The Role of Hormone Tests
Tests are used to detect a hormone imbalance or determine if ongoing hormone therapy is having an effect.
Who should get testing?
It’s normal for hormone levels to fluctuate. There are even certain stages of life when you should expect a more dramatic shift in your normal hormone levels, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
However, other factors may cause an imbalance outside of those expected times. An imbalance can be caused by high levels of stress, steroid use, or even certain medications. Chronic hormone-related issues can often be attributed to tumors, adenomas, or other growths, damage to the endocrine gland, or an autoimmune disorder. Male hormone testing and female hormone testing will vary.
There are many medical conditions that can be caused by a hormone imbalance. You may want to consider hormone testing if you are experiencing any of these:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dry skin and hair
- Extreme thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Higher than normal cholesterol levels
- Irregular heartbeat
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Sensitivity to temperature fluctuation
- Skin tags
- Unexplained weight fluctuation
Types of Hormone Tests
There are many different kinds of hormone tests, most of which involve fluid testing of some type — typically either blood or urine. Here are some of the more common hormone tests:
More Hormone Tests
Getting a Hormone Test
Hormone tests are typically ordered by your doctor in response to a suspected imbalance. Your doctor may ask you several questions about current symptoms, family history, outside stressors, or any medications you may be on which could explain the imbalance. Hormone tests for men and women also vary depending on symptoms.
While hormone testing is usually performed in a medical setting, such as at a hospital or a clinic, you can also get testing done at for-profit labs or even use an online service to get tested.
Costs of hormone testing
The cost of a hormone test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, may offer free or low-cost testing if you meet certain income guidelines. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.
But self-paying is always an option, particularly if you want to get tested without a doctor’s prescription.
The sample for a hormone test will depend on the particular test you’re taking. Hormone blood tests and urine tests are the most common.
Getting test results
You will typically receive your test results during a follow-up appointment with your doctor, over the phone, or through online medical charts. It’s important to discuss your results with a health care professional who can help you come up with a treatment plan as well as answer any of your questions about test results.
Best Overall Hormone Test
Let’s Get Checked Female Hormone Test
Price: $139
Type: At-home collection
Sample: Blood
Tests for: Follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol
Results timeline: 2 to 5 days
Let’s Get Checked offers the Female Hormone Test to women who want to measure their levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and estradiol. All of these key indicators can provide insights about your fertility and overall health.
After ordering the test, you’ll receive a sample collection kit in the mail along with a prepaid shipping label. Take the sample using the finger prick method, then send it to your nearest CLIA-certified Let’s Get Checked lab. Most people receive their results within five business days. You can make a one-time purchase, or sign up for a subscription and receive a 30% discount on your order. HSA and FSA accounts are accepted as forms of payment.
Sources
Barbonetti A, D’Andrea S, Francavilla S. Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Andrology. 2020;8(6):1551–1566. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.12774
Cleveland Clinic. Hormonal Imbalance. Updated April 4, 2022. Accessed October 3, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22673-hormonal-imbalance
D’Alonzo M, Bounous VE, Villa M, Biglia, N. Current Evidence of the Oncological Benefit-Risk Profile of Hormone Replacement Therapy. Medicina. 2019;55(9):573. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090573
Lei R, Sun Y, Liao J, Yuan Y, Sun L, Liu Y, Yang X, Ma W, Yu Z. Sex Hormone Levels in Females of Different Ages Suffering From Depression. BMC Women’s Health. 2021;21(1):215. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01350-0
Muram D, Zhang X, Cui Z, Matsumoto AM. Use of Hormone Testing for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Male Hypogonadism and Monitoring of Testosterone Therapy: Application of Hormone Testing Guideline Recommendations in Clinical Practice. J Sex Med. 2015;12(9):1886-1894. doi:10.1111/jsm.12968 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26272690/
Zhang H, Sairam MR. Sex Hormone Imbalances and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction Impacting on Metabolic Syndrome; a Paradigm for the Discovery of Novel Adipokines. Hormone Molecular Biol. and Clin. Inv. 2014;17(2):89–97. doi: https://doi.org/10.1515/hmbci-2014-0002
Su HI, Freeman EW. Hormone Changes Associated With the Menopausal Transition. Minerva Ginecol. 2009;61(6):483-489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19942836/
