s body during lactation. Tests for prolactin must be taken at the initial stage of the menstrual cycle (3-5 days); with a cycle of 29 days, the test for prolactin can be taken on days 22-23.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone – follicle-stimulating hormone levels help diagnose how ready the ovaries are for ovulation. Tests are taken on days 3-8 or 19-21 of the menstrual cycle.
- Luteinizing hormone is a kind of ovulation indicator. Tests for this hormone are carried out like follicle-stimulating hormone, after the start of menstruation on days 3-8 or 19-21.
- Chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that allows you to accurately determine the duration and presence of pregnancy in a woman. Tests for this hormone must be taken on the 3-5th day of a missed menstrual cycle.
These dates when it is better to contact a gynecologist to get tested are presented based on average statistics; for each woman, the exact day when it is optimal to take a blood test for hormones is chosen individually after a full consultation and examination by the attending physician.
Do you want to make a low-cost online appointment with our affiliated gyne-endocrinologist to discuss your present hormonal situation and develop an tactics of your hormonal regulation? Please prepare your (1) fresh hormonal check up, (2) general blood test and (3) results of your local gynecologist check up and send them to butterflies@setare-orientalis.com with your personal case request and description.
