Before your next BioIdentical Hormone Follow-up visit with Dr. Sinda…
Here are some things you should know ahead of time to help ensure accurate hormone level results and a comfortable blood draw.
What you Need to Know Prior to Re-Testing your Hormone Levels:
- Do NOT use your Testosterone Cream the day of the draw.
- If you are taking any Thyroid Medication (i.e. Armour Thyroid), have your blood drawn about 3 hours AFTER taking the medication.
- If you applied BIEST Cream (Estrogen) that day wait 3 hours and use your opposite arm for the draw
- If you are taking Progesterone for PMS, come in 1 week before your period WHILE you are on the Progesterone.
- If you are taking a break from your bio-identical hormones, wait 2 weeks after starting your normal routine to have your blood drawn.
- It is OK to take your Supplements/Vitamins before the draw. If you are fasting, wait until after because most are best taken with food.
- If you are Fasting, avoid all food and beverages (Except for water; you CAN drink water!) for 10 hours prior to the test. Fasting tests often include: Lipids (cholesterol), Insulin, Glucose.
- Take any necessary medications (blood pressure, etc.) as usual
TIPS:
- Get your blood pumping. Jog or walk briskly into the office and up the stairs.
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking water will not only make you feel better if you’re fasting, it will also make for a smoother blood draw. Blood is about 50 percent water, so the more water you drink, the plumper your veins become and the easier it is to locate your veins and draw blood.
- Get a head start on hydration. Drink extra water beginning the day before your blood draw to ensure you’re adequately hydrated the day of the draw. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses) of water a day.
- During cold weather, dress warmer to keep your body surface and skin temperature elevated.
When in doubt about what you should be or not be doing, please call our Nurse at (952)922-2345. We are looking forward to seeing you at your next appointment! If you are due for labs, contact us to schedule.