Hi, I’m Dr. Michelle Sands, a board-certified naturopathic physician and hormone expert. If you’ve been wondering why you feel "off" lately, or why the advice you see online just isn't working, I want you to know you're not alone. The missing piece of the puzzle is often found in understanding what your body is truly trying to tell you.
That's where hormone testing comes in.
Let’s unpack what hormone testing for women can reveal, which tests I recommend, and how you can use this information to stop guessing and finally feel like yourself again.
Why Test Your Hormones? It’s More Than Just a Number
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers, impacting everything from your metabolism and mood to your sleep, skin, and energy levels. When they're out of sync, you feel it everywhere.
Are you experiencing any of these?
- Unexplained weight gain or inability to lose it
- Fatigue that a full night's sleep can't fix
- Brain fog, forgetfulness, or mood swings
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Low libido or vaginal dryness
- Hair thinning or loss
- Anxiety or depression
If you’re nodding along, it's not in your head. It's in your hormones. Testing gives us the data we need to move from confusion to clarity.
How to Choose the Right Hormone Test for You
Different tests provide different pieces of the puzzle. Here are the key types I recommend in my practice and what each one can tell you.
1. The Starting Point: Hormone Trio Test (Saliva)
This is my favorite starting point for most women. Saliva testing gives an accurate view of your active hormone levels, the hormones that are actually available for your tissues to use.
- What it tests: Estradiol (E2), Progesterone (Pg), Testosterone (T).
- Best for: Understanding perimenopause and menopause transitions, PMS, mood shifts, and libido changes.
2. The Stress Detective: Adrenal Hormone Test (Saliva or Urine)
Cortisol imbalance is a primary driver of fatigue, belly fat, insomnia, and anxiety. This test tracks your cortisol rhythm throughout the day to see how your body is handling stress.
- What it tests: Your 4-point cortisol curve and DHEA-S (your "anti-stress" hormone).
- Best for: Addressing stress, adrenal fatigue, stubborn weight gain, and anxiety.
3. The Deep Dive: DUTCH Complete™ (Urine)
For the most comprehensive picture, the DUTCH test shows not only your hormone levels but also how your body is metabolizing or breaking them down. This is crucial for complex cases.
- What it tests: A full panel of estrogens, progesterone, androgens (like testosterone), cortisol metabolites, melatonin, and even some neurotransmitter markers.
- Best for: Stubborn symptoms, a family history of hormone-sensitive cancers, and sleep, mood, or cognitive issues.
How Often Should You Test Your Hormones?
Hormone balance is not static. It shifts with stress, age, nutrition, and lifestyle. One-and-done testing is not enough. I recommend:
- Baseline Testing: To identify your unique imbalances.
- Follow-up Testing: Every 3 to 6 months when you are actively working on a protocol.
- Annual Testing: For maintenance and to stay ahead of any future shifts.
At-home testing kits make this process simple and stress-free. You can collect your samples in the comfort of your own home without a doctor's office visit or an awkward blood draw.
Your Body Is Talking. Testing Helps You Listen.
Testing is not about chasing a "perfect" number. It is about gathering the information you need to create a personalized plan that works for your body. Once we have your results, we can build a targeted strategy that may include:
- Specific nutritional and lifestyle shifts
- Targeted, high-quality supplements
- Clean, plant-based BHRT, if appropriate
- Personalized stress and adrenal support
If you’ve been guessing, Googling, or trying random supplements without success, it’s time for a new approach.
Your body has the answers. Let's get the data to understand them.
→ Ready to get clear on what your body needs? Explore our At-Home Hormone Tests.
FAQs About Hormone Testing for Women
- How do I know which hormone test is right for me?
It depends on your primary symptoms and goals. The Hormone Trio Test is a great starting point for most women. If stress and fatigue are your biggest challenges, the Adrenal Hormone Test is key. For the most comprehensive view, I recommend the DUTCH Complete™.
- When is the best time to test hormones?
If you have a regular cycle, days 19 to 21 are ideal for testing progesterone and estrogen. If you are postmenopausal or have irregular cycles, you can test at any time
- Can hormone testing help with weight gain and mood swings?
Absolutely. These are classic signs of hormonal imbalance. Testing helps us identify the root cause, whether it is low progesterone, high cortisol, or an estrogen imbalance, so we can create a plan that actually works.
Sources
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