Hormone Testing Preparation Guide
(Wellness Center) article author : Ronnaporn Weerachantachart, M.D.
Hormone Testing Preparation Guide
♂ FOR MEN
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✦ General Preparation
Topic |
Details |
|---|---|
Timing |
Blood draw should be performed in the morning (07:00–10:00 AM). Testosterone must always be tested before 10:00 AM (levels may decrease by 20–30% in the afternoon). |
Fasting |
Fast for 8–12 hours if the panel includes Insulin, Glucose, or Lipid Profile. Water is allowed. |
Sleep |
Get at least 6–8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation affects Cortisol, GH, Prolactin, and TSH levels. |
Avoid (24–48 hrs) |
Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, severe stress, and sexual activity prior to testing. |
Medications / Supplements |
Inform all medications and supplements. Especially Biotin (Vitamin B7) — discontinue at least 48–72 hours before testing. |
Before Blood Draw |
Rest in a seated position for 15–30 minutes before blood collection to reduce hemoconcentration. |
✦ Common Male Hormone Panel
Hormone |
Timing |
Details |
Notes / Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Testosterone |
Before 10:00 AM |
Primary marker; decreases 20–30% in afternoon |
Abnormal results should be confirmed with repeat testing (2 times) |
Free Testosterone |
Morning (fasting) |
Calculated with SHBG, Albumin |
Represents biologically active fraction |
SHBG |
Morning |
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin |
Increases with age and liver disease |
LH |
Morning |
Stimulates Testosterone production |
Helps differentiate primary vs secondary hypogonadism |
FSH |
Morning |
Assesses spermatogenesis |
Elevated in primary hypogonadism |
Estradiol (E2) |
Morning |
Important for bone health and T/E2 balance |
High levels → risk of gynecomastia |
Prolactin |
Morning (fasting) |
Screens for pituitary adenoma |
False elevation may require MRI |
Cortisol |
07:00–09:00 AM |
Peak level in the morning (diurnal rhythm) |
Stress may falsely elevate levels |
DHEA-S |
Morning |
Adrenal androgen marker |
Declines with age |
TSH / Free T4 |
Morning |
Thyroid screening |
Stop Biotin before testing |
IGF-1 |
Morning (fasting) |
Surrogate marker for GH |
More stable than serum GH |
Insulin (Fasting) |
Morning (fasting) |
Evaluates insulin resistance |
Requires 8–12 hour fasting |
────────────────────────────────────────────
Hormone Testing Preparation Guide
♀ FOR WOMEN
❦ General Preparation
Topic |
Details |
|---|---|
Timing |
Blood draw should be performed in the morning (07:00–10:00 AM), as many hormones peak during this time (e.g., Cortisol, Testosterone, TSH, GH). |
Fasting |
Fast for 8–12 hours if the panel includes Insulin, Glucose, or Lipid Profile. Water is allowed. |
Sleep |
Get at least 6–8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation affects Cortisol, GH, Prolactin, and TSH levels. |
Avoid (24–48 hrs) |
Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, severe stress, and sexual activity prior to testing. |
Medications / Supplements |
Inform all medications and supplements. Especially Biotin (Vitamin B7) — discontinue at least 48–72 hours before testing. |
Before Blood Draw |
Rest in a seated position for 15–30 minutes before blood collection to reduce hemoconcentration. |
❦ Timing by Menstrual Cycle
Day 1 = First day of menstrual period
Hormone |
Recommended Day |
Timing |
Phase |
Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FSH |
Day 2–5 |
Morning |
Early Follicular |
True baseline level |
LH |
Day 2–5 |
Morning |
Early Follicular |
Evaluates ovarian function |
Estradiol (E2) |
Day 2–5 |
Morning |
Early Follicular |
Baseline estrogen level |
Progesterone |
Day 21 |
Morning |
Mid-Luteal |
Confirms ovulation |
AMH |
Any day |
Morning |
Any phase |
Minimal cycle variation |
Testosterone |
Day 2–5 |
Morning |
Follicular |
Avoid mid-cycle hormonal surge |
DHEA-S |
Day 2–5 |
Morning |
Follicular |
Adrenal androgen marker |
Prolactin |
Day 2–5 |
Morning (fasting) |
Early Follicular |
Reduces confounding factors |
SHBG |
Day 2–5 |
Morning |
Early Follicular |
Used to calculate free hormones |
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