Hormone Testing

Hormones are the body's chemical messengers, playing a crucial role in regulating a variety of bodily functions, from metabolism to mood and reproduction. When these delicate systems are out of balance, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that affect both physical and mental health. That’s where hormone testing comes in—an invaluable tool for identifying imbalances and helping individuals achieve better health. 

What is Hormone Testing?

Hormone testing involves measuring the levels of various hormones in your body through blood, saliva, or urine samples. Common hormones that can be tested include:

  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone
  • Cortisol
  • DHEA
  • LH & FSH
  • Prolactin
  • SHBG
  • AMH

 

Why is Hormone Testing Important?

Identifying Underlying Health Issues Hormonal imbalances can sometimes be the root cause of seemingly unrelated health problems. For example, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, difficulty concentrating, and even mood swings may all stem from hormonal imbalances. Hormone testing helps to pinpoint the exact source of the issue, allowing for more targeted and effective treatment.

Managing Chronic Conditions Conditions such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and adrenal fatigue often result from hormonal imbalances. Regular hormone testing can help individuals manage these conditions more effectively, ensuring they are not left unchecked and causing further complications over time.

Supporting Fertility and Reproductive Health- Hormones play a significant role in fertility, menstruation, and sexual health. Testing can help identify issues like low testosterone, estrogen imbalances, or thyroid dysfunction, which might be hindering fertility or causing reproductive health concerns.

Preventing Long-Term Health Risks Imbalances in hormones, especially during critical life stages such as menopause, can have long-term consequences on health, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. Regular hormone checks can help catch early signs of these issues, allowing for preventative measures or early interventions.

When Should You Consider Hormone Testing?

You might want to consider hormone testing if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue or Low Energy
  • Weight Fluctuations
  • Mood Swings or Anxiety
  • Irregular Menstrual Cycles
  • Sleep Problems
  • Changes in Libido

How is Hormone Testing Done?

Hormone tests can be conducted through various methods:

Blood Tests: These need to be tested on two separate days of your cycle as hormones fluctuate throughout the month. There are some limitations to doing blood tests as they can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day and can sometimes be difficult to know which specific days to test on depending on your cycle length. However, it is a very cost effective way of understanding what your hormones are doing-  just the cost of a doctors visit. Contact us if you'd like a list of some tests you can ask your doctor about.

DUTCH Complete Test: The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) test is a comprehensive hormone analysis that measures hormone metabolites in urine. It provides insights into key hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and melatonin, along with their metabolites. The test also tracks adrenal function and the body's ability to detoxify and process hormones. It's often used to help diagnose hormone imbalances related to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, or sleep issues, and to guide treatment plans for optimizing hormonal health.

You can read more about the DUTCH Complete Test here.

Mira Hormone Test:  The Mira Hormone Monitor is a high-tech fertility tracking system that uses advanced technology to measure key reproductive hormones in urine. The Mira monitor is designed to detect multiple hormones involved in the reproductive cycle, including:

  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Key in detecting ovulation.
  • Estrone-3-Glucuronide (E3G): A metabolite of estrogen, important for understanding ovarian function.
  • Pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG), a progesterone metabolite: Helps confirm ovulation and supports pregnancy.
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): provides insight into the reasons why you may be having difficulties with regulating your cycle or getting pregnant

You can read more about the Mira Hormone Test here.

What Happens After the Test?

After receiving your hormone test results, your practitioner will interpret the findings and discuss potential treatment options. 

  • Lifestyle Changes: Diet adjustments, stress management, and exercise can have a significant impact on hormone balance.
  • Supplements and Herbal Medicine: We have evidence based supplements/herbs that are helpful in bringing hormone levels back into balance.
  • Further Testing: In some cases, additional tests may be needed to get a clearer picture of your health.

Your health matters—don’t wait for symptoms to take a toll. Hormone testing can be the first step toward better understanding your body and finding the right balance. Get in touch with us today to start your journey toward a healthier, more balanced you!

If you have any questions about hormone testing or would like to schedule an appointment, reach out to us. Our team is here to help you on your path to better health!