Hormones control many essential functions in your body—from your menstrual cycle and fertility to your mood, energy, and metabolism. Your body gives you noticeable signs when these hormones become imbalanced.
Hormone testing can provide valuable answers, but knowing when to test is just as important as the results themselves. Below are the most common situations where hormone testing is recommended and how to approach it.
Irregular Periods or Trouble Conceiving
If your menstrual cycle is irregular, unusually heavy, or unpredictable, hormone testing can help uncover what’s going on. It’s also a key step if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for 6–12 months without success, especially if you’re over age 35.
Common tests include:
- FSH and Estradiol (Estrogen) – Often checked on cycle days 2–3
- LH
- Progesterone – Typically tested on day 21 (if you have a 28-day cycle) or 5–7 days after ovulation.
These tests help detect issues such as PCOS, ovulation problems, or reduced ovarian reserve, all of which can affect fertility.
Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms
Women between 40–55 may experience:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Sleep changes
- Irregular cycles
During perimenopause, hormone testing can confirm shifting hormone levels and assist in planning treatments like hormone therapy.
If you’re over 45 and having typical menopause symptoms, extensive testing may not be necessary, but your doctor may order tests if symptoms are severe or unusual.
When ordered, tests may include FSH or estradiol depending on symptoms.
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
These levels can guide symptom management and overall health planning. Note that routine testing of all three is not standard practice for women in menopause.
Hormonal Symptoms That Disrupt Daily Life
Not all hormone issues are related to fertility. You may need hormone testing if you experience:
- Persistent acne
- Unexplained weight gain
- Hair thinning or excess facial/body hair
- Low libido
- Fatigue
- Mood changes like irritability, depression, or anxiety
These symptoms may be hormonal but can also result from non-hormonal causes. A doctor can help determine whether hormone testing is appropriate.
Tests that may be useful:
- Testosterone levels – High levels may suggest PCOS; low levels may signal fatigue or low libido. However, it is not a common cause for either fatigue or low libido.
- Cortisol testing, especially when you are constantly stressed or panicking.
Conditions That Require Hormone Testing
Hormone testing can support the diagnosis of the conditions below. The results must be interpreted with your symptoms and exam findings.
- PCOS
- Thyroid disorders
- Early menopause
- Adrenal dysfunction
These conditions often cannot be diagnosed accurately without lab testing.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a healthcare provider if:
- Your periods are persistently irregular
- You’ve been trying to conceive without success
- You have severe perimenopausal symptoms
- Hormonal symptoms are affecting your daily life
A doctor can determine the right tests, see results, and design a treatment plan, whether that includes hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, or fertility support.
In Summary
Hormone testing is a test that diagnoses PCOS, thyroid disorders, peri-menopause, or adrenal dysfunction. If you are experiencing unusual symptoms like fatigue, stress, mood changes, low libido, acne, unexplained weight changes, or difficulty conceiving, it is best to see a doctor for hormone testing!
In case of any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical care at Family Diagnostic Clinic. Call us today at (281) 351-6800 to book your appointment.