PREP WEEK
STAGE
4
Let's talk TESTING! 🧪
What you need to know before you start
step 8
In the past, I've had many women asking what kinds of tests are best to do, when looking at the hormonal changes FlowFit could support them with. If you're into stats and numbers and keen to order and do some tests, read on! If not, you can skip this step.
Testing is 100% optional and here’s what I recommend.
With most of these tests, you should be aiming to get them re-tested after the Challenge in 2-3 cycles time.
Keep in mind this might mean double the cost or double the time.
So, if you’re ordering kits, order two at once, and if you’re getting referrals from your GP consider asking them for two referrals.
Also remember, it’s important to test and then re-test at the SAME point in your cycle.
Aim to get the test itself done ASAP. Results can take weeks, but as long as the test is done at the right time, it’s all good.
Testing is 100% optional and here’s what I recommend.
With most of these tests, you should be aiming to get them re-tested after the Challenge in 2-3 cycles time.
Keep in mind this might mean double the cost or double the time.
So, if you’re ordering kits, order two at once, and if you’re getting referrals from your GP consider asking them for two referrals.
Also remember, it’s important to test and then re-test at the SAME point in your cycle.
Aim to get the test itself done ASAP. Results can take weeks, but as long as the test is done at the right time, it’s all good.
Want to see which tests I recommend?
If so, read along. If not, scroll to the bottom of this page and head to the next step.
GP Blood
Test
PRICE: FREE (mostly) AVAILABILITY: Worldwide
I recommend:
Day 3 bloods (i.e. get blood drawn morning of the 3rd day of your period): Oestradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), 5α Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Prolactin
Day 19-22 bloods OR roughly 1 week AFTER ovulation (morning): Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA
PLUS these on either day: HbA1c, Insulin & Glucose
Also great to get, if they’re happy to do for you: Iron, Vit D, TSH, T4 & T3 (Thyroid Panel)* but docs will often only agree to TSH
This is a referral from your local GP either in person or virtually. Most will not charge for these, but some might.
GP Blood
Test
PRICE: FREE (mostly) AVAILABILITY: Worldwide
I recommend:
Day 3 bloods (i.e. get blood drawn morning of the 3rd day of your period): Oestradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), 5α Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Prolactin
Day 19-22 bloods OR roughly 1 week AFTER ovulation (morning): Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA
PLUS these on either day: HbA1c, Insulin & Glucose
Also great to get, if they’re happy to do for you: Iron, Vit D, TSH, T4 & T3 (Thyroid Panel)* but docs will often only agree to TSH
This is a referral from your local GP either in person or virtually. Most will not charge for these, but some might.
i-Screen Saliva
Test Kit
PRICE: $210
AVAILABILITY: Australia
RESULTS: Can be viewed online in a personal online dashboard.
Your test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, and there is no need to visit a collection centre.
1 x saliva sample
Take test before 10am in the morning 7 days before predicted date of menstruation (if known) e.g. Day 21 of 28 day cycle.
What if my cycle isn’t 28 days? See FAQs below
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my cycle isn't roughly 28 days?
- Does i-Screen help me interpret my results?
- What other tests do you recommend from i-Screen?
- How long do the test kits normally take to arrive?
What if my cycle isn't roughly 28 days?
For cycles 3-5 weeks long: Test in the morning roughly 1 week AFTER ovulation.
For cycles <3 weeks OR 5+ weeks: Any morning where you didn’t get your period within 7 days.
Does i-Screen help me interpret my results?
i-Screen not only offers results you can access yourself, they also provide a basic level of interpretation too, so you can understand what the results mean to some extent.
It doesn’t necessarily give you a bigger picture OR match your symptoms, but I think this is a great, seamless option.
What other tests do you recommend from i-Screen?
SALIVA KITS
Female Hormone Check, Adrenal Stress Check , Female Hormone 28 Day Check (saliva) – This is a saliva test that spans across a 28 day time frame and is only reflective of one 1 cycle… would be useful if this is the very first time you’re measuring your hormones and weren’t able to re-test afterwards.
This might also be an option at any point in the future for you out of interest as to what your hormones do across the month.
BLOOD REFERRALS
Female Hormone Check and Diabetes Check.
How long do the test kits normally take to arrive?
These usually take about a week to arrive.