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An Overview of Menopause

A Natural Stage That Can Happen at Different Times

Menopause is the natural biological process that causes your menstrual periods to end. For most females, it happens between the ages of 40 and 58. It is also possible to have premature menopause or induced menopause due to surgery or an injury to the ovaries.

Menopause is definitively diagnosed when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Symptoms of menopause can vary widely from person to person, but it’s common to experience things like lighter, less frequent periods, hot flashes, and weight gain during menopause. You may be able to find relief by treating specific symptoms.

Symptoms of Menopause 

Menopause happens when your ovaries stop producing the hormones that drive your menstrual cycle. The hormonal fluctuations that happen during this time can cause various symptoms.

Everyone experiences menopause differently. Some people may have very severe menopausal symptoms, while others will barely have any complaints. However, there are some predictable menopausal symptoms that most people notice.

  • During your menopausal transition, you might start to notice some changes in your period.
  • Lighter and/or less frequent periods are a normal change and an expected response to your decreasing hormone levels.
  • Hot flashes or flushes are a very common—and unpleasant—symptom of menopause. The clinical term for a hot flash is a vasomotor symptom. Sometimes this may also be associated with anxiety or heart palpitations. A typical hot flash lasts anywhere from one to five minutes, and most women will have at least one of them per day during the transition into menopause.
  • Vaginal dryness in menopause is due to a lack of estrogen. Without adequate amounts of it, the walls of the vagina lose volume and moisture and become thin, dry, and easily irritated. This can lead to painful sex, an increase in vaginal infections, and chronic vaginal discomfort.
  • Emotional symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression are also seen.
  • Sleep disturbances are common due to hot flashes, insomnia, stress, or depression.
  • Weight gain is frequent during menopause, and the loss of estrogen shifts fat distribution to the waistline. This type of weight gain is particularly unhealthy and is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease.

Any significant change in your periods, including heavier and/or more frequent periods, needs to be evaluated by your healthcare provider.

Causes 

The signs and symptoms of menopause are caused by the changes in the function of your ovaries. There are three different ways your body can enter menopause:

  • Naturally occurring menopause: This is the most common progression to menopause. Every woman will eventually stop getting her period. This usually occurs around age 52. However, it is completely normal for menopause to occur between ages 40 and 58.
  • Premature menopause: This is menopause that happens before age 40. Unlike naturally occurring menopause, premature menopause is considered abnormal. It is often associated with autoimmune disorders and puts you at increased risk of osteoporosis. If you are less than 40 years old and you think you are in menopause, it is very important that you discuss this with your healthcare provider.
  • Induced menopause: This type of menopause occurs when there is some injury to the ovaries, which is typically related to medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Unlike naturally occurring menopause, which happens gradually, induced menopause is usually abrupt, and menopausal symptoms are often sudden and intense.

Unless your ovaries have been removed surgically, menopause doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, your ovaries gradually decrease the amount of hormones they produce. This winding down of your ovarian function typically takes several years and is called perimenopause or the menopausal transition.

Your ovaries don’t slow their function in a predictable way. Some months your ovarian hormone production could be close to normal, while other months your hormone production could be far from it. Menopause is not reversible. Once your ovaries have stopped producing hormones, you will no longer get your normal period.

Diagnosis 

If you are having menstrual irregularities and other symptoms of menopause, report them to your healthcare provider. They might be signs of another condition or a need for adjustment to your treatments for your existing medical conditions.

Your healthcare provider will diagnose menopause when you have not had a menstrual period in 12 months. Because of the way your hormone levels change around menopause, there is no accurate and reliable blood test to diagnose it.

Some other conditions that may develop during the same timeframe as menopause, such as thyroid disease, type 2 diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause similar symptoms. It’s not always a good idea to attribute every symptom you’re having to menopause. Your healthcare provider may run tests if you have symptoms that point to another condition while you are also going through perimenopause.

Treatment 

Despite all of the symptoms and changes in your body, menopause is not a disease, and it doesn’t need to be treated—it is simply a normal part of getting older. You can wait out the symptoms, but it can be helpful to discuss symptomatic treatment options with your healthcare provider if the effects of menopause are bothersome for you.

There are many choices to help ease the menopausal transition and improve the symptoms. They range from mind/body practices such as yoga and meditation to hormone therapy and other prescription medications that address specific symptoms. For example, for those experiencing painful sex, options like Imvexxy, which can reduce vaginal dryness, may ease the symptom.

Menopause is the perfect time to take a look at your lifestyle. Follow the general principles of a healthy, well-balanced diet and regular physical activity. In addition to aerobic exercise, build muscle with strength training. Ask your healthcare provider whether you should take vitamin D or calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis.

Coping 

The age at which you approach menopause is an age that often coincides with many personal responsibilities and stressors. You may be seeing your kids off to college, dealing with the death of a parent, taking on leadership roles at work, or worrying about your finances. The added symptoms of menopause, including sleep deprivation and possible anxiety or depression, can add to the overall demands on your life.

It is very important to take care of your mental health during menopause. Sometimes that can be accomplished by long walks or other stress-relievers. But it may take more than that. Don’t be afraid to talk to your healthcare provider if you are having trouble coping with the demands of your daily life. Your mental health should be your number one priority.

A Word From Us

Menopause can be difficult to manage. It is not a disease, but it still affects your body physically and mentally. Understanding the changes in your body and learning about coping strategies and treatment options can help you to live very well during and after menopause.

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When to Take Your Sick Child to a Healthcare Provider

Especially during cold and flu season, it may be hard to determine when you should keep your sick home and when you should go see a healthcare provider or pediatrician. You should always seek professional care when concerned about your child’s health or if you have any unanswered health-related questions.

Warning Signs 

A simple phone call to a nurse or an appointment with a healthcare provider can help ease your mind if something just doesn’t seem right. However, you should seek medical care if your child is experiencing:

  • High or persistent fever
  • Any breathing problems, such as fast, labored, or noisy breathing from the chest
  • Persistent pain, such as an earache, sore throat, severe headache, or stomach ache
  • Eye discharge that is thick, sticks the eyelids shut, and doesn’t get better during the day

Additionally, you may need to have your child seen for:

  • Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Not keeping down enough liquid to urinate at least once every six to eight hours
  • Dehydration (severe dehydration needs to be treated in the emergency room)
  • Vomit or diarrhea that contains blood
  • A stiff neck, extreme lack of energy, or illness seems to be getting worse (rather than staying the same) for more than four to five days
  • Exposure to a contagious illness, such as mono, influenza, chickenpox, or COVID-19
  • Illness after recently traveling out of the country
  • Urinary problems, which may indicate an infection or, sometimes, diabetes

Fever 

It’s important to pay attention to how a child is acting with a fever. If they have a high fever but are playful and active, the illness may be less concerning.

Children’s fevers may reach different heights (some tend to run high whenever they’re sick, while others rarely have high temperatures), so it is important to pay attention to how a child is acting and eating/drinking.

For newborns (under 2 months), any fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (F) requires evaluation. For children 3 months to 1 year, a fever higher than 102 F is worrisome.

In general, there isn’t a set cutoff number for children’s fevers, but the symptoms occurring alongside the fever are very significant. For example, fast or labored breathing may signal that the child has a serious illness.

Vaccinations 

It’s important for children 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine. Another option is the nasal flu spray vaccine, which may be used for children age 2 years and older who don’t have asthma.

Children under 2 are at risk for hospitalization from flu complications like pneumonia. The vaccine protects them from serious complications and can keep them from spreading flu to people with poor immune systems, such as babies or older people.

To reduce your child’s distress during vaccinations, try a distraction like singing or watching a video. Ask your healthcare provider about numbing the spot with a freezing spray, ice pack, or lidocaine cream, and make sure the cream has enough time to work.

Older children may also appreciate it if a parent gets a shot with them.

Home Care 

Make sure your child gets plenty of fluids and rest. Before giving your child any medication, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider or pediatrician about the best treatment for your child’s ailments.

You should not give younger children medications meant for older kids or adults. Dosage is important, so read labels carefully.

Although schools and child care centers may have their own rules, it is common for them to require the following before a child can return to the setting:

  1. No fever over 100.4 for 24 hours
  2. No vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours
  3. On antibiotics for 24 hours, if applicable

If a child is uncomfortable, tired, or in a great deal of pain, they’re better off recuperating at home.

These symptoms should keep a child home until cleared by a healthcare provider:

  • High or persistent fever
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Rashes that could be contagious
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Frequent cough
  • Thick eye discharge
  • Dehydration
  • Repeated episodes of vomiting or diarrhea

You should also know the symptoms of COVID-19 in children and be familiar with your school or care center’s coronavirus policies.

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Natural Testosterone Boosters: How Do They Work?

Testosterone is the sex hormone that gives men the traits that are unique to males. It affects many aspects of male health, such as sperm production, muscle and bone mass, and sex drive.

Women also have testosterone, though at lower levels than men. In women, it has a major impact on their bodies. The hormone affects bone strength, ovarian function, and sexual behavior.

Testosterone levels drop slowly with age in both sexes. The result can cause fatigue, low sex drive, and loss of muscle mass. Having normal levels can often reverse some of these problems.

Natural testosterone boosters use nutrients to protect and boost your levels. Many options provide different results.

This article explores the use, benefits, and effects of natural testosterone boosters. It also discusses when you should see your doctor about symptoms.

The Role of Testosterone 

Testosterone is a hormone that affects sexual development and reproduction. It is primarily produced by the gonads (the testes in men and the ovaries in women). The adrenal glands in both sexes also produce a very small amount of it.

While often considered the “male hormone,” testosterone is important to both sexes.

Testosterone in the Body 

Your pituitary gland works to maintain normal levels of testosterone within the following ranges to get its benefits:

  • 280 to 1,100 ng/dL for men
  • 15 to 70 ng/dL for women

In addition to its role in supporting the reproductive system, testosterone also promotes the following processes in both men and women:

Testosterone in Men 

Testosterone contributes to the development of primary sexual characteristics in men. These include the parts of the body required for reproduction. In men, they are the penis, testicles, and scrotum.

Testosterone also regulates the development of secondary male traits. These characteristics are unique to men, but not needed for reproduction. They include:

  • Hair growth on the face, chest, and pubic areas
  • Voice deepening
  • Growth spurts in puberty
  • Upper body muscular build

Testosterone levels in men usually decrease by 1% annually every year after age 30. However, even in advanced age, the levels don’t become completely depleted.

Natural Testosterone Boosters 

Testosterone levels can decline as a result of age, injury, disease, or medication side effects. The effects can include:

Natural testosterone boosters are supplementary herbs and nutrients that can help your body increase testosterone levels. Since there are so many formulas, it can take some time to achieve the results you desire.

When effective, restoring testosterone levels can help improve the effects of low testosterone levels.

Natural Testosterone Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Don’t confuse testosterone boosters with testosterone replacement therapy.

Natural testosterone boosters are supplements that contain nutrients and herbs. They are distributed as over-the-counter products.

Testosterone replacement therapy is a medical treatment that uses testosterone prescribed and managed by a healthcare provider.

Ashwagandha and Testosterone 

Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) is a nontoxic herb that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is classified as an adaptogen, a substance used in herbal medicine to help the body deal with physical and emotional stresses.

How It Works 

Ashwagandha is thought to promote an increase in the production of luteinizing hormone, which is produced in the pituitary gland. It supports the reproductive system and triggers testosterone production. Its stress-relieving properties may also improve libido and sperm quality.

This video has been medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

May Also Treat 

Ashwagandha may also treat the following conditions:

Safety and Side Effects 

Ashwagandha is considered generally safe, without major side effects. In large doses, it may cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, it has been linked to liver injury. It’s important to let your healthcare provider know your interest in the supplement or that you are already taking it to ensure it is done safely.

Vitamin D and Testosterone 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that you obtain from food, supplements, or exposure to sunlight. It assists in calcium absorption. Vitamin D also supports your muscle, nerve, and immune systems.

How It Works 

Vitamin D has an impact on improving semen quality, which can decrease with low testosterone levels. It is associated with sperm motility, a key factor in infertility.

May Also Treat 

Vitamin D may also be used to treat:

  • Calcium absorption
  • Bone and muscle health
  • Weak immune system

Safety and Side Effects 

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is between 400 and 800 IU/day. The dosage varies by age and pregnancy status.

Consuming too much vitamin D can cause a dangerously high level of calcium in your blood. Over time, the problem can damage your kidneys, soft tissues, and bones.

DHEA and Testosterone 

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone naturally produced by the liver and adrenal glands. It also contributes to the production of testosterone.

How It Works 

DHEA is naturally produced in your body, then turned into male and female sex hormones. DHEA supplements replace the natural levels that slowly decrease as you age.

May Also Treat 

DHEA may also treat the following conditions:

Safety and Side Effects 

DHEA is likely safe to use for up to two years in doses of 50 mg daily. Mild side effects can include acne and stomach upset.

Doses higher than 50-100 mg daily can be dangerous and increase your risk of cancer. It may also interact with some prescription medications.

DHEA should not be used by people with the following conditions:

Side effects linked to DHEA use include:

Fenugreek and Testosterone 

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a spice used in herbal medicine. It also is used as a supplement or in extract form.

How It Works 

Some reports link fenugreek with androgenic effects and increases in total serum testosterone levels. It also has androgenic (related to muscle mass) benefits.

May Also Treat 

Fenugreek may also be used to treat the following conditions:

Safety and Side Effects 

Fenugreek is considered safe in the amounts used as a spice in foods. Three isn’t enough evidence to confirm its safety in larger doses.

Possible side effects of fenugreek include:

Ginger and Testosterone 

Ginger is a plant that is used as an herb, food, and medicine. It is often used to treat common health problems like nausea and pain.

How It Works 

Research links ginger to the support of enhanced testosterone production in males. However, the effect of ginger on testosterone is not confirmed in human males.

Studies indicate ginger may promote testosterone production by mechanisms that include the following:

  • Promoting the production of luteinizing hormone
  • Increasing the cholesterol levels in the testes
  • Enhancing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes
  • Normalizing blood glucose
  • Increasing blood flow in the testes
  • Boosting testicular weight

May Also Treat 

Ginger may also be used to treat the following problems:

Safety and Side Effects 

Ginger is considered safe when taken by mouth or used as a topical on the skin.

Side effects of consuming large amounts of ginger can include:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Throat and mouth irritation

Magnesium and Testosterone 

Magnesium is an essential nutrient involved in many key physiological functions. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions and biological processes.

How It Works 

Research indicates that magnesium supplements have a positive effect on male gonads. The results included an increase in serum testosterone level, with more significant results in those treated for longer periods.

The results support a review of findings that identify magnesium as promoting a positive influence on anabolic hormones, including testosterone, in men.

May Also Treat 

Magnesium may also be used to treat the following conditions:

Safety and Side Effects 

Magnesium can be taken safely in the doses prescribed. People with kidney problems or a heart block should avoid supplements with magnesium.

Taking more than the recommended dosage of magnesium can cause the following side effects:

Protein and Testosterone 

Protein is key to cell function. It helps regulate the body’s organs and tissues.

How It Works 

Protein contributes to the normal production of testosterone when diets include protein of no more than 31% protein. Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets that include protein levels of 35% or more are linked to lower levels of testosterone.

May Also Treat 

Protein can also be used to treat the following conditions:

Safety and Side Effects 

Protein can be consumed safely when it’s part of a balanced diet. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 g protein/kg body weight/day for adults.

Exceeding this level of protein with a high-protein diet for long periods can result in the following side effects:

Tribulus Terrestris and Testosterone 

Tribulus terrestris is an herb commonly used in Africa, Asia, and southern Europe,

How It Works 

Tribulus terrestris contains saponins, an antioxidant that strengthens capillaries in the skin.

Research indicates that Tribulus terrestris has a positive effect on increasing testosterone levels and improving the sexual function and satisfaction of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

May Also Treat 

Tribulus terrestris is used to treat ED and enhance sexual function. It may also help female sexual dysfunction.

It may also be used to treat the following conditions:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Inflammation
  • Cancer
  • Infections

Safety and Side Effects 

Tribulus terrestris has been linked to adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal problems and nephrotoxicity.

Because this herb has potential hormonal effects, patients undergoing treatment for prostate cancer should seek medical advice before using it.

Zinc and Testosterone 

Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in humans. However, it can’t be stored, so you must consume the recommended dose daily to get its benefits.

How It Works 

Zinc is important to preserving prostate health, sexual health, and testosterone levels in men. A recommended zinc dosage of 25-50 micrograms daily can help maintain healthy testosterone levels.

May Also Treat 

Zinc may also treat the following conditions:

Safety and Side Effects 

When consumed at a dose of 40 mg per day or less, zinc is usually safe. Taking a higher dose for long periods may cause stomach pain, vomiting, and other problems. The results can be fatal if you consume 10-30 grams of zinc in a single dose.

Other Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone 

You can also help increase your testosterone levels with lifestyle changes. These strategies can help improve your testosterone levels with or without natural testosterone boosters.

Exercise 

Follow an exercise regimen of aerobic and resistance training. This combination of exercises has proven to increase testosterone levels.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight 

Establish and maintain healthy body weight. An increase in belly fat has been linked to lower testosterone levels. Managing obesity may prevent these levels from declining.

Practice Sleep Hygiene 

Getting adequate amounts of uninterrupted sleep can increase testosterone levels. Your body produces most of your testosterone during Rapid Eye Movement (REM)sleep, a period of deep sleep. Low levels have been linked to insufficient amounts of REM sleep.

Reduce Stress 

Stress increases cortisol blood levels. High levels of this hormone can increase fat deposits, which can allow testosterone to convert to estrogen.

When to See a Doctor for Low Testosterone 

Low testosterone levels can harm your physical and mental well-being. Symptoms of low testosterone can also mimic those of other conditions or diseases that require immediate care.

Contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms before you begin using natural testosterone boosters:

  • Low sex drive
  • Low sperm count
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility
  • Changes in mood
  • Depression
  • Muscle or bone loss
  • Decreased strength
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Inability to focus

Summary 

Natural testosterone boosters help your body restore low hormone levels. These levels can fall as a result of age. They can also drop due to injury, disease, or a medicine’s side effects.

Natural testosterone boosters work with your body’s systems to restore normal levels. Symptoms often improve when they take effect.

These products are sold over-the-counter, but should not be treated lightly. Contact your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. You can risk getting adverse effects if you have certain health problems or use some types of drugs.

A Word From Us

Having low testosterone levels can have physical and emotional effects. No matter the cause of your condition, it can bring feelings of sadness or depression. It can also make you feel irritable and moody.

Recognizing these changes and seeking answers are the first steps to restoring normal testosterone levels. Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether natural testosterone boosters are the right option for you.

For some men, lifestyle changes and/or testosterone replacement therapy may be more appropriate. Whatever course of action you decide, following your provider’s instructions can help you achieve results more efficiently.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Are testosterone boosters bad for you?The safety of any testosterone booster depends on your age, medical history, current condition, and medications. Most testosterone boosters are safe to use in recommended doses. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure the supplement you’re using is safe for you.
  • Do male testosterone boosters work?There is evidence that some testosterone boosters can help increase hormone levels. However, results can vary by individual, based on your personal traits and current condition. Starting with the boosters that have proven results can increase your chances of seeing a change.
  • Does masturbating reduce testosterone?There is no evidence that masturbating reduces testosterone. Testosterone levels decrease with age. They can also lessen due to injury, disease, or interaction with certain medications.
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Why Your Collagen Depletes With Age

Tips on How to Rebuild Your Levels

The word is spreading about collagen, an important nutrient important for a healthy, vibrant body.

But collagen isn’t anything new. You’ve been making it your whole life. The Cleveland Clinic reports that collagen is “the most plentiful protein” in the human body, spread throughout “muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, blood vessels, skin, intestinal lining, and other connective tissues.”

So, why the need to promote collagen on store shelves? Is it something you should be buying? Not necessarily. First, consider if your body is already making enough collagen on its own.

When Your Collagen Levels Decrease 

There is no blood test or other way to measure the amount of collagen in your body; however, researchers determined to find a way in 2018 by using assay plates. In the meanwhile, there are ways to tell when your body doesn’t have enough.

As you age, your body naturally makes less collagen. The slow-down can start in your mid-to-late 20s. That causes a variety of conditions that we usually accept as part of getting older. Signs of collagen loss include wrinkled skin due to elasticity loss and stiff joints. Additionally, collagen is directly related to gut health, with less of the protein causing ulcers and digestive problems.

Aside from aging, however, the top reason people don’t have enough collagen is poor diet. Your body can’t make collagen if it doesn’t have the necessary elements, namely amino acids, and the nutrients to process them.

How Your Body Makes Collagen 

To make collagen—or any protein—your body combines amino acids. You can get amino acids by eating and digesting protein-rich foods, like meat, beans, and dairy products, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Then your body can repurpose the amino acids into collagen.

During that collagen repurposing process, your body uses vitamins and minerals, specifically vitamin C, zinc, and copper. These nutrients are part of a typical, healthy diet. You may consume plenty of them naturally in the foods you eat. Citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens supply vitamin C. Meats, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, and beans are good sources of minerals.

As you age, however, your body may no longer absorb nutrients as well or synthesize them as efficiently. To make sure your body has enough ingredients to make collagen, you may need to change what you eat or take dietary supplements.

The Best Foods for Building Collagen 

Along with noted foods, bone broth extracts the collagen from beef, chicken, or fish bones through a low, slow brewing process. Good recipes are plentiful. Most will involve simmering bones in water for 12 to 48 hours either on the stove or in a crockpot.

If you can, try to buy organic bone broth—or cook broth from the bones of only organically raised animals. You want to minimize the residue of pesticides, antibiotics and other contaminants in your broth.

Like collagen, gelatin is another great food to boost your body’s ability to make collagen. Gelatin comes from collagen, so it naturally has what your body needs to turn it back into collagen form.

When to Take Collagen Supplements 

Getting nutrients from eating fresh, organic foods is best. It’s what your body is made to consume and digest naturally. But collagen supplements are second best, according to Harvard’s School of Public Health. 

If you want to take a collagen supplement, opt for the powder form. Hydrolyzed collagen (or “collagen peptide”) powder usually has no flavor and dissolves easily in beverages, smoothies, soups, and sauces.

Nourishing Your Skin 

Some skin creams claim to contain synthetic collagen to help revitalize your skin. They may work by adding a film-like layer to your skin to reduce water loss and protect your skin from environmental elements. But don’t forget that your skin is your body’s largest organ. And a proven way to keep your organs healthy is with good nutrition.

Your skin is an outer reflection of your inner health, so it makes sense that the same way you nourish collagen stores throughout your body will nourish your skin too.

Note, however, that the number one cause of skin damage isn’t lack of collagen. It’s sun exposure. Replenishing collagen may not be able to undo years of sun damage.

It’s Easy as One Cup a Day 

If your body has ample stores of collagen, then you are increasing your likelihood of having firmer skin, smoother-moving joints, and other signs of a healthy, youthful body.

The surest way to help your body produce collagen is by feeding it enough protein and other nutrients. It can be as easy as drinking one cup a day of bone broth or another beverage mixed with hydrolyzed collagen powder.

Dr. Bradley is the Medical Director of the Center for Functional Medicine at Cleveland Clinic.

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How Long to Fast Before Blood Work

You may have to fast—avoiding anything but water—for eight to 12 hours before a blood test. This is because nutrients from foods and beverages are absorbed into your blood, which can cause inaccurate results.

Make sure you are clear about whether or not you need to fast for the test(s) you are scheduled for so you can avoid having to repeat them.

This article discusses why your healthcare provider might ask you to fast for blood work and how you can best prepare.

Tests That Require Fasting 

Most blood tests actually do not require fasting, but some common ones do.

These include:

Most lab tests drawn in pregnancy do not require fasting, with the exception of the glucose challenge test. This test is performed to screen for a condition called gestational diabetes.

For this test, you will be asked to consume a special sugary beverage that contains a specific amount of glucose. Your blood glucose level will be tested at specific time intervals.

How Long You Need to Fast 

Generally, you should fast for eight to 12 hours before lab work that requires it.

You can always clarify how long to fast with your healthcare provider. If you are unsure, aim for 12 hours of fasting.

For example, if you schedule your test for first thing in the morning, you should generally not eat anything after dinnertime the night before.

Why Do You Need to Fast? 

Everything you eat or drink is broken down by your digestive system and absorbed into your bloodstream. The nutrients from foods and beverages circulate the body for a period of time so they can be “delivered” throughout the body.

This can take hours, which is why you may be asked to fast for a period of time before certain blood tests.

For laboratory tests that don’t examine the levels of certain nutrients or other substances in your blood, eating and drinking should not affect the results. For those that do, however, anything you eat or drink in the hours prior may produce an inaccurate result.

For example, eating before a blood glucose test will raise your blood sugar and lead to inaccurate test results, so fasting is required. However, the hemoglobin A1c test—also done for diabetes—does not require fasting. This is because it looks at a marker of blood sugar control over the past few months, rather than directly measuring blood sugar.

An inaccurate test result is problematic for several reasons:

  • It may cause you unnecessary stress if your results are outside the range of normal.
  • It may prompt your healthcare provider to alter a medication dose.
  • It may prompt additional testing that is unnecessary and costly.
  • It may be compared to results from previous tests in which you did fast.

How to Fast for Blood Work 

Your healthcare provider will give you details on how long you need to fast before your blood test. Most of these types of tests are scheduled for first thing in the morning, so you can sleep during the fasting period.

During the fasting period, you should avoid all drinks (including coffee and tea) except for water. Drinking water is even encouraged before blood work because a 12-hour fast from drinking fluids can make you slightly dehydrated. This causes your veins to flatten and makes them harder to find for a venipuncture.

Your healthcare provider may also ask you to avoid chewing gum and smoking. In some cases, you may also have to abstain from exercising.

What Does NPO After Midnight Mean?

“NPO after midnight” means “nil per os,” which is Latin for “nothing by mouth”—including water. This is used before procedures and is not the same type of fasting required for blood work.

Medication and Blood Tests 

Even if you are asked to fast for blood work, you should take your prescribed medications with water, unless specifically requested not to do so.

The exception to this is vitamins and supplements. These may affect certain lab tests, so they should be held the morning of a lab test.

Discuss what medications you are taking with your healthcare provider and clarify ahead of time if you have any questions on holding medications before blood work.

What to Do If You Accidentally Eat or Drink 

If you accidentally ate or drank before your test, let your healthcare provider know. Depending on the reason the test was ordered, you may be able to go ahead and have your blood drawn. The healthcare provider will just take this into account when interpreting your results.

For example, if you are having a screening cholesterol panel and you ate breakfast before the test, it’s not necessary to reschedule it. In fact, newer recommendations from the National Lipidology Association state that fasting for a screening lipid panel is optional.

While your breakfast will affect the triglyceride level, other important parts of the test, such as the total cholesterol and HDL (high-density lipoprotein, known as “good” cholesterol) will not be affected. LDL will only be affected if the triglyceride level is very elevated. If the triglyceride level is elevated, you may be asked to come back to repeat the test.

On the other hand, if a test was ordered specifically for blood sugar and you ate breakfast, the test may not be useful.

Pregnant people who do not fast before undergoing the glucose challenge will be asked to reschedule the test.

Summary 

Many lab tests do not require fasting. But for those that do, such as blood glucose tests, eating food can affect the results. Check with the healthcare provider who ordered the blood work to see if fasting is necessary, and if so, do not eat for to eight to 12 hours before the test. It’s fine to take your prescribed medication and drink water before the test to stay hydrated.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How long does it take to get blood test results?Depending on the test and how urgently your healthcare provider has indicated on the lab order form, blood test results can come back as soon as under an hour to several days. When the test is marked as “stat,” it indicates to the lab that the test should be run and reported back as soon as possible, whereas “routine” means there is no rush for a result. The timing also depends on whether the test has to be transported to a special lab.
  • Why would I need to repeat a blood test?Your healthcare provider may ask that you have a repeat blood test when the results are invalid, to confirm unexpected results, or if not enough blood was provided to run all of the necessary tests. Blood is drawn in special tubes and transported to a lab for testing.The lab equipment requires a certain amount of blood to run the tests. Some lab tests are affected if the blood has sat in the tube for too long, if the tube was not maintained at the proper temperature, or if the blood underwent breakage (hemolysis) during the blood draw.
  • How do you book a blood test?Most blood tests require an order from a healthcare provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Your healthcare provider’s office may have a phlebotomist who can draw the labs right in the office, or you may be asked to go to a separate lab facility. Some facilities take walk-ins, while others require appointments.
  • When can I eat normally after a blood test?You can go back to eating and drinking as you normally would once your blood has been drawn. You may want to bring a snack along with you so you can have something to eat as soon as you are done with your appointment.
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How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?

Getting enough water daily is essential to staying healthy, but how much water is enough? The widespread advice is to drink eight glasses of water daily, but this recommendation does not apply to everyone. Daily water intake recommendations vary by a person’s age, sex, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and health status.

Read more about how much water you should drink a day, why it is important to overall health, and signs of adequate hydration.

How Much Water Do You Need Per Day? 

Adequate hydration, or consuming enough fluids, is essential for your health. Hydration impacts skin health, neurological function, digestion, and kidney function.

People lose (and must replace) water throughout the day from sweating, breathing, urinating, and having bowel movements. For healthy people, the vasopressinhormone (also called the antidiuretic hormone) and the kidneys help to regulate fluid loss. Thirst tells your body to drink more fluids.

Most people will lose a little over 16 ounces (or 500 milliliters) of fluid through urine per day. That means that if you drink more than 16 ounces (2 cups) of fluids to replace the urine lost. If your urine is very pale and has little to no odor, this is a good indication that you are well hydrated. Darker, concentrated urine can indicate dehydration.

The amount of water your body needs varies and depends on how much you exert yourself and how much you urinate or sweat. For most healthy adults, the volume of fluids to prevent dehydration is:

  • 13 cups for men
  • 9 cups for women

You can get water through other beverages or foods high in water content, like fruits and vegetables. In the United States, some estimates show that about 22% of our water intake comes from our food.

You may need more water if you:

  • Live or work in hot climates
  • Are physically active and sweat a lot
  • Have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Water? 

Water is essential to health; humans can only survive for a few days without it. Water makes up 75% of body weight in infants and 55% of body weight in older adults. Every cell in your body requires water to function and repair itself.

The benefits of drinking water include,:

  • Avoiding dehydration
  • Helping to regulate your body temperature and blood pressure
  • Lubricating and cushioning your joints
  • Protecting your spine and other body tissues
  • Ridding the body of waste through sweat, urine, and bowel movements
  • Preventing urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and constipation

Does Drinking Water Help You Lose Weight? 

The advice to drink water for weight loss is widespread. One study found that 30% of adults in the United States who tried to lose weight stated that they drank a lot of water. A smaller research study showed that 59% of adults applied drinking water frequently as a weight loss or weight control practice.

Some people believe that drinking water in place of sugar-containing beverages such as soda and juice may prevent overweight and obesity by reducing the total number of calories consumed. Further, drinking plenty of water can increase the feeling of fullness and reduce hunger in the short term.

However, there’s limited evidence that drinking water can help with weight loss or maintaining weight over time. Many studies showed that more water consumption was not associated with reduced body weight.

Despite inconclusive evidence around water for weight loss, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends choosing calorie-free beverages, such as water, as a primary source of hydration over other sugar-sweetened beverages as part of a healthy diet.

Can Other Fluids Help You Stay Hydrated? 

There are many other beverages besides water to help you stay hydrated.

Best choice beverages include:

  • Low- or no-calorie beverages such as plain coffee, plain tea, sparkling or seltzer water, and flavored waters
  • Drinks with calories and other essential nutrients, such as dairy and fortified nondairy milk, 100% fruit and vegetable juices, or smoothies

Other fluids that can help you stay hydrated, but should be limited include:

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda and fruit drinks
  • Caffeinated drinks such as energy drinks, as well as coffees, and teas with added milk and sweeteners
  • Drinks with sugar alternatives
  • Sports drinks

Sports drinks generally contain carbohydrates, electrolytes, and vitamins. Research indicates that sports drinks may benefit people engaged in vigorous exercise for more than one hour, especially if they are sweating heavily. For most people, regular water is sufficient to stay hydrated during exercise.

How to Tell If You’re Hydrated 

The easiest way to tell if you’re hydrated is to check your urine. If you urinate regularly and it is light to clear in color and does not have a strong odor, you are likely hydrated.

Other signs of hydration may include a regular pulse, firm skin (bounces back when pinched), and adequate moisture in your eyes, mouth, and lips. Drinking water or other fluids regularly throughout the day and eating water-rich foods can help you stay hydrated.

It is easier to identify signs of dehydration than hydration. Being well-hydrated should result in the absence of symptoms such as:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Dry mouth, eyes, or skin
  • Headaches or cognitive impairment
  • Confusion, dizziness, or irritability
  • Lack of urination or constipation
  • Fatigue

Summary 

Drinking water is necessary for optimal health. The amount of daily water intake required to stay hydrated can vary depending on your specific needs, health conditions, and lifestyle. You can consume water and fluids through foods and other beverages. If you live or work in a hot climate or exercise and sweat a lot, consider increasing the number of glasses of water you drink daily.

A Word From Verywell 

For most people, eating and regularly drinking throughout the day is sufficient to stay hydrated, especially if you are eating water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Not waiting to drink when you are excessively thirsty and making sure that you are urinating regularly can help you stay on top of your hydration status. If you are still concerned about how much water to drink, speak with a trusted healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian, to help you develop a plan to stay hydrated.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How much water is too much in a day? There’s no clear benefit to drinking more water than the recommended daily amount to stay hydrated, 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women. Healthy people will excrete excess water through their urine.
  • How much water should you drink during exercise?For high-intensity exercise exceeding 45–60 minutes, you should drink 17–20 ounces of water two hours before the start and seven to 10 ounces of fluid every 10–20 minutes during exercise.
  • How much water should you drink based on your weight?Several formulas across the internet use weight to calculate the amount of water an individual should drink daily. However, this rule doesn’t consider the number of fluids you consume through food or other beverages. An easier way to check your hydration status is to examine your urine output and look for a pale yellow color with no odor to indicate hydration.