How To Check Your Estrogen Levels At Home

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.

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.

Natural Ways To Support Healthy Hormones

While you should always speak to your doctor if you have hormonal imbalance, he might not have to give you any kind of medication to restore the balance. This is particularly true if the imbalance is caused by something like diet or stress. In general, people who have the following criteria are at higher risks of developing hormonal imbalances:

• Being overweight or obese
• Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol
• Being exposed to pesticides and toxins
• Experiencing high stress levels
• Not sleeping enough

Many of these risk factors are easily controlled when you’re mindful of your diet, exercise routine, and daily habits. If you quit smoking, moderate your drinking, or avoid exposure to pesticides, you can help reduce your risk factor for hormonal imbalances and naturally keep them moderated.

Changing the way you eat can go a long way towards improving your hormonal balance. For example, when you exchange carbohydrates for healthy fats, like coconut oil and avocado, you can lower your bodys inflammation and help maintain your hormone at the right levels. Consuming enough proteins will help control the ghrelin hormone that makes you feel hungry. This gives you the feeling of fullness; and then, you will stop eating at the appropriate time and maintain a healthy weight.

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What Is A Hormonal Imbalance

A hormonal imbalance occurs when your hormones are not produced at the proper levels. You can have many different types of hormonal imbalances. Sometimes, the imbalance means a deficiency in the given hormone while in other times, there might be an overflow. The kind of hormone that is imbalanced will play a major role in determining how the sign and symptoms will manifest and what would be the associated risks involved.

Though there are a few common life transitions that can cause a hormonal imbalance, such as menopause or pregnancy, you can struggle with such a problem at any point in your life. Both men and women can experience hormonal imbalances. Children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly may also find their hormones out of balance.

Because hormones and their functionalities are so varied, there’s no one single way to detect a hormonal imbalance. A wide range of issues can indicate that something is amiss with your hormones. This is one of the reasons why your best bet is to get tested occasionally, especially when you start developing uncommon symptoms.

What Is Being Tested

Estrogens are a group of steroids that are responsible for the development and function of reproductive organs and the formation of secondary sex characteristics in women. Along with another hormone, progesterone, they help regulate the menstrual cycle, are involved in the growth of breasts and the uterus, and help maintain a healthy pregnancy. Though considered the main sex hormones for women, they are also found in men and play

Estrogens are a group of steroids that are responsible for the development and function of reproductive organs and the formation of secondary sex characteristics in women. Along with another hormone, progesterone, they help regulate the menstrual cycle, are involved in the growth of breasts and the uterus, and help maintain a healthy pregnancy. Though considered the main sex hormones for women, they are also found in men and play a role in bone metabolism and growth in both sexes. Estrogen tests measure one of three components: estrone , estradiol , or estriol in the blood or urine.

Estrogen in Girls and WomenThe types and amounts of estrogen normally present in a womans blood will vary throughout her lifetime. Levels vary during each menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and on a daily basis.

At BirthEstradiol and estrone are high but fall within a few days. Concentration levels are minimal during early childhood.

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How Do I Know My Estrogen Levels Are Low Or High

As estrogen levels do fluctuate regularly throughout the cycle, its difficult to pinpoint a typical or normal level of estrogen because they tend to change almost every day . In saying that, when estrogen levels fluctuate or become low, you may experience a number of signs and symptoms. This can occur for a number of reasons – from an underlying condition or things such as age, or the use of certain medications.

Some common indicators of hormonal imbalance include:

• Irregular periods, heavier or lighter periods, or total cessation of periods
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Feeling tired all of the time
• Mood changes
• Acne on the face, back or chest
• Hair growth on the face, chin and breasts

The most reliable way to check estrogen levels at home is with an at-home hormone test because its processed by a highly accredited network of laboratories. The process is simple:

Its recommended that you check your hormone levels if:

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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Low Estrogen Levels And Weight Gain: Is There A Connection

Sex hormones, such as estrogen, influence the amount of fat in the body. Estrogen regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. If your estrogen levels are low, it can result in weight gain.

Research suggests that this may be why women approaching menopause are likely to become overweight. Being overweight can increase your risk for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

If your estrogen levels are low and its affecting your weight, speak with your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and advise you on next steps. Its always a good idea to try to eat a balanced diet and exercise as often as possible. Talk with your doctor about developing a diet and exercise plan thats right for you.

Common Hormone Testing For Women

Before you begin your search and compare your options, lets take a look at 12 lab tests designed to help identify hormonal imbalances in women.

1. DHEA-S

This acronym stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate.;This is a weak male hormone that adrenal glands produce in both men and women.;

What It Measures

A;DHEA-S test;measures the level of this hormone in your blood. It is appropriate for women who appear to have too many male hormones.

Clinical Test Reference Range

Normal levels of;;DHEA-S;will vary depending on each individuals sex and age. The average normal ranges for females measured in mcg/dL, as reported by Quest, are listed below.

• <1 Month: 15-261

There is a particular group of steroids responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle and functioning as your main female sex hormones. This group includes the most predominant form of estrogen, called Estradiol, also referenced as Estradiol-17 Beta or E2.;

What It Measures

An;Estradiol;test;measures the level of Estradiol in your blood.

As its produced mainly in your ovaries, doctors can analyze this hormonal activity to see if your organs;are functioning as they should.;

Clinical Test Reference Range

Normal levels of Estradiol in women will vary depending on the menstrual cycle and age. The following Estradiol levels are considered normal for women, as reported by Quest.

• Follicular Phase: 19-144 pg/mL

Normal levels for postmenopausal women should be lower than 10 pg/mL.

What an Imbalance Means

3. Estrogens, Total

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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.

Preparing For Hormone Testing At Cedars

We explain the tests you need and answer any questions you may have.

Here’s what to expect:

• Stop certain medications: We let you know whether to stop taking drugs such as oral steroids or estrogen supplements before your test.;
• Visit one of our labs: You go to a Cedars-Sinai lab and provide a blood, urine or saliva sample. If you need stimulation or suppression testing, we let you know in advance how long you’ll need to stay.
• Collect samples at home: If we need samples over a period of time, you may be able to perform testing at home. We give you special containers for collecting saliva or urine samples and detailed instructions on how to handle them.
• Receive more than one form of hormone testing: Blood testing is one way we evaluate hormone imbalances. We may recommend additional tests, including stimulation or suppression tests, to learn more about what’s causing the imbalance.;
• Undergo other forms of testing: For problems such as tumors or a possible cancer diagnosis, we use imaging to learn more about their size, location and nature.

Have Questions or Need a Second Opinion?

To make an appointment or refer a patient, call us or;send a message;to the Endocrinology care team.You can also have us;;at your convenience.

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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.

How You Can Check Progesteronelevels At Home

As mentioned, it is possible check progesterone levels at home. However, many women resort to using temporary solutions to curb the symptoms without taking heed of the underlying problem. It is important to discuss the symptoms of hormone imbalance with your doctor, as they can identify the underlying cause and discuss treatment options with you.

Once youve discussed the symptoms with your doctor and have found a treatment option that works for you, you can also discuss if it makes sense to check your progesterone levels at home. If they agree, theres a few things that you should also keep in mind:

• Ovulation is the only way for your body to produce progesterone
• Your body produces progesterone only for a brief period, specifically after ovulation by the corpus luteum, which is the rest of the follicle that stays in your ovaries after ovulation. Typically, this period begins 10 to 14 days prior to your next period. This is also known as the luteal phase
• You have to perform a progesterone level test mid-way through the luteal phase, which is when the progesterone levels are at their highest

Testing your progesterone levels is rather easy. You can easily get a testing kit from the market. Make sure to read the instructions to your specific tests and follow their guidance, or ask your doctor or healthcare team.

You can pick either of the following options:

1. Finger Prick Test

2. Urine Test Strip

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Low Estrogen In Men

In men, male menopause may result from too little estrogen in addition to lower testosterone levels, at least according to some recent studies. Diminished libido, strength and energy are the main symptoms. However, testosterone levels tend not to fall as sharply in aging men as estrogen does in women who are post-menopausal. Further research is needed to determine if changes that come with aging are due to hormonal declines and if so, which hormones are the culprit.

Female Hormone Imbalance: What Is It

Hormonal imbalance occurs when the amount of estrogen, progesterone or both is altered, disturbing the delicate balance between these powerful hormones. Imbalances in these vital female hormones can stem from a number of underlying causes. The most common cause is perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which the production of estrogens and progesterone begin to decline. Other common causes of hormonal imbalance include pregnancy, endocrine disorders, certain drugs, especially oral contraceptives, drugs used in hormone replacement therapy and cancer medications, and lifestyle factors that include stress, overweight or obesity, poor diet, sleep deprivation and lack of exercise.

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What Is The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is in charge of coordinating the relationship between different organs and hormones, which are chemicals that are released into your bloodstream from cells within your endocrine glands.

Hormones are secreted by various glands and organs, including your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas. The entire endocrine system works together to control the level of hormones circulating throughout your body, and if one or more is even slightly imbalanced, it can cause widespread health problems affecting growth, sexual development and function, sleep, metabolism and hunger.

Once your hormones are in circulation, they target specific tissues or cells by binding to receptors that are located inside the cell or on its surface. These hormones work as chemical messengers and play a key role in your bodys daily functions.

The endocrine system is made up of many glands, including the pituitary gland or master gland thats responsible for sending information from your brain to other glands in your body. The pituitary gland also produces many hormones that travel throughout the body and have different important functions.

The pituitary gland is made up of two different tissue types: the anterior pituitary that synthesizes and releases classic hormones, and the posterior pituitary gland that secretes neurohormones that are made in the hypothalamus.

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How To Test Your Estrogen Levels At Home

If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance, your first step may be looking for how to test estrogen levels at home.; Whether you are working with your healthcare professionals, or are just looking for insight, at-home hormone tests provide a solution for you to monitor your hormones on your own.; Its important to note that at-home tests do not diagnose or prescribe, they simply provide you with results.

The most common type of at-home test is a urine test, where you collect a sample to be analyzed for hormone levels.; This classic pee on a stick method is used for a variety of reasons from measuring important fertility hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone to checking your estrogen levels.

Though less common, you can also check your estrogen levels at home via blood or saliva test.; Depending on the test you choose, home collection kits may involve additional steps such as mailing the sample back to a lab before receiving the results of your hormone panel.

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