Getting Hormones Checked Can Help Overall Health

Keeping hormone levels balanced is an important part of maintaining health and wellbeing. Getting regular checkups to assess hormone levels can reveal imbalances early, allowing for lifestyle adjustments or medical treatment if needed. Approaching the topic with compassion, here are some key points about how getting hormones checked supports health.

Why Check Hormone Levels?

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol regulate many vital processes in the body. When levels become too high or low, it can negatively impact both physical and mental health in various ways:

Reproductive health issues
Mood disorders like depression
Changes in sleep patterns
Fluctuations in energy levels
Weight gain or loss
Skin health

Who Might Benefit From Testing?

Many groups could potentially benefit from having their hormone levels tested:

Women going through perimenopause or menopause
Those with unexplained changes in sleep, weight, mood, energy, or skin health
People experiencing libido changes or sexual dysfunction
Those trying to conceive or having fertility difficulties
Individuals with risk factors like high stress lifestyles

What Does Testing Involve?

Getting hormone levels checked is usually simple and straightforward:

Blood tests are done to measure levels of key hormones like estrogen and testosterone
Tests are typically ordered by a doctor, endocrinologist, gynecologist, or other specialist
Results will indicate which hormones are out of optimal range if any

How Are Imbalances Treated?

If testing reveals any hormone irregularities, treatment plans can include:

Lifestyle changes like improved diet, more sleep, stress reduction techniques
Targeted exercise regimens
Bioidentical hormones or other medications if needed
Follow up testing to assess improvement

The Takeaway

Keeping hormones balanced plays an essential role in maintaining wellness. Getting levels checked periodically can catch imbalances early. If irregularities surface, compassionate care from a doctor can help get hormones back in balance through lifestyle support or medical treatment if appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most commonly imbalanced hormones?

The most commonly imbalanced hormones are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Stress hormones like cortisol and thyroid hormones can also become too high or low.

How often should I get my hormone levels checked?

For most people, getting hormone levels checked annually or semi-annually is recommended. Women going through perimenopause or menopause might want to get tested more often to monitor changes.

When is the best time in my cycle to get tested?

For menstruating women, the best time in the cycle to get tested is typically during the first few days of the period when hormone levels are more stable and consistent.

Can hormone imbalances be dangerous if left untreated?

Hormone imbalances can possibly lead to osteoporosis, heart disease, insulin resistance, and mental health issues for some people if left untreated over longer periods of time.

Will insurance cover hormone testing?

Many insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost for hormone testing, especially if testing is ordered by a medical provider for a specific health concern. Check with your individual health insurance to learn about your coverage.