Blood Test for Fibromyalgia: What You Need to Know

The FM/a test is still new and subject to research. Many doctors don’t use it yet, and insurers may not cover the cost. Doctors may still use current diagnostic criteria as confirmation.

Fibromyalgia is a neurologic condition that causes pain across most or all of the body. A neurologic condition is one that affects the nervous system.

Fibromyalgia affects 2 to 4 percent of people. More women than men have the condition.

The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

Even though fibromyalgia is a common condition, it’s very challenging to diagnose.

Diagnosis can be a lengthy process of ruling out other diseases and medical conditions. This process could even take years for some people.

In the past, fibromyalgia hasn’t had a specific diagnostic test. However, some doctors and researchers think they may have found one in the FM/a test.

Let’s take a look at current methods of reaching a diagnosis of fibromyalgia as well as the FM/a test.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are often similar to those of other conditions. Before your healthcare provider considers a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, they’ll want to rule out these conditions.

The conditions that have symptoms that resemble fibromyalgia are:

These conditions can be diagnosed, or ruled out, through blood tests.

Some blood tests your healthcare provider may order to rule out other conditions include:

If these tests are negative for these similar conditions, your healthcare provider will start looking more at a possible fibromyalgia diagnosis.

There have been some promising studies on a possible diagnostic blood test for fibromyalgia. It’s called an FM/a test.

The test collects plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in a small sample of your blood. It tests the concentration of cytokines within your blood sample.

Significantly lower levels of cytokines may be an indicator of fibromyalgia. Abnormal levels of cytokines have been linked to being a trait in people with fibromyalgia.

Because of this link, researchers are hoping that the FM/a test may prove to be a way to more definitively diagnosis fibromyalgia.

The research that has been done up to this point does show promise that the FM/a test may be able to diagnose fibromyalgia.

However, more clinical trials need to be done before this test will be fully recognized as a diagnostic tool for fibromyalgia.

There are some steps that you can take to help determine if you might have fibromyalgia.

These steps are part of the diagnostic criteria and information that your healthcare provider will need to know before being able to give you a correct diagnosis.

Gathering this information before making an appointment will help your healthcare provider better determine the next steps in your diagnosis.

Some of the steps to test yourself are:

After you collect this information, if you think you may have fibromyalgia, it’s recommended that you make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.

They’ll ask you a number of questions. The information gathered in your journal will help you answer those questions.

Currently, most healthcare providers still use the traditional criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia.

This diagnostic process includes:

The FM/a test is still new and subject to research. Many healthcare providers may not use it yet, and some insurance companies may not cover the cost.

However, even with the FM/a test, it’s likely that your healthcare provider will still use the current diagnostic criteria as confirmation.

Primary care healthcare providers are now much more familiar with fibromyalgia and its symptoms than they were in the past.

This familiarity will likely help you to get a diagnosis more quickly, while the FM/a test continues through additional clinical trials.

If you’re interested in having the FM/a test, talk to your healthcare provider. It may be an option for you.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you get some information on possibly participating in a clinical trial for the test.

The 4 Best At-Home Hormone Tests of 2023

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Hormones help deliver messages throughout your body to regulate various functions. Learn which tests can help you keep up with how you are feeling and the signs of an imbalance.

Feeling out of sorts? It might be time to check your hormones. Hormones are molecules produced in the endocrine system that deliver messages throughout the body to regulate fertility, growth, and metabolism.

Hormone tests can assess your fertility, thyroid function, and testosterone. The best test for you depends on which specific hormones you want to measure.

Hormonal abnormalities can contribute to chronic fatigue, weight loss or gain, infertility, and other effects on the body.

Read on to learn about the best hormone tests on the market and what they can teach you about your body.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

The Everlywell Women’s Health test analyzes female hormones like estradiol, progesterone, LH, and FSH and lets you know if they’re within a healthy range. You can collect your sample with a finger prick or saliva sample.

An independent board certified doctor in your state first reviews and approves your test before Everlywell ships it to you. You’ll receive your results within days after mailing your samples back to the lab on Everlywell’s online platform.

This test can give you an overview of your hormone levels, and Everlywell’s report can guide you on what to discuss with your doctor.

Be sure to speak with your doctor to better understand your results and ask any questions.

Our market editor Christy Snyder tried out the Women’s Health Test from Everlywell and mentioned how it was a very involved process.

“You have to do blood test #1 on day 3-4 of your period, and then blood test #2 on day 19-21 of your cycle, and also the 4 saliva samples that same day. So it takes about a month to get the entire process done at home before you even send it out to the lab.” She also mentions a few times how the finger pricks made her fingers hurt and left her bruises.

Overall, Snyder suggests this tests for people who don’t have insurance and want an in-person test, and who don’t mind bleeding. “It’s a shame that this [test] required such large samples [of blood] that I wasn’t able to get.”

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

MyLAB Box offers a Perimenopause Test that measures your hormone levels prior to menopause. When your levels are off, you might experience metabolism, sleep, and shifts in memory.

This test might give insight into what changes to make, if any, in your lifestyle before menopause. But note that menopause can only be diagnosed clinically. An at-home test cannot give you a diagnosis.

If you purchase either of these tests, be sure to discuss any results with your doctor.

After 2 to 5 days, you can also contact a myLAB Box physician at no charge to discuss results.

MyLAB Box also offer a variety of health tests to support couples looking into family planning. Offerings include female fertility, ovarian reserve, ovulation confirmation, male fertility, and testosterone tests.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Fertility is personal, and testing in the privacy of your home can help ease anxiety.

Modern Fertility provides an affordable testing kit that requires simple blood samples collected with a finger prick during the first few days of your menstrual cycle. The kits are also customized for your preferred method of birth control.

These tests are not meant to diagnose or evaluate your fertility status. They can help give insight into your available eggs and hormonal health for pregnancy. Be sure to discuss your results with your doctor.

Modern Fertility offers a sample fertility report so you can see how your information will be presented.

Modern Fertility offers a free one-on-one call with a fertility nurse and access to their online community.

The thyroid gland is essential for producing and regulating hormones that help with functions like metabolism. TSH helps create and release hormones necessary for metabolism. LetsGetChecked tests for TSH and fT4 and fT3.

LetsGetChecked offers a general thyroid test that checks the levels of these three hormones, and a more comprehensive one that tests TSH, fT4, fT3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies.

Talking with a doctor about your results could help make sure that you’re getting the necessary care and treatment needed for your health.

Results are typically received in 2 to 5 days, and nurses are available to discuss results and answer questions 24/7.

At time of publication, LetsGetChecked has an average 4.6-star rating, with over 16,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Customers praise LetsGetChecked’s customer service, easy instructions, and fast results.

Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.

Our SEO associate, Taylor Morelli, tried the thyroid test and cortisol test earlier this year, and she found it to have a quick turnaround time and great follow-up support. “If your doctor won’t order the tests and/or insurance won’t cover it, [LetsGetChecked’s test] is a great alternative to check levels at home.”

Morelli mentioned that the kits came with everything needed, including a biohazard bag to send back, and the thyroid test even had a vibrating tool that helped with blood flow. She found it definitely helped with the blood flow after the finger prick, but getting the blood into the vial “was tricky with a vibrating finger, but [she] got the hang of it after a little bit.”

The cortisol test didn’t have a vibrating tool so it took longer to collect the sample, but she still received her results in a timely manner.

Morelli recommends this test for anyone who “wants to get a pulse on hormone levels and doesn’t mind spending a little more money for quick results and follow up support.”

When researching at-home hormone tests, we read online reviews to determine the best tests on the market. We also ensured that people who work for these services are licensed, each test is analyzed in a certified lab, and that the brands have CLIA and CAP certifications.

In addition, we considered the available research that supports each test, the company’s reputation, their marketing processes, their clinical relevance, and their methodology.

We made sure the companies do not make any claims without scientific support, and we took into account any legal action taken against a company, if at all.

We review products and services periodically to make sure they continue to meet standards according to our vetting process.

At-home hormone tests can analyze levels of key hormones that affect stress, sleep, weight, mood, and other factors that are important to overall health.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to stay home, at-home testing companies saw a huge boom. According to Axios, the demand for 75% of Everlywell’s tests doubled in 2020, and LetsGetChecked tests saw an 880% increase from 2019.

While the COVID-19 pandemic increased people’s desire to test remotely, the convenience of at-home tests can also save people time on commuting to a doctor’s office.

Infertility is a common concern among people looking to conceive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 19% of women ages 15 to 49 years in the United States have difficulty getting pregnant, and 1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage

Even though infertility can be caused by several different factors, including male factors, it’s important to test female fertility by checking several key hormones.

Fertility tests for women focus on testing the following:

Each hormone has an important purpose in the reproductive system, and not all tests happen at once. Your doctor will order the tests that will best help them understand your ovarian reserve and assess your fertility status.

AMH is a hormone made by the cells in the follicles, sacs in the ovaries that contain and release eggs, and is a good predictor of your ovarian reserve or egg count.

FSH is a hormone made by your pituitary gland and it promotes the development of follicles in your ovary. Estradiol is a hormone produced mainly by the ovaries.

LH is the hormone that surges just before ovulation and triggers the release of the egg from the ovary.

Testing for thyroid health is also important because thyroid hormones are linked to your menstrual cycle and are also important during pregnancy. Low levels of TSH and untreated hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can interfere with ovulation, affecting fertility. If you have a thyroid condition, your TSH and fT4 levels can be adjusted with medication.

Similar to fertility tests, menopause tests check your FSH level. Menopause is the ending of your menses cycle for 12 months, and when your egg supply is nearly diminished. A menopause test can indicate increased FSH levels.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), testing isn’t a surefire way to know you’re experiencing menopause or perimenopause.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine says that “blood levels of FSH vary from woman to woman from day to day in the same woman.” Therefore, FSH is not routinely indicated to diagnose menopause or predict when it will occur.

Though the thyroid gland is small, it is fierce.

The butterfly-shaped gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate. Your thyroid can affect your heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development, mental health, and fertility.

At-home and in-office tests can check the three main thyroid hormones, but usually, only TSH may be needed at first:

About 5% of people ages 12 and older in the United States experience hypothyroidism, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Low thyroid hormone can slow down many organs within the body.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Your body can also produce too much thyroid hormone, resulting in hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Testosterone is a hormone that is commonly associated with sex drive and high libido in men. But it also plays a vital role in maintaining bone density, muscle mass, libido, fat distribution, and fertility. It’s important to note that women also produce testosterone but in much smaller amounts than men.

Low testosterone can cause a series of issues, from erectile dysfunction to depression in men. Men with symptoms of low testosterone can take an at-home test to measure testosterone levels.

If you’re interested in undergoing one of these tests, be sure to discuss the results with your healthcare professional. They can help ensure your testosterone levels are appropriate for your age.

Learn more about testosterone tests.

Hormones serve as chemical messengers, carrying signals to different areas of your body and affecting vital functions like metabolism and growth. These chemicals are produced by the endocrine system and contain information that helps instruct different organs and tissues throughout your body on how to function.

Hormonal abnormalities can lead to:

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, speak with a doctor, who can perform a comprehensive exam. At-home tests may be an option if you want to get an idea of what is going on in your body before speaking with a doctor.

The simplicity of at-home hormone tests makes them an easy, effective option. After ordering your test, a box will arrive with thorough instructions to collect testing samples.

Depending on the test selected, you’ll be asked to take a urine sample, saliva sample, or a blood sample.

Once you finish your test, you’ll ship your results to a lab for review. Results are typically provided online between 2 and 5 business days after the samples reach the lab.

Hormones can influence your mood, immune system, brain function, reproductive system, bone density, and energy levels. Hormones are key players in the body’s performance. Hormonal imbalances can affect your health in several ways.

Testing your hormones can help provide a full picture of your health, including what could be contributing to low energy or weight gain. Before picking a hormone test, be sure to consider whether you are looking for insight into your fertility, menopause, or testosterone levels. Follow up with your doctor to discuss the results.

Some conditions or complications can develop as a result of a hormone imbalance. If you’re suddenly losing or gaining weight without trying, have joint pains, severe fatigue, or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, schedule an appointment to speak with a doctor.

Consider seeing a doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant and are having difficulty, or if you’re experiencing other reproductive issues.

It’s important to find a company that uses a certified lab. Dr. Chris Airey is a medical director at Optimale–a men’s health company providing testosterone replacement therapy to men in the UK. Dr. Airey sat with us and answered some questions about at-home tests, especially about their accuracy. “If results can’t be independently confirmed by multiple labs, there’s a chance you’re being persuaded to purchase a solution to a nonexistent problem,” Dr. Airey explains.

“When looking for an accurate at-home testing kit, make sure there are options to keep and share your results, as well as options for medical professional support. That can help ensure your results are accurate and being used for something other than a business gimmick,” he adds.

Overall, at-home hormone tests are pretty accurate, but human error should be factored in, along with the type of test you’re taking, the type of sample you’re giving, and the timing of collecting the sample.

When collecting blood samples, not following the instructions can result in inaccurate or inconclusive test results. Saliva and urine samples can also be inconclusive if not done correctly.

“To avoid user error, work with a company that provides instructions with impeccable detail and, ideally, physician support,” Airey recommends.

While at-home tests can be effective, in-office tests can cut out the potential for poor sample collection. Having a test ordered by a doctor ensures that the right things are being tested so the results come out conclusive.

Even so, at-home tests may be a suitable starting point for people with demanding schedules.

Most kits allow you to check your hormone levels at home by sending you a kit with a small lancet. This device pricks a small hole in your finger, allowing you to collect a small drop of blood for testing. Some kits may also use saliva or urine samples.

You might suspect that you have a hormonal imbalance if you’re unable to get pregnant, your weight fluctuates rapidly, you have unwanted hair growth, you’re easily tired, or you have other issues with your metabolism.

Not all hormone tests are covered by insurance, but many are HSA or FSA eligible.

Think of your hormones as tiny messengers sending vital instructions throughout the body. If your hormones can’t deliver their message, your body functions can weaken.

At-home hormone tests can pinpoint which of your hormones might be negatively affecting your body, so your doctor can provide a treatment plan to help regulate your system.

While at-home hormone tests are growing in popularity, they might not be as reliable as a lab-collected test. Regardless, at-home hormone tests are a great starting point to get the health information you need.

Jillian Goltzman is a freelance journalist covering culture, social impact, wellness, and lifestyle. She’s been published in various outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Fodor’s Travel Guide. Outside of writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Find her work on her website, blog, Twitter, and Instagram.

What to know about fasting before a blood test

Fasting before a blood test means that a person should not eat or drink anything other than water before certain blood tests. How long a person needs to fast will depend on the blood test they are taking.

A person does not always need to fast before a blood test. When a blood test requires fasting, it is typically needed for a short time only.

Even so, the idea of not eating or drinking, even for a small amount of time, may seem daunting. Understanding when and how to fast before a blood test can help reduce unnecessary worry.

This article explores the types of blood tests that require fasting, why fasting is necessary, and how an individual can do it safely.

Whether someone needs to fast or not before a blood test depends on the type of blood test they need to undergo. Some blood tests require fasting to provide accurate results, while others do not.

The types of blood tests that require fasting are:

A fasting blood glucose test can help diagnose diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition that can lead to excessive amounts of sugar in the blood. A fasting blood glucose test measures levels of sugar in the blood to see whether they are healthy.

It is important that an individual has not had anything to eat or drink other than water for 8–10 hours before a fasting blood glucose test. A person will typically fast overnight and do the test early in the morning.

Fasting helps ensure that the blood test records an accurate measure of fasting blood sugar levels. The results help a doctor diagnose or rule out diabetes.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood. High cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of certain health conditions.

Blood cholesterol tests, also known as lipid profiles, assess the quantities of fats in the blood. The different fats tested for include:

The amounts of these fats will increase if a person has recently eaten food. That is why people are asked not to eat for 9–12 hours before the test, which helps give an accurate profile of the amounts of these fats in the blood.

Research has suggested that fasting may not be necessary before all cholesterol and triglyceride tests. However, people who are having these tests should refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours before the test. It is always best for individuals to check with a doctor to see whether these new guidelines apply to them.

A gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test helps diagnose liver disease. GGT is an enzyme in the liver that helps it work effectively.

A person may need to avoid all eating and drinking for 8 hours before the test, as well as avoid drinking alcohol and taking some prescription medications.

An iron blood test measures the levels of the mineral iron in the blood. This test helps identify conditions that are caused by a lack of iron in the blood, such as anemia.

Iron is contained in some types of food and is absorbed very quickly from food into the blood. Therefore, if a person eats food before the iron blood test, the results may show inflated levels of iron.

To ensure accurate results, a person should fast from midnight the night before the test until after the test is done.

People may be asked to fast for:

When people eat food and drink alcohol, the food and liquid get broken down in their stomach and absorbed into the bloodstream. This can affect the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as blood glucose or cholesterol.

Measuring the levels of these substances is crucial to diagnose certain conditions, such as:

For correct diagnosis of these conditions, it is important that a person fasts. Eating or drinking before the test may raise the levels of a particular substance in the blood, leading to inaccurate results. Incorrect results could in turn lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

There is a range of things that individuals can do when fasting for a blood test, such as:

As well as food and drink, there are some other things to avoid when fasting for a blood test. These include:

Before a person decides to fast, they should speak with a doctor to find out whether they should fast, and if so, for how long.

If the test does require fasting, following the steps above can help an individual who has been asked to fast for a blood test to do so safely.

If fasting becomes too difficult and a person breaks the fast due to extreme hunger or thirst, they should contact the doctor to reschedule the blood test appointment.

People can receive the wrong diagnosis if their blood test results are inaccurate, leading to further health complications. This is why following best practices around fasting before blood tests is so important.