For new patients starting with a Core Diagnostic or Fast Track, most people benefit from a current blood draw. However, if you’ve had recent labs within the past 3–6 months, you may be able to use those results instead — as long as they include the markers needed for your visit.
Why Timing Matters
Hormones, thyroid function, iron status, and metabolic markers can shift quickly — especially during perimenopause and menopause.
In general:
- Labs older than 6 months may no longer reflect your current physiology
- Labs 1–2 years old are usually too outdated to guide precise or safe care
That’s why we typically recommend fresh labs for new patients, so your visit is based on the most accurate, actionable data.
When Outside Labs May Be Used
You may be able to use recent outside labs instead of a full new blood draw if:
- The labs were completed within the last 3–6 months, and
- They include most or all of the required markers for your visit type
If your labs meet these criteria, you’re welcome to upload them for review.
Required Markers for the Core Diagnostic
Recent labs should include most or all of the following:
- DHEA-S
- Estradiol (E2)
- FSH & LH
- Progesterone
- Pregnenolone (LC/MS)
- Prolactin
- Testosterone, Free & Total with SHBG
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Ferritin
- Reverse T3
- Free T3
- Total T3
- Free T4
- Total T4
- Thyroid antibodies
- Vitamin D, 25-OH (Total)
Additional Markers Required for Fast Track
Fast Track requires everything listed above, plus:
- C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP)
- Glucose
- Fasting insulin
- HbA1c with eAG
- Leptin
- Homocysteine
- Vitamin B12 & Folate
What If My Labs Are Missing Some Markers?
That’s very common.
If your recent labs include some but not all of the required markers, just contact our team via chat and request a partial lab draw to fill in the gaps.
This helps avoid unnecessary testing — while still giving your provider the data they need to guide your care effectively.
How to Share Outside Labs
If you have qualifying labs, upload them using the “Have Labs to Share?” option on the booking page.
For step-by-step instructions, see:
→ How Do I Upload Outside Lab Results?
Your provider will review outside labs as time allows during your visit. Older labs may still be helpful for historical context, but they usually cannot replace current testing.
Important Note About Renewal Visits
This article applies to new patients starting with a Core Diagnostic or Fast Track.
Lab requirements for patients already enrolled in the Hormone Care Program may be different and are addressed in a separate article specific to renewals.
In Summary
- Fresh labs provide the clearest picture for new patients
- Recent labs (3–6 months) may be used if they’re comprehensive
- Partial draws are often an option
- Older labs can add context but usually can’t replace current testing
The goal is not more testing — it’s the right data to guide your care well.