Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Nightowl5 on October 01, 2017, 07:26:46 PM

Title: What do they test for?
Post by: Nightowl5 on October 01, 2017, 07:26:46 PM
I've been talking to a therapist and she says my next session should be the last before she gives me my letter for hrt, and I was wonder what doctors test for when they do blood work before you get your prescription.

I don't know if it matters, but I'm mtf.
Title: What do they test for?
Post by: Deborah on October 01, 2017, 07:30:48 PM
Mine tests for testosterone and estradiol plus a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel.  Once in a while she orders a lipid test and once a prostate specific antigen test.  I don't think there is a standard lists of tests so this will vary by Dr.

With my Dr and all these tests it's almost like getting a complete physical every six months.


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Title: Re: What do they test for?
Post by: Dena on October 01, 2017, 11:11:30 PM
Welcome to Susan's Place. The blood test check for anything that would be tested in a normal physical but there is a bit more interest in liver function as hormones can place additional stress on the liver. Additional test may include testosterone, estradiol and total estrogen. The tests normally don't include checks for drug usage unless the doctor suspects something. If you are using any substance, the doctor should be made aware of them as it could alter the treatment you receive.

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Title: Re: What do they test for?
Post by: Nightowl5 on October 03, 2017, 03:17:12 PM
Sorry about that. I actually didn't realize what it sounded like until you mentioned it.
Title: Re: What do they test for?
Post by: Dena on October 03, 2017, 04:08:51 PM
Years of programming computer cured me of tunnel vision and as the result, I often find myself reading between the lines. I wasn't sure exactly why you asked the question so to make sure I touched on all your concerns, I expanded on my answer. I few times I have posted information on this site that has been misinterpreted and I often find my self spending an excessive amount of time writing a response so  it doesn't happen to me again.  :eusa_doh: