Different Kinds Of Hormonal Tests And Their Results

The human body undergoes a lot of changes throughout the years. Among the body components that change drastically over the years are hormones and hormones production. It affects the mood, the growth, development, as well as stress handling, as well as influence how the body breaks down food. These substances are produced by the Endocrine glands that are located throughout the body. If the hormone production is not on its proper levels, a hormonal imbalance might be at play.

A hormonal imbalance might cause different symptoms, depending on the hormone which has difficulty in proper hormone production. These imbalances might be caused by natural occurrences such as menopause. However, there are times when the hormone imbalance is caused by an Endocrine Gland or glands that are not functioning properly. Causes of hormonal imbalance include extreme stress, poor diet and nutrition, medications, and diseases such as diabetes and hypoglycemia. A hormonal test is recommended if hormonal imbalance seems to be at play.

What Does a Hormonal Test Measure?

Different kind of symptoms manifests in different kinds of hormonal imbalances. There is no standard testing that done when it comes to hormonal testing, as the test that will be done will be based on the symptoms that have manifested for the patient. If the patient has frequent mood swings, changes in weight or hair growth, low libido, or painful periods for women, five hormones are going to be tested. These five hormones are:

• Estradiol

• Estrogen

• Progesterone

• DHEA

• Testosterone

All of the mentioned hormones can be checked via blood, urine, and saliva, depending on the doctor’s instruction. If the symptoms are related to stress problems, the hormone that can be tested is the “stress hormone” called cortisol. This hormone can be tested through urine samples. It is also recommended to get tested with the help of a medical professional. Even though testing kits are getting more and more popular because of its accurate results, only a medical professional can analyze the problem and produce a solution according to the result.

Who Can Take Hormonal Testing?

Most of the cases of hormonal testing are done to women patients and most of the tests focus on three forms of hormones: Estrone, Estradiol, and Estriol. These tests are administered when there are problems after menopause, menstrual cycles, or infertility. Estriol tests are also carried for pregnant women when it becomes the main estrogen in the body.

Men can also be tested because they also have estrogen in their bodies, albeit in lower levels. In fact, just like in women, men who have levels of estrogen that are too low or too high can indicate a health problem. In men, estrogen testing is tested when puberty is delayed, the male breasts are enlarged (gynecomastia) or if the testosterone or androgen levels are too low.

Results And Actions That Needs To Be Taken

Results of hormonal testing can unravel health conditions that might not be visible before. One of the health cases that hormonal testing can unveil is the polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. The result also depends on the test administered. If the test is FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone, a higher level of FSH might signal menopause or ovarian failure. If it is for Estradiol levels, if the estradiol is too high (with high FSH level), it can indicate that you’re in the menopausal range. If it is too low, it might be the reason for sleep difficulties and hot flashes.

The Testosterone hormone is the usual hormone being tested on males. Men can also experience menopausal period, but not as drastic like the menopausal period in women. en who have too much testosterone can have health conditions such as hyperthyroidism, anabolic steroids, androgen insensitivity syndrome, or testicular and adrenal tumor.

Ask Your Doctor For Help

Depending on the result, the health professional will give advise, medication, or therapy that will help in treating your symptoms. The test is very important as it helps in determining what hormone is causing your problems, as well as the solutions. Some doctors recommend holistic approaches, such as acupuncture, nutritional supplements, as well as changes in the dietary and lifestyle of the patient.

If you have an on-going medication, the doctor might also order for the stoppage of the medication. He or she can also give a new medication that has better effects on the body. Most of the time, additional testing are needed after a hormonal test, but it is a good way to gauge that there’s something wrong with your body. If symptoms of hormonal imbalances manifested, call a health professional to assess your situation. 

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