Why do Prescription Hormones Often Request Bloodwork

Why do Prescription Hormones Often Request Bloodwork

Raena

When women begin to go through menopause, they often need hormone therapy to help balance the body’s chemistry and ease uncomfortable symptoms. To determine the right course of treatment, healthcare providers typically require a comprehensive panel of bloodwork before prescribing hormones.

You might wonder: Why is bloodwork necessary to be prescribed hormones? Here's why it’s an essential first step.

The Role of Blood Tests

Although a doctor can often make an informed assessment based on your symptoms and health history, blood tests provide crucial data that allows for a far more accurate and personalized hormone treatment plan. Here’s what bloodwork offers:

  • Precise hormone level analysis: Blood tests measure specific hormone levels circulating in your body.

  • Accurate diagnosis: Results help physicians confirm whether symptoms are due to menopause, perimenopause, or another condition.

  • Tailored treatment: Doctors can select the most effective hormones and dosages for your unique biochemistry.

  • Prescription tracking: Testing shows whether your current hormone regimen is working or needs adjustment.

  • Safety monitoring: Physicians can monitor hormone levels over time to ensure your treatment is both effective and safe.

  • High-quality care: Routine bloodwork helps maintain optimal outcomes and ensures you’re receiving the best treatment possible.

What Hormones Are Typically Measured?

When evaluating for hormone therapy, providers commonly test for:

  • FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
    Elevated levels of both may indicate perimenopause or menopause.

In addition, key sex hormones are assessed:

  • Estrogen

  • Progesterone

  • Testosterone

  • DHEA

These hormones are central to managing the transition through menopause and maintaining overall health.

Understanding Your Hormone Baseline

Your first blood test helps establish a baseline — a snapshot of your current hormone levels. With this foundation, providers can determine the ideal prescription for your body’s needs.

A Few Notes on Bioidentical Hormones

  • Customized options: Some bioidentical hormones are compounded at specialty pharmacies to create personalized dosages, available only with a prescription from licensed providers (M.D., D.O., or N.D.).

  • Over-the-counter options: Certain hormones — like progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, pregnenolone, estriol, and estradiol — are also available in commercial forms without a prescription.

Take control of your health by understanding your hormone levels.
Order a hormone blood test kit from Raena today and get the personalized support your body needs.

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