Your Guide to Hormone Testing: How, When, and Why We Test
- Breanne Pflanz, APRN-BC
- Dec 6, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
If you’ve ever been told “your labs are normal” but you still feel exhausted, irritable, foggy, or off in some way—you’re not alone. Many women struggle with symptoms that are often overlooked or misdiagnosed due to inadequate hormone testing. At Balanced You Medical Wellness, we believe precise testing is the foundation of real, lasting wellness. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how, when, and why we test hormones, and what it all means for your health.
Why Hormone Testing Matters
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate almost every system in the body—mood, energy, metabolism, reproduction, sleep, and more. When they’re out of balance, the effects can be dramatic.
Yet many women are treated solely based on symptoms or a single lab result, which can lead to missed diagnoses or ineffective treatments. Accurate hormone testing allows us to:
Identify the root cause of your symptoms
Understand how multiple hormones interact
Develop targeted, personalized treatment plans
When to Get Your Hormones Tested
Hormone imbalances don’t always happen at once. They shift gradually—and sometimes dramatically—throughout a woman’s life.
Here are some signs and life stages when testing is crucial:
Irregular or heavy periods
Persistent fatigue or poor sleep
Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
Hair thinning, dry skin, or low libido
Brain fog or memory problems
Common testing windows include:
Perimenopause and menopause
Postpartum and post-birth control transitions
Postmenopause monitoring
Suspected thyroid issues or adrenal fatigue
Types of Hormone Tests
At Balanced You, we use several methods of testing based on your symptoms and goals:
Blood (Serum) Testing: This is the gold standard for measuring sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), thyroid hormones, and key metabolic markers. Ideal for baseline and treatment monitoring.
Saliva Testing: Excellent for evaluating cortisol patterns throughout the day. Also useful for hormone metabolite activity and free hormone levels in some cases.
Urine Testing (DUTCH Test): A comprehensive, advanced test that maps out hormone production, metabolism, and adrenal function. Useful in complex cases or treatment-resistant symptoms.
Each method has pros and cons, and we’ll recommend the right approach for your situation.
What We Test For at Balanced You
We don’t take shortcuts when it comes to data. Our comprehensive hormone panels often include:
Estrogen (Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol)
Progesterone
Testosterone (Total and Free)
DHEA (precursor hormone)
Cortisol (stress and adrenal function)
Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies
Other markers: Vitamin D, insulin, glucose, inflammatory markers (as needed)
These results are evaluated in the context of your symptoms—not in isolation.
How to Prepare for Hormone Testing
Getting accurate results depends on preparing correctly. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Fasting: Often required for morning blood draws (especially glucose, insulin, cortisol)
Timing: For menstruating women, hormone testing is usually best around day 19-21 of a 28-day cycle
Supplements and medications: Inform your provider of all prescriptions and over-the-counter products
Consistency: Always test under similar conditions when doing follow-up labs
Interpreting Results—What “Normal” Isn’t
It’s not enough to be “in range.” Most lab reference ranges are designed to catch disease, not to determine optimal wellness.
At Balanced You, we:
Look at optimal ranges, not just normal limits
Compare current labs to your past results
Cross-reference with your symptom profile
Adjust treatment dynamically as your body responds
Creating Your Personalized Plan
Lab results guide the next steps in your wellness plan. After reviewing your tests, your provider will tailor:
BHRT protocols (bioidentical hormone therapy)
Supplement recommendations (e.g., B vitamins, adaptogens, magnesium)
Nutritional strategies
Stress management and lifestyle modifications
Ongoing testing and follow-ups every 8–12 weeks initially
At Balanced You, every treatment plan is unique—because your body is.
Real-Life Success: Knowledge Is Power
One of our patients, Julie, 38, spent years feeling tired, anxious, and dismissed by her doctors. Her primary care physician told her, “Your labs are normal.” When she came to Balanced You, we ran a comprehensive panel and discovered low progesterone, high cortisol, and suboptimal thyroid function. After three months of targeted BHRT and adrenal support, Julie reported better sleep, improved moods, and more energy than she’d had in years.
FAQs: Hormone Testing for Women
Can I get tested if I’m on birth control?
Yes, but certain hormonal contraceptives can mask or alter levels. We’ll help interpret accordingly or recommend the right time to test.
How often should I test?
Initially every 8–12 weeks while adjusting treatment. Once stable, testing is usually done 1–2 times per year.
What if my doctor said my labs were fine?
Many conventional ranges don’t reflect what’s optimal for how you feel. We interpret results with a different lens—one that prioritizes your lived experience.
Do I need all these tests?
Not always. We tailor testing to your needs and budget. Some patients start with a core panel, then expand based on results and symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Hormone testing isn’t just a diagnostic tool—it’s your roadmap to real healing. At Balanced You, we don’t guess. We test, track, and personalize every step of your wellness journey.
Take the free hormone quiz today to see if testing could give you the answers you’ve been missing. Then contact Balanced You Medical Wellness to book your comprehensive hormone panel and consultation.
Sources
Endocrine Society (2023). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hormone Testing.
Mayo Clinic (2023). Understanding Female Hormone Lab Tests.
Journal of Women's Health (2022). The Role of Personalized Hormone Panels.
DUTCH Testing (2023). Guide to Advanced Hormone Evaluation.
North American Menopause Society (2022). Hormone Therapy and Testing Protocols.
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