How Can I Check My Hormone Levels At Home

Where Should I Get A Hormone Balance Test And Other Faqs About Hormone Testing

You should get your hormones tested!

How many times have you heard that comment? Were often encouraged to look closely at our hormones when we experience symptoms that hint at conditions like hypothyroidism, menopause, or low testosterone. Indeed, fatigue, depression, hair loss, weight gain, weight loss, temperature sensitivity, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and anxiety are all common symptoms of hormonal changes or imbalances. But even if you know that a hormone test might be a good idea, you may not know what it entailsor where to get one.

Hormone testing is a very simple process. Its quick, easy, highly accessible, and can reveal critical information about your health. But hormone testing can only work if you know which tests to get and what the results mean. By exploring the basics of hormone testing, you can ensure you get the information and the support you need.

How To Test Cortisol Levels

Cortisol levels are measured with lab tests. These may be blood tests, which measure levels of the hormone in the bloodstream, or saliva tests, which measure cortisol levels in a saliva sample. Cortisol testing is typically done early in the morning, when levels are normally highest. Often, to produce the most accurate results, testing is repeated in the afternoon of the same day. Cortisol testing is often done in conjunction with ACTH level tests, since this pituitary gland hormone works to regulate cortisone levels. ACTH tests measure levels of the hormone in the bloodstream.

Getting tested can be done through your health care provider, who can order your tests for you, take your blood or saliva samples or send you to a lab to have them done. Then, your provider will let you know your results once they are delivered to his or her office.

You can also order these lab tests yourself online or over the phone from independent testing services, like Health Testing Centers. Ordering your own tests is generally less expensive, since you skip the cost of an office visit, and more efficient, since the results are delivered directly to you.

However, it is important to note that if your tests show that your cortisol and/or ACTH levels are abnormal too high or too low following up on those results with a visit to your healthcare provider is essential. Abnormal levels of these important hormones require further examination and testing.

Common Symptoms Of A Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can cause many different symptoms. Some common issues to look out for include:

• Fatigue
• 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.

You May Like: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy

Everlywells Mens Health Test

Everlywell says it only works with labs that have been certified at the state and federal levels.This test looks at four hormones associated with general health in males, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate . This hormone plays an important role in producing testosterone and estrogen and supports the development of male sexual characteristics. The other three hormones that the test checks for are:

• cortisol
• free testosterone

The kit requires a person to give a blood and saliva sample.

Doctors that are board-certified in the persons state review the results, and a person can see their results online within a few days. A person also receives detailed information about what the results may indicate and other personalized information.

Which Hormone Tests Should I Ask For

Which tests you undergo will depend on your symptoms and preferences. If youre experiencing hot flashes, irregular periods, and other telltale signs of menopause, it would make sense to have your estrogen and progesterone levels checked. If youre feeling fatigued, depressed, or having trouble with your weight, comprehensive thyroid testing would likely be a good option. If youre a man, you may also want to check your testosterone levels, as low testosterone can produce similar symptoms.

On the other hand, you might simply be interested in a general hormone health check without any specific concerns. This can be useful to establish a baseline that helps you identify hormonal changes in the future or detect asymptomatic health conditions.

Regardless of whether you have specific concerns or just want an overview of your current hormonal health, your health care practitioner can help you determine which tests are most appropriate for your situation.

Read Also: Does Estrogen Cream Help Lichen Sclerosus

Hormone Imbalance And Hormone Testing

A woman’s hormones are constantly changing and the slightest imbalance can change how you feel day to day. A hormonal imbalance can affect the menstrual cycle, mood, metabolism, libido, and sleep. Testing hormones is a critical step in understanding a womanâs reproductive and general health. Knowing if you have a hormonal imbalance is the first step to understanding the changes you may be experiencing in your body.

Why Have A Female Hormones Screen

The female hormones screen will test you for the levels of four separate important hormones. Hormones are chemicals produced by certain cells in our bodies. These chemicals are responsible for regulating a wide variety of processes including metabolism, digestion, lactation and reproduction.

The hormones tested for in this profile are all involved in regulating a womans reproductive cycle. If they are not in balance, this can indicate problems with certain glands such as the Pituitary and Thyroid glands. High or low levels of these hormones can also affect a womans ability to conceive and carry a foetus to term. So these hormones are important indicators of reproductive health.

Recommended Reading: Can Estrace Cause Weight Gain

How Do The Tests Work

A person can purchase a home hormone test online from various labs. Most do not accept direct billing from health insurance providers. Before buying a test, it may be a good idea to check whether the insurance provider will reimburse the cost. If so, a person can forward an invoice from the lab to their insurance company with their claim for reimbursement.

Once a person makes a purchase, the lab ships their testing kit.

Is Your Period Healthy

How do you know if your hormones are healthy? The answer is in your 5th vital sign – your period.

The color of your flow, frequency of your period, and symptoms you have each month can tell you a lot about your health. There are 5 different V-SIGN TYPES, and knowing which one you have will help you get healthy now and prevent disease in the future.

Also Check: Can Having Your Tubes Tied Cause Hormonal Imbalance

How To Control Menopause Hormone Levels

In fact, there is no one magic pill that can control hormone levels in menopause. But, there is an efficient therapy that can eliminate most of these symptoms. Have you ever noticed that West women are more active at this age? They take hormone replacement therapy and live longer. The designated preparations contain estrogens and progesterone needed in our body in a small amount. So, hormone levels after menopause or during it will be stable, and women can feel comfortable.

Keep in mind, there is one myth around this therapy aimed to affect hormone levels in menopause, that a woman will get fat from these hormones. It is completely untrue. A woman is gaining weight only because of a lack of estrogens that once were normal. Without them, fat accumulates.

Accordingly, hormone therapy will help you to avoid such things, and menopause and hormone levels care will keep you fit. Moreover, doctors are trained enough to determine the right strength and dosages of a hormonal treatment so that a woman does not even notice any ailments or negative consequences. If you have a chance to undergo it, use this option because as of now it is the most efficient solution invented by dedicated experts for moderating and controlling hormone levels in menopause.

Why Do I Need An Estrogen Test

You may need an estradiol test or an estrone test if you:

• Are having trouble getting pregnant
• Are a woman of childbearing age who is not having periods or having abnormal periods
• Are a girl with early or delayed puberty
• Have symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and/or night sweats
• Have vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Are a boy with delayed puberty
• Are a man showing female characteristics, such as the growth of breasts

If you are pregnant, your health care provider may order an estriol test between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy as part of a prenatal test called a triple screen test. It can find out if your baby is at risk for a genetic birth defect such as Down syndrome. Not all pregnant women need to get an estriol test, but it is recommended for women who have a higher risk of having a baby with a birth defect. You may be at a higher risk if you:

• Have a family history of birth defects
• Are age 35 or older
• Have a viral infection during pregnancy

Recommended Reading: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker

What Causes A Hormonal Imbalance

The causes of hormonal imbalances vary according to the specific hormone involved. However, in general, they are due to changes or dysfunctions of a hormone-producing gland. For instance, a thyroid gland that isn’t functioning correctly may produce too much thyroid hormone, accelerating your bodys metabolism or could produce too little. Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by autoimmune diseases, thyroid nodules, medications or, rarely, thyroid cancer, among other potential causes. Imbalances in male or female sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, can be caused by age-related changes, such as menopause and andropause, as well as genetic disorders, stress, nutritional issues, or medications. Excessive stress, poor diet, aging and certain medications can contribute to imbalances in cortisol and other adrenal hormones.

There are many different underlying causes that can result in a hormonal imbalance. Each cause relates to different glands and hormones and, does impact your body differently. Many diseases and other conditions can result in a hormonal imbalance.

Diabetes

Diabetes is characterized by an inability to properly use the insulin hormone. An insulin imbalance can lead to other related hormonal imbalances as well such as disrupting estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, progesterone, and cortisol.

Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Cushing Syndrome

Addison’s Disease

Turner Syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome

Pancreatitis

How And Why Do Men And Women Experience Hormonal Imbalances Differently

Hormones impact men and women differently, particularly when you’re dealing with those specific to the reproductive system. Men and women also go through different developmental stages. Women will experience hormonal changes with their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, which men do not experience. Women may experience hormonal imbalances that present through:

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Erectile dysfunction

Recommended Reading: Nugenix Estrogen Blocker

How To Check Hormone Levels Easily

The Everlywell at-home Women’s Health test is the most comprehensive panel for a complete look at all the hormones that are critical to a women’s well-being. This hormone imbalance test checks your female hormone levels so you can discover if your levels are too high or low compared to reference ranges.

Our Womenâs Health test is taken in your own home, and results are provided by an experienced, CLIA-certified laboratory. At a low price for all of these tests, this is the perfect starting point for those wanting to take a first step in assessing their own hormone levels before turning to more expensive, difficult, or complex alternatives.

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.

Also Check: What Causes Breakthrough Bleeding When On Bioidentical Hormones

Q What Other Things Do I Need To Consider Before Taking The Test

A.There can be interferences in the results of your saliva test. It is very important to follow the directions included in the test kit as closely as possible to ensure the results are as accurate as possible. Foods and beverages can interfere with the results, therefore it is very important that the test be done upon waking, before eating or drinking anything, unless otherwise instructed. Some chewing gums and saliva increasing agents many also interfere with the results. Some medications can interfere with your results if taken just before collection. Be sure to include all medication and herbals or vitamins you are currently taking when filling out the forms included in the test kit. The use of sublingual hormones can cause elevated saliva hormone levels. If you are currently using sublingual hormones, please consult Rocky Mountain Analytical before using the saliva test kit. If you are currently using transdermal hormones, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before carrying out the saliva collection. Traces of hormones on your hands or lips can contaminate the collection tube.

Testing For A Hormonal Imbalance

Although a hormone imbalance may bring some obvious symptoms, thatâs not always the case. For example, it can be challenging for someone to decipher whether the depression theyâre experiencing is related to a life event or if itâs instead because of hormone levels that are affecting their mental health. Thatâs why consulting with a healthcare provider is a good idea any time you arenât sure whatâs going on with your health.

Hormone testing may also be worth considering if youâre curious to learn whether you have a hormonal imbalance. Everlywell makes testing your hormones easy with at-home test kits that come with everything you need for collecting your sample and sending it to a lab . Plus, you can view your results on our secure, online platform in an easy-to-understand format. This can be a simpleâbut powerfulâway to see if hormones are balanced in your body and learn your personal levels.

As an example, consider a Womenâs Health Test to check for a hormonal imbalance in women.

Recommended Reading: Does Nugenix Have An Estrogen Blocker

How Does The Male Reproductive System Work

While there are hundreds of hormones that control the bodys chemistry, testosterone is a versatile and critical part of the balance that specifically controls male characteristics and sex drive. When the levels dip, the result can cause a male to experience low sex drive and depression, among other complaints. Low T as it is commonly referred to in the media, can cause a number of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue or generalized weakness
• Memory problems or lack of concentration
• Changes in mood or irritability
• Erectile dysfunction

Some diseases, like diabetes, can cause similar symptoms, so it can be hard to diagnose. To further complicate matters, testosterone decline in men is a slow process and, some healthy men can produce sperm well into their 80s.

In addition, there are variables that affect hormonal decline and speed up the process. These include weight gain, drug use, tobacco or alcohol abuse, mental illness or severe depression, as well as stress and chronic illness. One may need to keep in mind that medical experts still disagree about the link between declining hormone levels in men and their need for HRT.

Does Omega 3 Help Balance Hormones

What makes omega-3 fats special? They are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes. They provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation.

Recommended Reading: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Testosterone Therapy

How Do I Know If I Have A Hormone Imbalance

The following list of common complaints can often be helped or eliminated by improving hormone health. The challenge is often finding out the starting place of your hormone imbalance to ensure you are treating the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms. And thats where hormone testing comes in.

• Fatigue
• Menstrual irregularities
• Poor immune function

When assessing a hormone imbalance, its important to evaluate the endocrine system as a whole. This is because the endocrine system is complex and hormones and their actions are intricately linked this means that hormone imbalances originating from different areas can cause the same symptom.

How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed What Treatments Are Available

Most healthcare providers will measure their testosterone levels by having a blood test, doing a physical exam and having the patient describe his symptoms. Finally, they may order additional tests to rule out other possible diagnoses.

Testosterone is sometimes prescribed for men with low testosterone. Almost all hormone supplements and testosterone treatments are available in different forms, including lozenges, patches, gels and creams.

Because of the limited knowledge regarding this condition, challenges in having a proper diagnosis, as well as the possible side effects of treatments, HRT should not administer for men without proper testing, retesting and consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss the pros and cons. One may want to consider an endocrinologist who specializes in hormones.

Don’t Miss: Estradiol Patch Price