If you have felt like your body is out of order lately, probably it’s time to check your hormones. They play a vital part in our body`s function. If they are out of control, then you may feel like your entire being is in disarray. Read on to learn about hormone testing and when to do it.
What are Hormones
Before starting the check-up, you should know what hormones are and their functions. These are the body’s chemical messengers that relay important information to the cells. Hormones affect certain cells, also known as target cells, and that’s how they communicate throughout the body.
The body has a series of hormones, each of which has its goal. For example, the melatonin hormone is responsible for rest and sleep. Without adequate melatonin, you might have insomnia and constant fatigue. Therefore, each hormone is crucial for the proper functioning of the body.
Causes and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
The endocrine system releases these hormones, and when it’s working effectively, you won’t experience any problems. But, unfortunately, if the system is disrupted at any point, hormonal imbalance can occur, leading to various health problems.
Some of the common symptoms are:
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
- Cushing syndrome
- Addison’s Disease
- Turner Syndrome
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Certain medications, such as birth control
- Brain injury
- Diet and lifestyle
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
The seriousness of the symptoms depends on the specific hormones that are affected. Here are some of the general symptoms you might experience:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Weight changes
- Muscle loss
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes
- Sexual disinterest or dysfunction
- Mood swings
- Infertility
- Memory problems
- Anxiety
Hormone Testing and How it Works
Hormones are responsible for controlling every major system. They impact your growth and development, so checking them is essential. Hormone testing is the best way to help determine if the hormone levels are in check.
They can be tested in various ways – blood, saliva, and urine. The best method depends on your symptoms and the conditions you want to diagnose. For example, blood tests are good for fertility monitoring, while for common hormonal imbalances like PCOS, PMS, and chronic fatigue, urine and saliva are the best tests.
Apart from fertility checks, blood tests are also used to check for FSH, LH, Thyroid testing, cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA.
Which Test is for Me?
Experts say that getting a full panel of hormonal tests is the best. The full panel test includes adrenal and thyroid function tests. In addition, you should also have your Vitamin D and blood tests checked. Once you get the results from these tests, you should have a full picture of what hormone levels are off and the necessary steps to balance them.
But, overall, your test type will depend on the specific symptom you’re suffering from. A professional will help you determine the best test after taking your history.
At-home Hormone Tests
Thanks to biomedical technology, you don’t have to go to the hospital to get a hormone test. With the One Click At-home test kit from VitalityRX, you can monitor your hormone levels and receive actionable insights on the results.
You should get this at-home hormone test kit to analyze your hormone levels if you’ve noted changes in your sleep, stress levels, mood, weight, and other markers. Due to the pandemic, the medical industry saw a lot of revolutionizing with the introduction of such kits.
You can order the test yourself online and test your hormones in the comfort of your home. The healthcare providers will also help interpret the results while giving you the best solutions.
When is it Best to Test Hormone Levels
If you have been struggling with any of the symptoms discussed earlier, you should do a hormone test. The test will help you understand the root of the problem. So, ensure you evaluate your hormones regularly or when necessary and treat the underlying condition.
The Bottom Line
Hormone tests are designed to measure the thyroid hormone, fertility, testosterone, and the effects of stress. The type of test you take will depend on the specific hormones you want to check.
