What blood tests are recommended for young women

For young women, specific blood tests can be important for monitoring hormonal and metabolic health. Andrew Huberman recommends getting tested for several key hormones and metabolic factors:

1. Estrogen and Progesterone: Testing for these hormones is crucial. It's suggested to test mid-luteal phase (5-7 days before the next period) to get a good indication of estrogen and progesterone levels. For a comprehensive view, a second test on the second day of menstruation can be useful to check baseline estrogen levels 1.

2. Free and Total Testosterone: Monitoring both forms of testosterone helps in understanding hormonal balance since both men and women have testosterone, though in different amounts 2.

3. Cortisol: Morning cortisol levels should be tested for adrenal function. This should be done fasted for accurate results 2.

4. IGF-1 and Dihydrotestosterone: These can indicate growth factor levels and androgen status, respectively 2.

5. Lipid Profile and Creatinine Levels: Useful for assessing cardiovascular health and kidney function. Creatinine is particularly monitored if creatine supplements are used or if you're physically active 2.

6. Iron and Ferritin: For those who experience heavy menstruation, iron and ferritin tests are suggested. Supplementing iron may be beneficial if ferritin levels are low 1.

7. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), Prolactin, and Progestins: Important for comprehensive hormone profiling 2.

Timing and consistency in testing during specific phases of the menstrual cycle are emphasized to capture the most accurate hormonal profiles. Regular testing is suggested starting from the late teens or early twenties to establish baseline levels, increasing in frequency over time, especially after age 40 3.