Hormone Imbalance Testing: Symptoms, Types & Methods

When hormone levels are too high or too low, symptoms such as acne, fatigue, mood swings, sexual disinterest and weight problems may appear. A hormone test can determine if a hormone imbalance exists, and which hormones are involved.

Types

• Hormone imbalance tests may test for the levels of cortisol, estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), melatonin, progesterone, testosterone or other hormones.

Methods

• Hormone imbalances can be detected through blood, saliva and urine tests. Hormone imbalance tests are usually administered by health care professionals, but home kits are also available.

Reproductive Hormones

• Hormone imbalance tests for reproductive hormones can help determine the cause of infertility, lactation problems, menstrual disorders or sudden weight changes.

Other Hormones

• Other hormones, such as melatonin or thyroid hormones, may be tested for symptoms such as sleep disturbances, anxiety or high blood pressure.

Importance

• A hormone imbalance test can distinguish between disorders of the organs and disorders of the hormone glands so that treatment addresses the cause, rather than the symptoms, of a problem.