Hormones play a vital role in regulating many of the body’s functions. They are chemical messengers that travel throughout the bloodstream to tissues and organs. Hormones influence our growth, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood, and much more. When hormone levels are too high or too low, it can lead to symptoms and health conditions.
Some signs that your hormone levels may be off include changes in energy levels, sleep, mood, weight, sex drive, menstrual cycles, and more. If you are experiencing any unexplained symptoms, it may be wise to get your hormone levels checked by a doctor.
There are a few different ways hormone levels can be tested. Some of the most common lab tests used to check hormones are:
Blood Tests
Blood tests are one of the main ways doctors check hormones. A blood sample is drawn and sent to a lab for analysis. Some hormones that are commonly checked through blood tests include:
- Testosterone
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- DHEA-S
- TSH
- FSH
- LH
- Prolactin
- Cortisol
- Insulin
Blood tests require a doctor’s order. Samples are often drawn in the morning when hormone levels are most stable. For some hormones, like testosterone and cortisol, levels can fluctuate throughout the day so multiple tests may be needed.
Saliva Tests
Saliva testing is another accurate way to measure hormone levels. Saliva contains free hormones that are readily available for use in the body. A saliva sample is collected by spitting into a tube or using a cotton swab. Saliva tests are most commonly used to check levels of:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA
- Cortisol
Saliva hormone tests have the benefit of being convenient and non-invasive. Samples can be collected at home and then mailed to a lab for analysis. However, saliva tests may not always provide a complete picture of total circulating hormones.
Urine Tests
Urine tests can be used to measure some reproductive and adrenal hormones. This includes hormones like:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- Cortisol
A first morning urine sample is typically collected for testing as it is often the most concentrated. Urine hormone tests are easy to perform at home but do have some limitations compared to blood testing.
Who should get their hormone levels tested?
Some examples of individuals who may benefit from getting their hormone levels checked include:
- Women experiencing irregular periods, infertility, hot flashes, or other menstrual issues
- Men with low libido, erectile dysfunction, enlarged breasts, or shrinking testicles
- Individuals with unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Those with persistent fatigue, insomnia, depression, or anxiety
- People with thinning hair, skin changes, or loss of muscle mass
- Athletes looking to monitor testosterone levels
- Those with risk factors for hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, low testosterone, thyroid disorders, Cushing’s disease, and more
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Individuals starting or changing hormone replacement therapy
Lab testing provides objective data about what’s going on inside the body. This information can help guide accurate diagnosis and treatment when hormone imbalance is suspected.
What is tested in a female hormone panel?
There are a few different types of female hormone panels that test the key hormones involved in women’s health and reproduction:
Basic Female Hormone Panel
May include:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA-S
- Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
Checks reproductive hormone balance related to the menstrual cycle, fertility, and menopause transition.
Menopause Panel
May include:
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Estradiol
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Testosterone
- Thyroid function
Helps identify perimenopause/menopause status. Elevated FSH and LH with low estradiol indicates menopause.
PCOS Panel
May include:
- Testosterone
- DHEA-S
- Insulin
- Glucose
- HbA1C
- Lipid panel
Used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and check for insulin resistance.
Fertility Panel
May include:
- FSH
- Estradiol
- LH
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- TSH
- Testosterone
Evaluates ovarian reserve and identifies issues like ovulation problems, blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve.
Comprehensive Panel
Includes a wide range of reproductive and adrenal hormones such as:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- DHEA-S
- Cortisol
- TSH
- FSH
- LH
- Prolactin
Provides an in-depth assessment of female hormones related to fertility, menstrual function, menopause, stress levels, and thyroid function.
What is included in a male hormone panel?
Male hormone panels typically include tests to evaluate testosterone levels and reproductive health:
Basic Male Panel
May include:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone
- Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
- Estradiol
Measures testosterone levels and balance between testosterone and estrogen.
Fertility Panel
May include:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone
- FSH
- LH
- Estradiol
- Prolactin
Evaluates testosterone, sperm production, and function of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.
Comprehensive Panel
May include:
- Total testosterone
- Free testosterone
- DHEA-S
- Estradiol
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- SHBG
- FSH
- LH
- Prolactin
- PSA
Thoroughly assesses testosterone levels, metabolic products, and regulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Healthy hormone ranges
Laboratories provide a normal reference range for each hormone test. However, optimal hormone levels can vary based on many factors like age, sex, stage of life, and time of day. It’s best to discuss your individual lab results with your healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines for healthy hormone ranges:
| Hormone | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Estradiol (peak fertility) | 90-500 pg/mL (saliva) 50-350 pg/mL (blood) |
| Estradiol (postmenopause) | <10 pg/mL (blood) |
| Progesterone (luteal phase) | 5-20 ng/mL (saliva) 1-28 ng/mL (blood) |
| Testosterone (women) | 15-70 ng/dL (blood) |
| Testosterone (men) | 350-890 ng/dL (blood) |
| DHEA-S (women 35-45 yrs old) | 65-380 mcg/dL (blood) |
| DHEA-S (men 35-45 yrs old) | 250-640 mcg/dL (blood) |
| Cortisol (morning) | 6-22 mcg/dL (blood) 0.6-1.9 ng/mL (saliva) |
| TSH | 0.4-4.0 mIU/L |
Tips for accurate test results
To help ensure you get precise hormone level measurements:
- Have blood drawn in the morning when levels are most stable
- Fast for 8-12 hours before a blood test
- Avoid alcohol, exercise, and caffeine before testing
- Record the date and time the sample was collected
- Collect saliva 4 times throughout the day to account for variations
- Avoid contaminated samples – follow collection instructions carefully
- Consider testing days 19-22 of a 28-day menstrual cycle for fertility hormones
- Repeat testing may be needed for accurate results
Understanding your lab results
Once your hormone testing is complete, make sure to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss what the results mean for your health. Ask your doctor:
- Are my levels optimal or is there room for improvement?
- Could my symptoms be related to these results?
- Do I need to repeat any tests for confirmation?
- What lifestyle changes can help balance my levels?
- Do I need any medication or hormone therapy?
- What are the next steps based on my results?
Tracking your hormone levels over time provides insight into how your body is functioning. This data guides proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for hormone imbalances and related health conditions.
Conclusion
Hormone testing provides valuable information about reproductive health, thyroid function, adrenal status, metabolism, and much more. Blood tests, saliva assays, and urine samples can be used to check a variety of important hormones. Testing may be recommended for those with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, menopause concerns, and other conditions. Accurate diagnosis through lab work allows hormone levels to be monitored and optimized for better health.