Getting hormone levels checked

[0331FTW]

Going in to see my doctor tomorrow to request a full hormone lab done. I have my appointment with him in the a.m. and he usually has me do the blood lab the day after and tells me I have to fast the night before. Do you guys usually fast before getting hormone levels checked? I would think you would want to eat the same to see where your normal levels are..

Would you think it would be fine to go straight to the blood lab after the apt or is it bed to do it in the a.m.?

[rollingthunder]

the hormone panel that i do does not require a fasting blood test - testosterone, dhea, estradiol. not sure if there are other hormones that would require a fast.

further, apparently, testosterone levels are higher in the morning, so the lab suggests having the blood drawn before 10 am.

[RangerDanger830]

Well a lot of times doctors will tell you to fast before blood tests out of habit, even if it is not necessary. Typically the two main blood tests you need to fast for are ones that check your glucose levels and cholesterol levels. If you ask for a full hormone panel these can be included in that and would explain the fasting.

If you do not fast and you eat food before the test then the test could indicate high levels of cholesterol and sugar that you would have gotten from your food. Depending on what you ate would depend on how high they were. If everyone gets the tests done fasted then you are going to receive your baseline results with less variables to interfere with the accuracy.

[fit2bOld]

Easiest to follow the instructions given.

[kelkel]

Easiest to follow the instructions given.

This ^^. Don't play doc unless you "really" know what you're doing.....

[0331FTW]

This ^^. Don't play doc unless you "really" know what you're doing.....

I'm not trying to play doc its just that I don't follow all of this doctor's advice. He's given me some pretty shitty advice in the past so I don't really trust him. I usually end up doing my own research and asking around on forums. Thats why I just wanted to confirm with you guys since some of you are experienced in this area.

[0331FTW]

If I did follow all of a typical MD's advice I would probably look like a majority of Americans nowadays fat and disgusting and on some medication that I don't really need.

[RangerDanger830]

Well if you don't trust him I would look for another. The trust between patient and doctor is pretty important. Now, even if he is giving you good advice, you may doubt him.

[Mr.BB]

Many of the tests require a 12 hour fast.

Whats the problem?

[0331FTW]

Just an update to this post last month so you guys don't think I left you in the dark about my status. I had my hormone levels checked again and this time I had my free test checked. It was a 99, which was low enough to put me on TRT. Had my first shot today at a clinic. My DHEA levels were also low, 129. I got 240mg Test Cyp today and will continue on 220mg until I get my levels checked again to see where I'm at. Is there a certain place that you guys recommend to get DHEA as a supplement? Or should I just ask the doctor for some? Thanks.