Hormone tests for women?

For hormone tests in women, various methods such as blood, saliva, and urine tests are employed. Dr. Sara Gottfried and Dr. Andrew Huberman discuss these on the Huberman Lab. Dr. Gottfried suggests that if one had to choose when to conduct a blood test during the menstrual cycle, the ideal timing would be around day 21-22 for women in their 20s. For women with irregular cycles or as they age, the testing might need to be earlier around day 19-20. Dr. Gottfried also prefers urine tests for a more comprehensive analysis including metabolomics, and suggests saliva tests for cortisol levels 1.

Additionally, in terms of monitoring hormone levels generally, Dr. Huberman recommends establishing a baseline in one’s late teens and then checking at intervals—once every three to five years until 40, and annually thereafter. This helps track changes and maintain health 2. Always consult with a healthcare professional to select the appropriate type and frequency of hormone testing based on individual health needs and conditions.