Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Alexis on August 12, 2012, 05:34:09 PM

Title: Question
Post by: Alexis on August 12, 2012, 05:34:09 PM
Ok, this may be a really dumb question, but I really don't know the answer (and it would explain a lot if I'm doing something wrong)
I know that I'm supposed to fast prior to getting my blood test so that the sugar, etc is more accurate, but...
Am I supposed to skip my multi-vitamin and my hormones in the morning too? I haven't been taking them when I've had blood drawn, and my levels were really bad last time so if I'm doing it wrong...yea...it would be nice to know
Thanks
Title: Re: Question
Post by: Asfsd4214 on August 12, 2012, 11:55:59 PM
Quote from: Alexis on August 12, 2012, 05:34:09 PM
Ok, this may be a really dumb question, but I really don't know the answer (and it would explain a lot if I'm doing something wrong)
I know that I'm supposed to fast prior to getting my blood test so that the sugar, etc is more accurate, but...
Am I supposed to skip my multi-vitamin and my hormones in the morning too? I haven't been taking them when I've had blood drawn, and my levels were really bad last time so if I'm doing it wrong...yea...it would be nice to know
Thanks

You should continue to take all medications (multivitamins too).

As for blood glucose level, as long as you tell the tech taking your blood when you last ate, it's not a 'huge' deal. There are different reference ranges for fasting and non-fasting, non-fasting has a wider reference range.

So yes, you can fast if you want a more accurate result, but unless you have some preexisting reason to be concerned about your blood sugar, it's not enormously important, just tell them when you last ate.
Title: Re: Question
Post by: Jamie D on August 13, 2012, 12:16:32 AM
When you write "my levels," to which levels do you refer?
Title: Re: Question
Post by: V M on August 13, 2012, 01:02:14 AM
When referring to fasting, they are generally referring to food

So no, you cannot enjoy your own fine cuisine   

Is it is because they want to check your blood levels in relation to your HRT regimen or is it regarding another matter?

When I had surgery on my shoulder I had to suspend my HRT for at least two weeks before hand and could not eat or drink anything for 12 hours the day before the surgery
Title: Re: Question
Post by: Alexis on August 13, 2012, 01:21:47 AM
Thanks for the replies; I should have specified, but I was referring to my blood levels in relation to the HRT, not for anything else.
I think I have my answer though, so thanks :)