Sex hormone blood test
hormone blood test · FSH and LH test · estradiol and progesterone test · testosterone test
A regular blood test from a vein. It checks the hormones that control the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and men's health.
For cycle problems, planning a pregnancy, infertility, erection problems, acne, or too much body hair.
⏱ Duration: drawing the blood takes a few minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Cycle day. For women, many hormones are tested on certain days of the cycle. Often days 2 to 5, and progesterone about a week before your period. Your doctor will tell you the exact day.
- Time. Usually in the morning, best on an empty stomach: after dinner, only water. For men, testosterone is usually tested before 11 a.m.
- The day before. For 24 hours, avoid exercise, alcohol, and sex. They can change the result.
- Before the test. Do not smoke for at least 1 hour. Sit quietly for 10 to 15 minutes. Stress affects prolactin.
What to bring
- Your referral with the list of hormones
- The date your last period started
- Past test results, to compare
How it goes
- You sit down and rest your arm on a support
- A band is tightened above your elbow
- The skin is wiped with alcohol and blood is taken from a vein into tubes
- The puncture spot is pressed with cotton or covered with a bandage
What you'll feel
- A quick prick and light pressure from the band
- If you feel faint at the sight of blood, say so first. You can lie down
Afterwards
- Keep the cotton pressed for a few minutes to avoid a bruise
- You can eat and go back to your day right away
- Results usually take 1 to 3 days
- Only your doctor should judge the result. Normal levels depend on your cycle day and age
Common questions
On which day of my cycle should I test hormones?
Most often on days 2 to 5, and progesterone about a week before your period. But your doctor chooses the day for your situation.
Can I test hormones during my period?
Yes. Many hormones are tested in the first days of the cycle, while you still have your period.