Should I Get My Hormones Tested?
This is a question I get daily. Women want more answers . . . a concrete reason to justify the symptoms they are experiencing. Hormone testing can be helpful in some clinical situations, but not in all. I always warn patients that we may not get answers when running a hormone panel.
Often a basic Women’s Hormone Panel can be helpful in confirming a diagnosis or illuminating a root cause. For example, if your period has become irregular, hormone testing can help determine if you are experiencing primary ovarian insufficiency, if low progesterone or slow thyroid is contributing to fertility problems, whether you have insulin resistance associated with PCOS, or whether your hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness are due to perimenopause. A hormonal panel can also help identify a diagnosis when symptoms are not fully adding up. It can also tell you whether your hormones are in the appropriate ranges for your age.
DUTCH testing is another type of hormone testing that can further drill down specifics of a hormone imbalance. DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones and is much more involved and evaluates hormone metabolites found in urine samples. In addition to reproductive hormones, the DUTCH test also looks at male hormones (women have those too), sleep, and stress hormones. This testing is rarely covered by insurance and depending on which test you do, it can cost $300-$400.
Which hormonal testing you do is something you and your provider will determine. Putting the hormone puzzle pieces together can be challenging but finding an experienced clinician to help you on your journey is the first right step. Choosing a practitioner who embraces a holistic approach and one that will individualize your care is crucial to getting to the bottom of your bothersome symptoms.
About The Author
Dana Ramsey is a Certified Nurse Midwife and has spent the past 15 years helping women navigate their gynecology, pregnancy, postpartum and menopausal challenges. Dana is dedicated to helping her patients overcome conditions impacting their ability to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy.
