Understanding the menstrual cycle is crucial before determining the best time for a hormonal profile. Learn more in our overview to bridge this knowledge gap!
The follicular phase (days 1-14) of the menstrual cycle, including menstruation, has lower hormone levels, notably progesterone due to no ovulation yet.
Day 1: This is the first day of bleeding.
Day 13-18: Women typically ovulate within a range, not always on day 14. Tracking symptoms like cervical mucus or using tools like Tempdrop.
Best time to test for hormone imbalance: mid-luteal phase, roughly days 14-28 of the menstrual cycle, starting with ovulation around day 14.
Day 13-18 thru 25-28: Egg fertilization or corpus luteum formation occurs post-ovulation.
Day 25-28: any day in this typical range day will be the last day before you start bleeding again.
Consider hormones' optimal testing times for accurate blood tests.
DHEA can be tested any day and time of the month.
Testosterone: For accurate testosterone assessment, test in the morning, ideally between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., when levels peak.
Insulin is usually tested alongside fasting blood glucose after an overnight fast of 8 to 12 hours, typically in the early morning.
Cortisol, aka our body’s main “stress hormone,” operates in a diurnal pattern and can be tested at any time of the month.
Saliva and urine testing complement blood tests, especially for cortisol patterns, aiding in identifying and managing cortisol imbalances.