# Request parameters, headers and HTTP authentication

## Request parameters

Requests sent by monitors can be customized. Monitors use the GET HTTP method by default. To change it, go to [Monitors](https://uptime.betterstack.com/team/0/monitors) → **Select a monitor** → **Configure** → **Advanced settings** → **Request parameters**. Here you can pick other methods like POST, PATCH and others.

You can also include specific parameters to be included in the request body.

## Request headers and HTTP authentication

There are two main authentication methods that can be used. The first one uses a header name and header value (for bearer token authentication). The second one is basic HTTP authentication with username and password.