Hormones are produced in your body and are responsible for many of the vital functions required for your body to be healthy. Sometimes, there can be too much or too little of a hormone in your body which can create potentially serious issues with your body. It’s normal for hormones to fluctuate in your body, whether because of natural aging or going through your menstrual cycle. However, issues can occur when other problems are causing a hormonal imbalance. Reading on, you can learn more about hormonal imbalances and how you can test your hormone levels.
What is Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands, which create hormones to travel throughout the body to tell your organs what to do. These are responsible for many of the vital functions of your body, including your metabolism and reproduction. If the levels are too high or too low, this leads to significant negative effects on the body.
Various tests can be used to test your hormone levels, which can offer excellent insight as to what may be causing your problems. Then you can begin the right treatment to help you get back to feeling like yourself.
Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance
Men and women have different symptoms of hormone imbalance. However, there are some common symptoms both genders may notice if they have a hormone imbalance, such as:
- Weight gain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Increased or decreased heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Anxiousness, nervousness, and/or irritability
Tests for Hormonal Imbalance
A variety of tests are often used to help diagnose a hormonal imbalance. There are even some at-home tests that you can take in the privacy of your home to see if you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance. In this section, you can learn more about the different tests that you can take to see if you have an imbalance of hormones in the body.
Hormonal Imbalance Blood Test
A blood test can test a panel of hormones to see if the patient has a hormonal imbalance. These blood tests often look at the levels of these hormones:
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone/DHEA
- Thyroid Hormones
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
When testing for estrogen, there are actually 3 hormones that are being tested for: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Each of these hormones serves its own purposes in the body. Some medications can reduce estrogen levels in the body.
A blood test can be a thorough way to get the answers about what your hormone levels in the blood look like. Sometimes a simple blood test is all that you need. You can also get a blood test that tests for hormones like cortisol as well. Your doctor will look at your symptoms and determine which blood tests are the most appropriate for your specific case.
Scheduling your hormone blood panel test is easy and can be done through a qualified HRT telemedicine provider like EVOLVE. Get started online and schedule your Female Hormone Test or Male Hormone Test today.
Hormonal Imbalance Saliva Test
Saliva tests can also be performed at home. This can be a highly effective way to test for such hormones as:
- Cortisol
- DHEA
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- Estrogen
This can be a more specific test than other tests that can better identify the hormone levels at a cellular level. This is different from how the blood tests look at the hormones, which look at the number of hormones currently circulating in your blood system.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Test (FSH)
The FSH test is a specific type of blood test that measures the follicle-stimulating hormone in your system. This is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, which can be essential in sexual development and functioning. An imbalance of this hormone can lead to infertility, menstrual issues in women, low libido in men, and delayed puberty in kids.
Commonly, this test is used on women to see if they are perimenopausal or have gone through menopause, if periods have stopped, or if they are struggling to get pregnant after 12 months of trying.
DUTCH Hormone Test
The DUTCH Hormone Test looks at the levels of various hormones, including:
- Cortisol
- Cortisone
- Estradiol
- Estrone
- Estriol
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA
- Melatonin
This is an at-home test that uses strips for you to dip into your urine. After letting the strips dry, you can mail this test. It’s important to follow the instructions, which are very easy to follow. The DUTCH Hormone Test has several different options, allowing you to choose the right one for whatever your specific needs are. These results are analyzed by a doctor, who will then tell you what your next steps should be to treat whatever imbalance you may have.
Pelvic Exam
A pelvic exam can also help determine if there’s a hormone imbalance and if the reproductive organs are responsible for these problems. A physical exam like this can be important because it can see an underlying cause for your hormone imbalance. This would involve a pap smear and feel for any unusual cysts, lumps, or tumors for women. For men, the doctor will check the scrotum to see if there are any abnormalities.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound tool may also be used to get images of the ovaries, uterus, pituitary gland, thyroid, or testicles. This can also help see if any abnormalities need to be treated in addition to balancing your hormones.
Additional Tests
Other advanced tests that may be performed include:
- X-rays
- Thyroid scan
- Sperm count test
- MRI
- Biopsy
Conclusion & Getting Started with Hormone Level Checks
If you suspect that you have a hormonal imbalance, your doctor will perform various tests to check your hormone levels to see if this is an issue that you should be concerned with. If the doctor does determine that you have a hormonal imbalance, the doctor will then work with you to create a plan that can help you get your hormones in balance. The balance of hormones is essential to ensure that your body is functioning as it should, so don’t hesitate to get tested if you have reasons for concern.
At EVOLVE, we specialize in hormone optimization and making sure that imbalances are properly treated. Because every person is different, it’s important to carefully review your test results to create the most effective treatment plan. This treatment plan is prescribed by a licensed physician who specializes in treating hormone imbalances. You will receive ongoing support from the EVOLVE patient care team every step of the way, from scheduling a blood panel test to monthly treatment and follow-ups.
Schedule your hormone level test with EVOLVE patient care today to get started with your HRT treatment plan.
