How Do I Prepare for My Hormone Blood Test?

A few small things before your blood work that make the difference between results we can act on and results we have to repeat.

The Five Things That Matter Most

Book as close to 8:00 AM as possible. Several of these markers, cortisol especially, follow a daily rhythm. A morning draw is what makes them interpretable.
If you have a regular menstrual cycle, schedule for day 2 through day 5. Day 1 is the first day of full flow. Your hormones shift substantially across the month, and this window is where we get your clearest baseline.
If your cycle is irregular or unpredictable, schedule as soon as you're able. Don't wait for a pattern that may not come. Irregular cycles are themselves useful information.
If you're sick on the day of your draw, reschedule. A cold or a stomach bug shifts several of the markers we're measuring.

Stop eating 10 hours before your draw. For an 8:00 AM appointment, that means nothing after 10:00 PM.
No alcohol for 24 hours beforehand. It affects triglycerides, liver enzymes, and glucose well into the next day.
Skip NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, and any biotin supplements, for 48 to 72 hours beforehand. NSAIDs can lower inflammatory markers and briefly affect kidney values. Biotin hides in most hair, skin, and nail supplements and interferes with several of the tests. Check your labels, it isn't always on the front. Acetaminophen is fine if you need something.
Keep drinking water. Water does not break your fast, and being well hydrated makes the draw itself easier.

No caffeine. This includes black coffee. This is the instruction people miss most often. Caffeine affects cortisol, and cortisol is one of the things we're measuring.
Skip strenuous exercise before your draw. A hard workout changes several markers temporarily.
Take your usual medications, with two exceptions. Hold your thyroid medication and any diuretic, sometimes called a water pill, until after your blood is drawn. Take them as usual afterward.
If you take medication for blood sugar, check with us before fasting.
If you use topical hormones, avoid applying them to your arms and hands that morning. Those are potential draw sites, and residue on the skin can skew your results.
Water is still fine, right up to the draw.

Labs are drawn at whichever Quest location is closest to you. Some results take up to 7 to 10 business days to process.

Wondering whether your symptoms point to perimenopause?

These are general preparation guidelines. Follow any specific instructions you receive with your lab order.