Anyone who has been treated for a hormonal issue or imbalance knows that the most important first step towards treating it is an accurate diagnosis. This process will nearly always involve a hormone blood test.
By analysing the levels of hormones in the bloodstream, hormone blood tests allow doctors to see how well different parts of your endocrine system are functioning and what could be behind the different symptoms you are displaying. From this they are able to develop a treatment plan to help you get your hormones back in balance.
Understanding Hormones and Their Importance
Hormones are like the body’s little messengers that are produced by glands in the endocrine system, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testes.They handle many critical functions including metabolism, reproduction, growth, mood, and sexual health.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance can manifest in various ways, affecting multiple aspects of your health and wellbeing. Common signs include fatigue, sleep problems, gut health, mood changes, weight gain, irregular periods, and more. The range and intensity of these symptoms can vary widely from person to person. The challenge often lies in pinpointing the exact cause, as these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions or lifestyle factors.
What Blood Tests Can Reveal
Hormone blood tests provide valuable insights into how well different parts of your endocrine system are functioning. They are a critical factor in the correct diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalances and starting your journey to improved wellbeing.
Following a thorough analysis of your presenting symptoms and after taking a comprehensive history, your doctor will then recommend which blood tests you should get.
- Thyroid function
If your doctor suspects you are struggling with a type of thyroid dysfunction, they will recommend that you get your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), Free T4 (Free Thyroxine, FT4) and Free T3 (Free triiodothyronine, FT3) levels checked. They will also recommend getting thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels checked as these can indicate your immune system perceiving elements of the thyroid gland or proteins as alien.
- Function of female hormones
The most common hormone tested during blood tests for women include FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), which stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles during the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle, progesterone, which prepares the body for pregnancy, and oestradiol, the most active form of estrogen which is involved in ovulation, conception, and pregnancy. Other hormones that can be tested include testosterone, DHEA-S, and Vitamin D.
- Function of male hormones
During blood tests, men will frequently get their levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), oestradiol, which plays an important role in male sex function, and progesterone levels checked. Other hormones that will frequently be tested include testosterone, DHEA-S, SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin), and Vitamin D.
“By measuring specific hormone levels in the bloodstream, we can provide concrete results and a clear diagnosis. This not only allows us to tailor treatments more effectively but also offers patients relief and reassurance, knowing they have a definitive understanding of their condition.”
- Dr Jennifer Singh, Hormone specialist at the Marion Gluck Clinic
What to Expect From a Hormone Blood Test
In terms of the process, a hormone blood test is like any other blood test. Once your blood has been taken it will be sent off to a lab to be examined.
Once processed, your doctor will then analyse the results, comparing them to your benchmark indicators. Along with your symptoms and history, a conclusion will then be drawn as to where the hormonal imbalance lies. Your doctor will then discuss your results with you, putting together a personalised treatment plan, which may include hormone replacement therapies, to remedy the issue.
For the most accurate results, women should aim to get their blood tests done around day 21 of their menstrual cycle if it’s regular, or anytime after ovulation if it’s not. Men should ideally get tested before 11am.
If you are already undergoing a form of hormone replacement therapy, make sure to get your blood tests 4-6 hours after taking your medication to ensure an accurate measurement of your absorption levels.
Once you have started your treatment plan you will be required to have further follow-up blood tests to ensure that the prescribed treatment is working effectively and understand if any changes to your medication are necessary.
“Our blood tests are much more comprehensive than those available from your GP and other providers. As our blood tests are more detailed, we are able to provide you with a more accurate diagnosis.”
- Ann Cadiente, Practice Manager at the Marion Gluck Clinic
At The Marion Gluck Clinic, we are experts in both men’s and women’s hormones, specialising in functional medicine and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Since pioneering the development of BHRT, we have provided bespoke hormone treatments to tens of thousands of individuals, helping them to regain control of their wellbeing.
If you suspect that you are struggling with a hormonal imbalance and would like to book a blood test to get a diagnosis, then book an appointment at our clinic today.
