How Can I Test My Hormones At Home Online Hormone Testing For Women
Our preferred method to test hormones is through saliva collection, which is completed in the comfort of your own home. Typically you need the test ordered and interpreted by a physician. Although it is not recommended that you try to interpret your own test results, we do feel that every woman deserves to have access to the right kind of hormone testing. So in order to empower more women with their health, in addition to our hormone balancing programs, we also offer salivary adrenal and hormone test kits for sale without having to go through your doctor.
The Role Of Hormone Tests For Women
Women and people assigned female at birth can have hormone testing for many different reasons. Hormone testing may be used for diagnosis, monitoring, and screening:
- Diagnosis: Hormone testing is often used to identify the cause of a persons symptoms. Testing may be helpful in diagnosing conditions like delayed development, infertility, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome , and certain types of tumors.
- Monitoring: After someone has been diagnosed with a medical condition, ongoing testing may be used to track any changes in their health, including whether treatments are effective. Hormone testing may be used to monitor people who are having treatments for infertility or cancer. Testing can also help monitor hormone levels in transgender women who are having gender-affirming hormone treatment.
- Screening: Occasionally, hormone testing may be used for screening, which is looking for health issues before there are any signs or symptoms. For example, testing for certain hormones may be performed during pregnancy to screen for potential fetal health problems. In addition, women and people assigned female at birth who are of childbearing age may have hormone tests to see if they are pregnant prior to surgery or admission to a hospital. Pregnancy tests may also be done before incarceration.
What Should I Expect From My Female Hormone Panel
The Female Hormone Panel gives detailed information on the levels currently present in a womans body, which can be useful in determining whether hormone replacement therapy is an option, or if an ongoing therapy has been effective. Some tests also provide a comprehensive view of the overall health of a patient to provide greater insight into the cause of symptoms possibly linked to menopause, infertility or other female conditions.
Questions about online blood testing or how to order a lab test?
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Diagnosis Of Womens Hormonal Imbalance
Since the symptoms of female hormone imbalance are also common signs of a number of other diseases and health conditions, women experiencing them should see a physician for a thorough physical examination. If other underlying medical conditions are ruled out, hormone level testing is the next step. Hormone levels can be measured through saliva testing and/or blood tests. Establishing an accurate diagnosis of hormone imbalance may require several tests, done at intervals, as hormone levels fluctuate throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle and may change greatly from one day to another.
The Pill And Your Thyroid
Its important to note that the pillâs role in elevating TBG, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin & Cortisol Binding Globulin is well recognized. In fact, it is how researchers can verify who is & isnât actually taking the pill in clinical trials.
Itâs also listed in prescriber handbooks as a change we expect to see in labs. When TBG goes up, total thyroid hormone levels go up and free thyroid levels can go down.
Now, if you thought that total thyroid hormone was what the body utilized & that is all you measured then you might think, thyroid function is improved on birth control. However, FREE thyroid hormone is what you use, and not bound thyroid hormone .
This is why I test thyroid hormones in my patients before they start the pill and we continue to monitor symptoms & labs to ensure it is working best for them. Yes, some of my patients decide to use the pill for birth control or other reasons and I support them in doing that.
From the research, it appears progesterone, progestin, & topical estrogen do NOT elevate TBG. It is oral estrogen that influences the increase in binding proteins.
If you want a deep dive into the Birth Control-Thyroid Connection, then you can read all about it in this article.
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Why Do You Usually Recommend The Test To Be Done On Day 3
Hormones varying during menstrual cycle, therefore traditionally advice is to take day the sample on day 3. However, if it is not possible to take your sample at this time, as there are ranges for different phases of cycle, then day 3 sample is not an absolute requirement. If your sample is taken at another point in your cycle your results range will be adjusted accordingly.
How Can I Balance Back My Hormones
If you have been diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, your doctor can advise you on ways of bringing your body back into proper balance. Typical treatments for improved hormonal balance include hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes, stress management and exercise. In the case of thyroid dysfunction, medications and/or surgical intervention may be necessary to restore health levels of thyroid hormones.
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Is There Anything Else I Should Know
Blood and urine results are not interchangeable. Your healthcare practitioner will choose which estrogen and sample type to test. In addition to blood and urine, estrogen testing is occasionally also performed on saliva or on amniotic fluid.
Beyond daily and cycle variations, illnesses such as high blood pressure , anemia, and impaired liver and kidney function can affect estrogen levels.
Men And Estrogen: What You Need To Know
Estrogen is known primarily as a female hormone that helps regulate menstrual cycles, yet the hormone plays a bigger role in mens health than most people realize. Men produce small amounts of estrogen as part of their normal functioning male reproductive system, along with the male hormone testosterone. As they age, less testosterone is produced.
Yet questions are beginning to emerge as to what specific part estrogen plays in male development, especially as a man ages. Once largely ignored, estrogen levels in men are now under the microscope as researchers are trying to determine this hormone’s role in men and how it affects the body’s different hormone levels.
A decrease in estrogen, for example, may be a factor in fat accumulation in men as well as women. One endocrinologist at Harvard Medical School reported in a 2013 study that some of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in males, including a decline in libido, were at least partially caused by lower estrogen production.
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What Causes A Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can occur when the endocrine glands are not functioning properly, for example, the thyroid gland and pituitary gland. An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause a hormonal imbalance.
If you suffer from chronic stress, then high levels of the stress hormone cortisol will impact the production of other key hormones such as progesterone. The body will create more cortisol by using available progesterone, thus depleting progesterone levels. Progesterone is a key balancing hormone so will impact the production of other hormones such as oestrogen.
Conditions such as type 1 and 2 diabetes and Cushings syndrome can also result in a hormone imbalance.
And finally, a poor diet and lack of good nutrition will also have an impact, as well as your age. As women enter the menopause around their mid-forties their hormones will begin to fluctuate.
I Include A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel In My Hormone Work
A lot of my patients come in taking lots of different supplements and certain herbs, especially Chinese herbs that can actually cause kidney issues. Sometimes, theyre taking so many supplements and so many medications that theyre having liver problems. I need to know their basic metabolic function because I dont want to give them more to take before helping them detoxify.
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How Do Hormone Tests Work
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, youll be asked to take a urine sample or blood sample using a finger pricking tool.
Once you finish your test, youll 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.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Hormonal Imbalance
Your hormones play an integral role in your overall health. As a result, theres a broad range of signs and symptoms that could signal a hormonal imbalance. Your signs or symptoms will depend on which hormones or glands are not working properly.
Common hormonal conditions affecting people of all genders could cause any of the following signs or symptoms:
- rounded face
- purple or pink stretch marks
Keep in mind that these symptoms are nonspecific. Having one or a few of them doesnt necessarily mean that you have a hormonal imbalance.
Some of these symptoms may also reflect other chronic conditions. So, if you find yourself dealing with any notable changes in your body or energy levels, its a good idea to talk with your doctor.
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What Are The Costs Of Hormone Tests
The cost of hormone testing vary. Serum blood draws are typically the cheapest option. This type of testing is the standard of practice and is often covered by insurance providers.
Saliva and urine testing, which are often done at home by the individual, can vary in price depending on the company.
A full urine hormone panel including sex hormones , androgen hormones , cortisol, and all their metabolites can range from $200-500 depending on the company and which tests are being performed.
Treatment For A Hormonal Imbalance
There are many different treatment options for hormonal imbalances. The treatment you ultimately be given will depend on which hormone exactly is unbalance as well as the underlying cause of the imbalance. Sometimes, a life event might cause such a fluctuation in your hormones, such as menopause. In that case, your treatment would be short term one. However, if you have a genetic disorder that causes a lifelong hormonal imbalance, you will need to pursue a more prolonged course of medications.
Hormone therapy is a common treatment for hormonal imbalances. Women who are witnessing uncomfortable menopausal symptoms may choose estrogen therapy. Testosterone therapy is a common choice for men with low testosterone levels or adolescents facing delayed puberty. Taking thyroid hormones can help individuals with hypothyroidism. Such hormone replacement therapies may come in the form of pills, patches, or even injections. Your doctor will help you choose the appropriate dosage by checking your hormone levels test results. This is how he will determine the right amount of supplemented hormone you will need to recreate the balance.
Bioidentical hormones can be produced by pharmaceutical companies using different doses. Examples include bi-estrogen which is 50 to 80 percent estriol combined with estradiol, or tri-estrogen which is 10 percent estrone, 10 percent estradiol, and 80 percent estriol.
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Hormonal Imbalance And Women
Female hormones are powerful chemical messengers that regulate the reproductive system and influence many other vital systems. When they are present in the body in the proper amounts and ratios, they work in concert with one another to promote optimal health and well-being. However, when female hormonal imbalance becomes an issue, the consequences can manifest themselves throughout the body, taking a toll on a woman’s health and quality-of-life. When the condition is accurately identified and treated, the balance of female hormones can be corrected, reducing the symptoms and health risks associated with hormonal imbalance.
What Is Hormonal Imbalance In Men
The most common hormonal imbalances in men are related to testosterone levels. Men may experience low levels of testosterone due to disorders, like hypogonadism for example when the testes cannot produce an adequate supply of testosterone. More commonly, aging is the underlying cause, with testosterone production gradually diminishing over time, beginning around age 40. For some men, levels fall so low that the body’s basic needs for the hormone cannot be fulfilled, which can lead to many of the symptoms listed above. Other factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels include excessive stress, poor diet, obesity and regular excessive alcohol use.
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How Much Does It Cost
The online test and our Initial Medical Consultations are free.
During your consultation, one of our medical consultants will gladly help you figure out how to make our services accessible and affordable.
Restorative Health works with most HSAs and FSAs.
Dont forget to discuss insurance coverages and reimbursement options during your no-cost consultation.
How Much Does A Saliva Hormone Test Cost
Cost of salivary hormone testing depends on which lab you use and the number of hormones tested. Salivary hormone testing of most or all of the sex hormones can range from $300 to $800. Our salivary adrenal and hormone home test kit is priced at $1,000 . This tests the exact 9 hormones that Dr. Crawford uses in her proprietary approach, the Crawford Hormone Revitalization Method. Our saliva test is processed through a CLIA certified laboratory within a few days of receipt, so we are able to give you results much faster without having to see your doctor.
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Common Symptoms Of A Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances can cause many different symptoms. Some common issues to look out for include:
- A bulge in the neck
- Puffy face
Many symptoms of a hormonal imbalance can be misleading. For example, both weight gain and weight loss can be symptomatic of a hormonal imbalance. So, it’s really difficult to just rely on symptoms to understand which specific hormone is the root of the problem. This is when getting tested becomes handy.
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, you may have low progesterone levels that are usually in charge of helping you fall asleep. On the other hand, high progesterone levels could be problematic as well, as these will make you feel sleepy even if you’re getting enough rest.
Low melatonin gives your body a signal that it’s time to rest. Low estrogen can give you night sweats that can be unbearable for many.
If you’re struggling with any symptom of a possible hormone imbalance, you need to get tested. Your hormone levels will depict the root cause of the symptoms you are experiencing and, you will be able to target them properly.
When Is The Best Time To Test Other Hormone Levels
Your sex hormones arent the only ones you may need to look at to understand the cause of your hormone symptoms.
When to Test InsulinIf youre trying to get to the bottom of a PCOS diagnosis, you will need to evaluate insulin. If you have a family history of diabetes or your clinician suspects insulin dysregulation, this is a test they will likely order. Typically, insulin is tested while fasting along with blood glucose. Because of this, the test is commonly done first thing in the morning. It is recommended that biotin be stopped at least 72 hours before testing. Fasting insulin is a good place to start, but you may need to do a glucose challenge as well. Finding out what your insulin looks like after you eat can also be helpful. Your doctor will help determine the right tests for you.
When to Test DHEADehydroepiandrosterone is a crucial anti-aging hormone the body can convert into estrogen or testosterone. It is an important marker of adrenal function and is a hormone that declines with age. DHEA can be tested at any time of the month and is typically done alongside a cortisol test.
*The goal here is to measure at minimum TSH, Free T4, and T3 so you get a picture of what the brain says, how the thyroid responds, and the the bodys ability to activate the thyroid hormone you actually use.
From the research, it appears progesterone, progestin, and topical estrogen do NOT elevate TBG. It is oral estrogen which influences the increase in binding proteins.
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Hormonal Imbalance And Weight Gain
Hormones play an integral role in metabolism and your bodys ability to use energy. Hormone conditions, such as Cushing syndrome, can cause you to become overweight or develop obesity.
People with Cushing syndrome have high levels of cortisol in their blood. This leads to an increase in appetite and fat storage.
Hypothyroidism, if the condition is severe, can also lead to weight gain.
Slight hormone imbalances can happen during menopause. During this transition, many people gain weight because their metabolisms slow down. You may find that even though youre eating and exercising like you usually do, you still gain weight.
The only way to treat weight gain from a hormone disorder is to treat the underlying condition.
During a typical pregnancy, your body goes through major hormonal changes. This is different from a hormonal imbalance.
How Is It Used
Estrogen tests are used to detect a deficiency or excess in a woman and to help diagnose a variety of conditions associated with this imbalance. They may also be used to help determine the timing of a woman’s ovulation and may be ordered to monitor the health status of the developing baby and placenta during pregnancy. In a man, estrogen testing may be performed to detect a hormone excess and its cause.
Estrogen tests measure one of three components: estrone , estradiol , or estriol . These tests each have different uses.
In Girls and Women
Estradiol and/or estrone testing may be ordered to:
Estriol testing:
In Boys and Men
- Help diagnose delayed puberty
In Boys and Men
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