You think that your reproductive hormones have dropped. You’re a woman at the age when the change could happen at any time. You’ve had some common symptoms like irregular periods. Some times they last a week, other times they last a three days. You’ve even skipped a few. Your weight is creeping up even though you haven’t changed your eating habits. Your moods are all over the place. You’ve had hot flashes and night sweats. You figure your estrogen levels are to blame. Before you jump to any conclusions, it’s important to see a doctor. A hormone test could be the first order of business to get some conclusive answers.
Why Order a Blood Test?
No one likes to have needles injected into their arms for blood work, but blood tests provide your medical professional with helpful information. A physical evaluation can only tell a doctor so much. It can provide your doctor with your temperature, blood pressure, and weight. Your doctor can look for any other visible signs related to your health. However, your doctor won’t know what is going on beneath the surface. Blood work can tell your healthcare provider if:
- Your blood sugar levels are too high or too low
- Your reproductive hormone levels are on track
- There are any abnormalities in your blood
Once the results come back from the lab, your physician can decide on the next step. More testing may be required or treatment alternatives may be discussed.
Can Your Hormone Test Point to Dangerous Imbalances in Hormone Levels?
While your hormone test can check your reproductive hormone levels, it can also check for other serious problems. One of the most important hormone levels that will be checked is your thyroid hormone levels. If your thyroid is too active and producing high levels of hormones, it can lead to dangerous complications. Your hormonal testing can also pinpoint problems with your pituitary gland. It may determine if you have Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that results in high levels of a hormone called cortisol. This can result in problems with your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It can be treated with medication. Your blood work may also determine if you are diabetic. This is an extremely serious concern if left untreated.
Can You Choose Not to Have a Hormone Imbalance Test?
You may not like going to the doctor. You may have high anxiety levels. Needles could really bother you. All of these reasons could keep you from getting a hormone imbalance test. However, your hormone imbalance test could help you to feel better. Even if you get results that are worrisome, your testing will give your medical professionals a better idea of what they can do for you. The sooner you have answers, the sooner you can be on the path to wellness. In some cases, hormonal testing could save your life.
Is Hormonal Testing Difficult?
Hormonal imbalance testing is simple. If you have gone to a hormone replacement specialist, there is a good chance you will be able to get your testing done in the same location. You may be advised that you have to fast before your testing in order to get accurate results. When you are tested, your blood will be taken from a needle that is typically inserted in your arm. In rare cases, blood may be taken from the back of your hand. Several vials of blood will be taken at one time. Once your blood samples have been drawn, you’ll be given a bandage. You’ll be sent on your way. You should hear back within a week about your results, You might even hear the same day.
What Happens After Testing for a Hormonal Imbalance?
Your hormone specialist will look at your blood work results. You will be informed of any imbalances. You will also be advised about what you need to do next. If you have simply experienced a drop in hormones due to aging, hormone replacement therapy could be recommended. If you need to see another specialist, you may be referred to someone who can help you.
Let Us Help You on the Path to Wellness
We know you have questions about your health. Our hormones specialists want to help you to find answers. Contact our representatives today at (205) 352-9141. We’ll set up an appointment so you can consult with a specialist for your peace of mind.