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Know what tests to request, when to get them, and how to interpret the results. This guide helps you advocate for appropriate testing and understand what your numbers actually mean for conditions like PCOS, thyroid issues, perimenopause, and more.
Use this section to understand which tests are relevant for your symptoms. Bring this information to your appointment to advocate for appropriate testing.
These tests aren't condition-specific but are helpful for ruling out common issues that cause similar symptoms. Consider requesting these alongside condition-specific testing.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Screens for anemia (common with heavy periods), infection, and blood disorders
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Checks kidney and liver function, electrolytes, blood sugar
Vitamin D
Deficiency common and affects mood, bone health, immune function
Vitamin B12
Deficiency causes fatigue, mood changes, neurological symptoms
Iron Panel (Ferritin, TIBC, Serum Iron)
Low iron causes fatigue, hair loss, and can worsen other symptoms
Hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Testing at the right time ensures accurate, interpretable results. If you have irregular or absent cycles, discuss timing with your provider.
Tests to do:
FSH, LH, Estradiol, Testosterone, Prolactin
Why:
Hormone levels are more stable and consistent in early follicular phase
Tests to do:
Progesterone (if checking for ovulation)
Why:
Progesterone should be low before ovulation, high after
Tests to do:
Progesterone (to confirm ovulation)
Why:
Progesterone peaks in mid-luteal phase if ovulation occurred
Tests to do:
Thyroid panel, metabolic tests, vitamin levels, DHEA-S
Why:
These don't fluctuate significantly with menstrual cycle
Know your cycle timing: When did your last period start? How long are your cycles typically?
Document symptoms: List all symptoms, when they occur (cycle timing), and how they impact your life
Bring past test results: If available, bring copies of relevant lab work from other providers
Write down questions: Don't rely on memory—bring a written list of questions and concerns
Know specific tests you want: Reference this guide and come with test names you're requesting
Check insurance coverage: If concerned about cost, call insurance beforehand to ask about lab coverage
Ask about fasting: Confirm whether you need to fast for requested tests (usually 8-12 hours for metabolic tests)
Medication timing: Take thyroid meds AFTER blood draw; some supplements (biotin) affect results
Before Your Test:
"Based on my symptoms of [list symptoms], I'd like to test for [condition]. Can we order [list specific tests]?"
Be specific about which tests you want and why. Reference your symptoms to justify the request.
"Can you explain why you don't think this testing is necessary? I'd like to understand what we're ruling out and what the next steps are if symptoms persist."
If they still refuse without good reason, consider getting a second opinion or finding a new provider.
Request a copy of your actual results, not just "everything's normal." You have a right to see the numbers.
Ask where you fall within the range and whether your provider considers it optimal or just acceptable.
If results are "borderline," ask whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate rather than just waiting.
Keep copies of all results in case you change providers or want a second opinion.
✗ Progesterone on Day 3 (should be Day 21 for 28-day cycle)
✗ Thyroid test after taking morning medication
✗ Random hormone testing without cycle timing
✓ Use cycle timing guide above for hormone tests
✗ Only TSH for thyroid (need Free T3, Free T4 too)
✗ Only total testosterone (need free testosterone)
✗ Single FSH for perimenopause (fluctuates too much)
✓ Request comprehensive panels based on symptoms
✗ "Your thyroid is fine" (no actual numbers shared)
✗ Not knowing where you fall in reference range
✗ Not asking about optimal vs. standard ranges
✓ Always request copy of actual results with numbers
✗ Starting medication without follow-up labs
✗ Assuming you're "fixed" without confirmation
✓ Retest 6-12 weeks after starting treatment
✓ Track results over time to monitor trends
Results: TSH 3.8 µIU/mL (Reference: 0.5-5.0)
Doctor says: "Normal, nothing to worry about"
Reality: You're in upper range and may be symptomatic
Action: "Can we retest in 3 months? Above 2.5 often causes symptoms, and I'm experiencing [list symptoms]."
Results: Testosterone 68 ng/dL (Reference: 15-70)
Doctor says: "Just barely in range, probably fine"
Reality: Very high-normal suggests PCOS
Action: "Can we check Free Testosterone and DHEA-S too? Combined with my irregular cycles and acne, this suggests PCOS."
Results: Progesterone 2.8 ng/mL on Day 14
Doctor says: "Low progesterone"
Reality: Should be low at ovulation! Wrong timing.
Action: "Can we retest on Day 21 (7 days after suspected ovulation) when it should be high?"
Results: Ferritin 22 ng/mL (Reference: 15-150)
Doctor says: "Your iron is fine"
Reality: You're low-normal and likely symptomatic (fatigue, hair loss)
Action: "I've read optimal ferritin is >50 for symptom relief. Can we try supplementation and retest in 8-12 weeks?"
Lab reference ranges represent the middle 95% of test results from the population tested. This means:
If your tests come back normal but symptoms persist, consider:
Possible explanations:
Next steps: