When Should You Test Hormone Levels for HRT? Timing Matters More Than You Think! | PYHP 170

In this episode of the Progress Your Health Podcast, Dr. Valorie and Dr. Maki tackle a common yet surprisingly confusing question: When is the best time to test your blood levels if you're using hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Lisa, a fellow Washingtonian, submitted a thoughtful Ask the Doctor question about testing estradiol and FSH levels when using a trochee or transdermal cream. Should it be 4 to 6 hours after application? Or 10 to 12? And what do the results actually mean?

We’ll break down:

• The ideal timing for blood draws depending on delivery method (trochee, patch,
  cream)
• How estrogen and progesterone absorb differently
• Why testing too soon — or too late — can skew your results
• How to interpret estradiol and FSH together (and why context is everything)
• Why the number isn’t the whole story — and how you feel matters most

Plus, Dr. Valorie shares insights from her own hormone journey, including rhythmic dosing tips and lab timing mishaps.

If you have a question, please visit our website and click Ask the Doctor a question.

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