Endocrinology Lab Services

Hey ladies!
So, I'm 18 and just had my first real gynecologist appointment. Turns out, I have PCOS, and she told me I need to get some hormone testing done at an endocrinology lab. I actually asked her where I could go to get that done, but she wasn't exactly helpful—honestly, she kind of snapped at me and just muttered that those labs are located in certain hospitals. 😕 Since my period started yesterday, and apparently these tests have to happen on day 3, 4, or 5, I’m thinking I should head out tomorrow. I tried looking up labs online, but everything is so confusing and hard to navigate, so I figured I’d ask you guys and hope someone knows the drill. I was thinking about heading over to Mayo Clinic, but I have no clue if it's better to go first thing in the morning, if I need to fast, or just what the whole process looks like? Anyway, if anyone has any advice at all, please let me know—I'll appreciate anything!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Sending love

shadowtinker16 said:Hey girls!
So, I'm 18 and just had my first gynecologist appointment. She told me I have PCOS and that I need to get my hormone levels checked at an endocrinology lab. When I asked her where that was, she wasn't exactly helpful—she actually kind of snapped at me and just said those tests are done at certain hospitals. 😕 Since my period started yesterday, and those hormone tests usually need to be done on day 3, 4, or 5, I should probably head out tomorrow. I tried looking up labs online, but everything is so confusing, so I figured I'd ask you all and hope someone knows something about this. I was thinking about going to a clinic in Beverly Hills, but I don't know if it's better to go in the morning, if I need to fast, or what the whole process is like. Anyway, if anyone has any advice, please let me know—every little bit helps!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Sending my best,

I get my thyroid levels checked over at Beverly Hills because they're way faster than places like Rebro. Honestly, I don't think you can get things done that urgently at any hospital. 🤷 Try some private labs instead, like $67. For instance, I used one over in Brooklyn. They have really friendly staff who draw your blood, so that's my preferred way to go. 😁

Do you even have a referral? And why is this being handled by the County Clerk instead of the Department of Health?

Grace Rodriguez10 said:Do you even have a referral? And why on earth did you post this on the local news sub instead of the health one?

Yeah, I've got a referral. As for why I posted here... don't even ask. Honestly, I don't know. I just had this gut feeling it might actually get some traction here.

All I know is about thyroid hormones. They just pull some blood and you're good to go—though, obviously, don't eat beforehand.

Shouldn't this topic be moved over to the "health" subforum?😉

Melissa Torres81 said:All I know is about thyroid hormones. They just pull some blood and you're done. Just don't eat anything beforehand, obviously.

Shouldn't this thread be over in the "Health" subforum?😉

Yeah, I already posted it in Health too.

I always have my hormone levels checked at the Rib... my gynecologist recommended that specific lab. In the past, I used to wait about two weeks for results, but during my last visit, it took nearly a month for everything to come back. Actually, I’m heading over there tomorrow just to pick them up. I can't quite tell if the delay was due to the holiday season or if the turnaround times have just slowed down permanently. By the way, you really need to be fasting before the blood draw. The endocrinology lab at the Rib opens between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, though I did manage to slip in late last time—arriving around 9:20—and they still saw me because when you're testing reproductive hormones, the timing has to be exact. If you happen to run late, I'd suggest being very insistent about it.

Melissa Torres81 said:All I know is about thyroid hormones. They just take a blood sample and you're done. Just don't eat right before the test.

Shouldn't this thread be moved over to the "Health" subforum?😉

You can totally eat when you're taking thyroid hormones. I asked my doctor. I eat every single time.🙂

One more thing—at Mayo Clinic, they have results ready in about 3-4 days. But the tricky part is that once you go there for the first time, you’ll run into issues wherever else you try to go. Oh, and for a while, you could actually get your labs done the same day at Mayo if you paid the co-pay. Check it out!

rapidmarlin15 said:I usually get my thyroid hormones tested over at the Vineyard hospital—they’re much faster than, say, Mayo Clinic. Honestly, I don't think you'll find that kind of urgency at any public hospital. 🤷 You might want to look into private labs, maybe some $67. For instance, I used a clinic near downtown Chicago once. They have these incredibly efficient phlebotomists—really smooth operators—so that’s my go-to. 😁

though I'm not entirely sure if that applies just to $67 when a girl needs to test her thyroid, reproductive hormones, ACTH, prolactin, and heaven knows what else (and potentially cortisol later if the numbers look off).

The safest bet is to head in tomorrow morning around 8:00 or 8:30 AM on an empty stomach. Actually, show up a little early—you should probably lie down for about half an hour beforehand. I'm not quite sure how they handle things in cities like New York, but where I am, we typically go through internal medicine—or the endocrinology department. As for the results, I don't believe there's a massive wait; for me, they always seem to arrive within ten to fifteen days.

If it isn't an absolute emergency, though, using a referral from your doctor is definitely the best way to go.

coppergardener said:I'm not entirely sure if it's just $67 when a woman needs to test her thyroid, sex hormones, ACTH, prolactin, and who knows what else (maybe even cortisol later on if there's a reason to).
.

Oh, if she's going through all those heavy hormone tests, then it definitely isn't $67, right?

Man, I’ve got about seven different hormones to test, plus two more I have to get done on day 21 of my cycle.

shadowtinker16 said:well, I have about seven hormones to check, plus two more that I’ll need to get done on day 21 of my cycle.

When I was dealing with suspected PCOS, this was my checklist: FT4, FT3, TSH, DHEAS, E2, LH, FSH, Prolactin, Testosterone, and Free Testosterone. Honestly, that should cover just about everything you need.

You should probably get a glucose test too.

I mentioned ACTH earlier—my mistake, sorry! You likely won't need that; usually, doctors only order it after checking cortisol if there's a concern regarding the adrenal glands, but you probably won't even reach that stage.

Best of luck! 🙂

(By the way, there is already a dedicated PCOS thread on the forum, so maybe post over there next time!)

Just one more thing—does anyone actually know if those hormone test results are a total dealbreaker when it comes to getting on the pill? Basically, I’ve been feeling absolutely terrible lately and I’m stuck on the couch, but I’m already losing my mind waiting on this ridiculous amount of bleeding that's always at least two months late. I really, really want to just start the pills already. My OB-GYN told me to come in for bloodwork at the end of the month, and from what I gather, those levels are pretty much the only thing they need before they'll prescribe anything. So, I’m asking you guys: is that actually how it works, or is there some catch with the hormone levels I should know about?
Thanks again, everyone 🙂

shadowtinker16 said:Just one more thing—does anyone know if those hormone test results are absolutely critical before they prescribe birth control? To be honest, I’ve been feeling terribly ill lately and can barely leave the house, yet I’ve already dealt with a ridiculous amount of waiting... my period is always at least two months late, and I would really love to just start taking the pills already. My OB-GYN told me to come back for blood work at the end of the month, and as far as I understand, that's basically the only thing needed to get the prescription, so I'm asking you all: is that true, or is there some catch regarding those hormones?
thanks again, everyone 🙂

I don't quite follow the question. Are you saying you want to take hormones at any cost, regardless?

Look, while it is a fact that your period being absent is a significant indicator that you might need the pill, taking hormones is definitely a double-edged sword. Most likely, simply taking them won't provide a long-term fix; rather, things will just seem "normalized" only while you are actually on the therapy. In other words, you aren't addressing the actual root cause. Now, for some women, the pill is truly necessary—but, I have said this a hundred times before and I am becoming a broken record myself—doctors tend to prescribe them quite indiscriminately, which I personally find somewhat irresponsible.

Your hormone levels are incredibly important because your specific treatment plan will be determined based on them. It isn't wise to just jump onto the pill immediately, since you don't even know what you actually need or which dosage is safe or appropriate for you.

And, for all we know, you might just have polycystic ovaries—which is different from having PCOS. There is a distinct difference there; perhaps you could look through the health thread? It’s quite extensive, but it should be useful to you. If it turns out you don't actually have PCOS, I really wouldn't recommend the pill. But then again, I am certainly no medical expert.

In many instances, both polycystic ovaries and PCOS can be managed through proper nutrition—or, more broadly speaking, a total lifestyle shift. I truly hope you are responsible enough to put in the effort there instead of immediately reaching for solutions that might be less effective or even unhealthy. First and foremost, cut out or significantly minimize refined carbohydrates (so, goodbye white flour and sugar!), reduce additives and processed foods in general, and watch out for those nasty fats (especially hydrogenated oils and heavily processed ones). Basically, say goodbye to pastries, baked goods, cookies, and such; also try to reduce red meat. Instead, increase your intake of Omega-3s—think fish and flaxseeds.

Losing weight and sticking to a regular exercise routine can do wonders for alleviating or even resolving PCOS. If you are carrying extra weight, you should get to work right away. Excess body weight is also a significant risk factor when taking birth control, so you really ought to manage that too. Go to your check-ups regularly—get ultrasounds and hormone tests as needed, let them run a glucose test if necessary, and monitor your blood pressure if you need to.

And if your mental health is in the gutter, addressing issues in that area can also help immensely.

coppergardener has spoken. 🙂

😁

Thanks so much, coppergardener. Though, honestly? I’m hoping this isn't actually as big of a deal as it sounds.
I think we had a bit of a misunderstanding on one point—I wasn't originally looking to take pills because of PCOS (well, specifically just my right ovary, according to my OB-GYN), but strictly for birth control. I just wanted to be able to do things without constantly worrying about condoms. That was my main reason for seeing the doctor, but then she goes and tells me my right ovary is polycystic and that I need to get my hormones checked out.
So, I actually called my doctor today to schedule a Pap smear (which, let's be real, is terrifying... brrrr 😢), and I'll just ask her everything then. Fingers crossed for some actual answers.
Seriously, thank you again, and I promise I'll be responsible. I'd have to be an idiot not to, since it's my own body and health we're talking about.
p.s. I don't need to lose weight. I stay active—I do yoga, which I think is pretty solid—and my mom is super strict about what I eat (like, seriously, she watches me *so* closely). So the only thing that might be a little messy right now is my headspace, but I'll work on fixing that. I'll make sure I get myself sorted.

Sending my best, and thanks again! 😍🙂

I actually just saw my endocrinologist today—same deal with me, checking my thyroid, liver enzymes, and all that stuff... I was at the Mayo Clinic, and they told me they’d mail my results, so I’ll be waiting at least a month or so. Honestly, I'm in no rush. After dealing with this mess for four years now, I think I can handle waiting another month.

But wait, are you getting those hormone levels checked because of PCOS? I have polycystic ovaries too, but my gynecologist didn't send me for those tests; my dermatologist actually requested them because of some other issues I've been having...

I've heard that if you're dealing with PCOS, taking birth control usually clears everything right up...

ironsurfer10 said:I actually saw my endocrinologist today—same thyroid stuff, liver enzymes, all that... I went to Mayo Clinic, and they told me they’d mail my results, so I'll be waiting at least a month...

Jesus's mercy, a whole month? Are they out of their minds? Honestly, if you need help with your thyroid, you should head over to the Vineyard clinic instead; they usually have everything ready in four days. The only delay is waiting for a blood draw appointment, but even that isn't too bad.

For the last couple of years, I’ve been getting my thyroid hormone levels checked over at Breyer—they always send the results over via email or fax the very same day. 👍

shadowtinker16 said:Hey girls!
So, I'm 18 and just had my first gynecologist appointment. She diagnosed me with PCOS and told me I need to get some hormone testing done at an endocrinology lab. When I asked her where exactly that was, she wasn't exactly helpful... she actually kind of snapped at me and just said those labs are located in certain hospitals. 😕 Since my period started yesterday, and those hormone tests have to be done on day 3, 4, or 5, I should probably head out tomorrow. I tried looking online for labs that handle this, but everything is so confusingly worded that I decided to ask you all instead, hoping someone might know something about it. I was thinking about going to Mayo Clinic, but I'm not sure if it's better to go in the morning, if I need to fast, or how the whole process works. Anyway, if anyone has any advice at all, please let me know; I would truly appreciate anything you can share!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Best regards,

I attempted to comment on this thread once before, but it seems my post didn't actually publish!

Well, I recently ran into a situation where I needed to find an endocrinology lab in Washington, D.C., and being just a student here, it was quite a hassle. Since hormones need to be drawn on day 3 of the cycle (I'm not entirely sure how your doctor gave you instructions for day 4 or 5, given that even a child knows the timing needs to be precisely on day 3)... I was feeling quite pressured to get the bloodwork done immediately. First, I called the local hospital system, but some woman there answered quite curtly, telling me I had to make an appointment and that the wait for bloodwork could be as long as a month. Well... by then, I certainly won't be on day three of my cycle anymore. So, I ended up going to Peterson, and they actually saw me without an appointment! It seems they operate every day from 7 to 10 AM. Therefore, next time, I would suggest heading over to Peterson...