Hormone tests are an easy and convenient way to assess your overall health and wellbeing.
Hormones are essential for human health and wellbeing, as they regulate bodily functions including metabolism, reproduction and mental states. As such, hormone tests are important for monitoring overall health and wellness. In this article, we outline the basics of hormone testing including when it should take place, the different types available and any potential risks associated with it.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are chemicals secreted by glands that help to control many body processes including growth and development, tissue function, sexual function and metabolism. They act as hormones in order to regulate secretion or other activities in endocrine glands such as the pituitary gland or thyroid glands. Commonly tested hormones include estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline and cortisol.
Why Is Hormone Testing Important?
Hormone testing is important because it can help to identify any imbalances or deficiencies that could be affecting an individual’s physical or psychological wellbeing. Symptoms which might necessitate a hormone test include fatigue, weight gain or loss, changes in mood or libido, hair loss or thinning hair, difficulty sleeping and poor concentration. It is also important to undergo routine tests to ensure optimal hormone levels throughout life stages such as puberty and menopause.
When Should Hormone Testing Take Place?
The frequency of hormone testing will depend on an individual’s unique needs based on signs of imbalance or deficiency outlined above. For instance if you experience sudden changes in energy levels then you should get your hormones tested more often than someone who is generally healthy but just wants regular check-ups every six months or annually. It’s always best to consult with a medical professional before embarking on any testing regime so that you can get advice tailored to your specific needs..
Types Of Hormone Test Available
Saliva Test: Saliva testing measures only free circulating bioavailable hormones which gives an indicator about how much of a certain hormone is actively at work within your body at any given time . This test involves collecting saliva samples at various times throughout the day and is often used by medical professionals looking for subtle changes over time rather than one off snapshots of hormone levels .
**Urine Tests: ** Urine tests measure both bound and free circulating metabolites which can provide insight into how much was produced but not necessarily how much is being utilised by the body ; therefore this method should be considered alongside other indicators when looking at hormonal imbalances . The sample collection process itself involves collecting multiple samples over a period of 24 hours so accuracy is improved compared to single collections made at arbitrary times .
**Adipose Tissue Testing: ** Adipose tissue testing is still relatively new but has been showing some promising results when it comes to accurately determining relative concentrations of steroid hormones like estrogen and cortisol . The sample collection process requires taking a small skin biopsy from fatty tissue found just under the surface