What the Panel Shows on HRT

Hormone therapy shifts more than the hormone you're taking: estrogen influences SHBG, SHBG changes free-hormone availability, and thyroid, lipid, and metabolic markers can all move alongside. Rythm's connected panel lets you watch those relationships instead of a single value floating in space — and because the same lab and methods repeat every month, changes in the trend reflect your biology, not a switch in methodology.

Timing and Cycle Stage

Collect at a consistent point relative to your dose a result taken shortly after dosing and one taken at the end of the interval are answering different questions. If you're still cycling, compare like with like: estradiol and progesterone change substantially across the menstrual cycle, so the same approximate stage each time is what makes comparisons informative.

The Contamination Trap

Testosterone or estrogen cream left on or near the collection site can directly enter the sample and read artificially high and hormones transfer surprisingly well via hands, towels, clothing, bedding, or a partner. Before testing: thoroughly scrub the collection site with soap and water, dry with a clean paper towel, avoid applying topical hormones to the collection arm for at least 24 hours, and never place the device over or near a recent injection site.