Understanding Bloods
Feminizing hormone treatment is designed to provide an individual with secondary sexual characteristics of someone assigned female at birth. Below are the desired blood levels for hormones:
| Hormone | Desired Range |
|---|---|
| Oestradiol | 400-800 pmol/L |
| Testosterone | 0.3-1.7 nmol/L |
Recommended Blood Tests
Below are the recommended blood tests to perform regularly during HRT:
| Blood Test | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oestradiol | Primary Female Sex Hormone responcible for the development of Feminine Secondary Sexual Charactaristics |
| Testosterone | Primary Male Sex Hormone responcible for the development of Masculine Secondary Sexual Charactaristics |
Other Tests, drug dependant
| Blood Test | Notes |
|---|---|
| SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) | This test shows the bioavalibility of Testosterone in the Body, it is not required typically unless there is cause for concern. |
| LH (Lutinising Hormone) | LH & FSH Tests are usually carries out at the same time. LH can be telling of Gondual vs Adrenal Testosterone in the body |
| Prolactin | Used to check for potential issues centered around the Pituatry gland. Not required typically uneless you are taking Cyproterone acetate as it is a progestin agonist. |
| Progesterone | Only required if you are taking Progesterone |
| FSH (Folicle Stimulating Hormone) | FSH & LH Tests are usually carried out at the same time, they do not commonly need to be checked unless you are concerned over fertility |
| Urea & Electrolites | Test Every time if you are on Spironolactone |
| LFT (Liver Function Test) | Test Every time if you are on Cyproterone Acatate or Bicalutamide |
| Hemoglobin | Rarely should be checked. There is a direct causal link with Estrogen therapy and Testosterone suppressions, with Anemia through bone marrow reduction. |
Physical Checkups
| Test | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bone Scan | If you are taking a Testosterone Blocker without estradiol to check for for signs of Osteoparosis |
| Blood Pressure | |
Guide to Off-Peak Hormone Level Testing
It is Typical and Preferable to Test your hormone levels while they are NOT at their peak levels. Levels always fluctuate,
but testing them while they are not at peak levels, gives you a better
insight into how your hormone levels are really doing.