Hormones

3 Things You Need to Know About Hormonal Imbalance Tests

Zoe Kaplan

A hormonal imbalance can impact your health and everyday life. Feeling symptoms of a possible hormonal imbalance but unsure about hormonal imbalance tests? Here are some test options and potential next steps.

Published:

Jul 10, 2023

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Hormonal imbalances are essentially what they sound like—an imbalance level of hormones in your body. This might mean you have too high a level of a particular hormone, too low a level of a few different ones, or somewhere in between.

Hormonal imbalances can heavily impact your life whether you have symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or acne, or conditions like estrogen dominance or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

That’s why it’s crucial to know when and how to get a hormonal balance test. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about hormonal imbalance tests.

What is a hormonal imbalance?

A hormonal imbalance is a condition in which the levels of one or more hormones in your body are too high or too low. Hormones are chemical messengers that play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our body's internal systems, such as metabolism, mood, reproduction, and sleep.

There’s no one reason for hormonal imbalance —in fact, causes of hormonal imbalance can be caused by internal or external factors. For example, you may have a hormonal imbalance because of stress, poor diet, or environmental factors. Or, it may be a product of your age or life stage, a medication or medical condition, or your genetics.

Hormonal imbalance symptoms

Hormones help maintain the delicate balance of our body's internal systems, so when your hormones are out of balance, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Fatigue
Weight gain
Irregular cycles
Muscle pain
Mood swings
Acne and skin issues
Digestive problems
Changes in heart rate
Headaches
Changes in appetite
Hot flashes or night sweats
Changes in libido

It's important to note that these signs can vary depending on the specific hormonal imbalance and individual factors. If you suspect you might have one, a hormonal imbalance test can help you understand what’s going on in your body and get the right treatment.

Hormonal imbalance test

So, you’re experiencing some unsettling symptoms, and you want to take a hormonal imbalance test. What are your options? Here are three things you need to know.

1. Blood tests are most common...

The most common hormonal imbalance test method is a blood test. A healthcare professional can order specific blood tests to measure hormone levels, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. Blood tests offer valuable insights into overall hormone status and can help identify imbalances.

Blood tests are the most accurate way to test for hormonal imbalances, but they can be invasive and expensive.

2. ... but there are less invasive and expensive options

Other types of hormonal imbalance tests include urine tests and saliva tests, which may be less sensitive than blood tests but are less invasive and more affordable. Urine tests can provide information about hormone metabolites, which are breakdown products of hormones. After you take an at-home test you can share your data with your doctor who may use these tests to help identify imbalances and assess hormone excretion patterns.

Saliva tests are another method to measure hormonal levels. You collect saliva samples at specific times during the day. Saliva tests are particularly useful for assessing cortisol levels and certain sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These tests can provide a comprehensive picture of hormone levels over a 24-hour period.

3. After testing, a healthcare professional can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment

A healthcare professional can help you interpret test results, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific needs. In addition to tests, they may also conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment. This may involve reviewing your medical history, discussing symptoms, performing a physical examination, and considering other factors that can contribute to hormonal imbalances. A holistic approach to assessment can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your hormonal health.

Takeaway

There are a wide range of signs that you may have a hormonal imbalance, so if you’re experiencing any common symptoms, it’s a good idea to get a hormonal imbalance test. Blood tests, urine, and saliva tests are the most common types of hormonal imbalance tests, each with varying levels of affordability and invasiveness.

Once you’ve figured out what kind of hormonal imbalance test is right for you, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can review your results and talk you through next steps to help you get the care and treatment you need.

About the author

Zoe Kaplan is a writer and content strategist passionate about creating content that helps people navigate the world a little more easily. Zoe has worked across verticals, from women's career development to reproductive health. You can check out more of her work at zoeakaplan.com.

Sources

About the Oova Blog:
‍Our content is developed with a commitment to high editorial standards and reliability. We prioritize referencing reputable sources and sharing where our insights come from. The Oova Blog is intended for informational purposes only and is never a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.

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