Getting started with hormone testing for women
Have you been wondering why you just don’t feel like yourself these days? Are you having trouble sleeping? Is your weight changing without changes to your diet and exercise routine? If you’re a woman of middle age, you may wonder if these and other symptoms you are experiencing could be due to a hormone imbalance. It’s actually quite easy to find out if this is the case with simple and convenient hormone testing for women that can often be done at home. Before we get into that, I’m going to let you know who should get tested for a hormone imbalance and how often. Then, I will outline the different types of testing available and what are your best options.
Who should get tested for a hormone imbalance?
Let me start by saying anyone who feels they may have a hormone imbalance can get tested. However, there are certain ages at which a woman is more likely to be either deficient or have an excess in certain hormones. The age range for the onset of peri-menopause varies, but typically, women between the ages of 35-50 will start to experience symptoms of low progesterone and/or fluctuating estradiol levels.
In this stage, many women complain of such issues as weight gain, night sweats, anxiety, sleeplessness, mood swings, irritability, irregular menses, and low libido. It’s important to mention that there are other conditions that would warrant testing in younger women such as premature ovarian failure or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but for the purpose of this blog, I’ll be focusing on testing for hormone imbalance in women within the range of 35 to 50 years of age.
During the late stages of peri-menopause, a women’s cycle can become unpredictable and eventually stop for good. This is menopause- and just like the earlier stages can come with the same type of problems such as hot flashes, feminine dryness, fatigue, as well as increased bone loss, elevated cholesterol and other conditions associated with low hormone levels.
The chart below outlines common problems and their contributing hormone imbalance:
| Bladder Issues | Low Estrogen Low Testosterone |
| Breakthrough Bleeding | Low Progesterone |
| Vaginal Dryness | Low Estrogen Low Progesterone |
| Weight Gain | High Estrogen Low Progesterone Low Thyroid |
When and how often should a woman test her hormone levels?
Women should start testing their hormones during the early stages of peri-menopause and continue at least yearly. If you decide to replace your hormones, I highly recommend choosing bio-identical hormones. As the name states, they are identical in structure and function to your body’s own hormones.
Many women who choose to repair their hormone imbalances with bio-identical hormone therapy can ease bothersome symptoms, as well as, maintain more optimal levels that help the body function at its best. Once you have begun bio-identical hormone therapy, it is ideal to test at least yearly to note any fluctuations in your hormone levels.
While adjusting your hormones without a test works well in certain situations, re-testing is the most efficient way to identify any imbalances and get to the root of the issue.
What types of hormone testing is available?
There are several different means of testing hormone levels. The method in which you initially test is not as important as the method you choose after you have started bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (I’ll explain why shortly).
You can accurately measure hormones with the following types of tests:
- Serum (blood)
- Blood spot (finger-prick, capillary blood)
- Urine
- Saliva
Based on my years of experience working with women and bio-identical hormones, I prefer the saliva test, as it measures the bioavailable (free, unbound) portion of circulating hormones. This means that it is the fraction of hormones that is free and able to actually be used by your body. Saliva testing is also available in an at-home convenient test kit. You simply collect your sample and use your pre-paid mailer to send it out for testing.
Let’s get back to my earlier statement about the type of test having greater importance after starting bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. At this point, the best method of testing can be dependent on whether you are supplementing with oral, topical, sublingual or vaginal hormones. That’s where someone like me can help. Working with a consultant pharmacist who specializes in bio-identical hormone therapy and testing can guide you in deciding which option is best for you. We work with your primary care provider or women’s health practitioner to create your optimal hormonal balance.
In conclusion
Now you know that if you feel you should get tested for a hormone imbalance, ordering a test is the first step. Testing your hormone levels to check for imbalances is easy and accurate. Like most things, balance is key to a healthy, happy lifestyle. Not only is testing important to monitor for symptoms, it’s also important to make sure you have adequate, protective levels for your bones, brain and cardiovascular systems.
This page will help you get started if you are still unsure about which testing option is best for you or have further questions about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.