When Is The Best Time To Test For Hormone Imbalance?
Identifying the time when a particular patient should be tested for hormonal imbalance is important more so in managing different diseases. Hormonal diagnostics are rather helpful in the investigations of problems related to fertility, menstrual cycle phases, or the beginning of the perimenopausal period. Based on the results of these tests, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and the efficiency of specific remedies can be identified as well. Let us discuss some major hormones in our body and when is the best time to test for hormone imbalance in this blog.
Key Hormones And Their Roles
Specific hormone blood tests can go for several important hormones, these are estrogen, progesterone, FSH, testosterone, and thyroxine. When is the best time to test for hormone imbalance – this depends upon various hormones and the right time to test. All of the above hormone plays a particular role in a woman’s health.
Estrogen
Estrogen exists in three primary forms: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). E2 is the most commonly used because it plays an essential role in sex drive, bone density and many female attributes. Hormones also vary with cycles, estrogen for instance is at its highest during ovulation and at its lowest during menstruation. Even though estrogen levels are also high in young women, they significantly lower as women age particularly after they reach menopause.
Progesterone
Progesterone plays an important role in the females’ reproductive cycle and also in pregnancy. Progesterone in menstruating women in the luteal phase prepares the uterus in case there is a conception. If fertilization is unsuccessful, then the levels of progesterone decline, and the process of a new cycle begins. On the other hand, if fertilization takes place progesterone stimulation continues to rise to cater for the needs of the embryo.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH that is released by the pituitary gland is fundamental in the maturation of the ovarian follicle. The FSH levels are also known to increase in women as they age and these are key indicators that a woman’s fertility is declining.
When Is The Best Time To Test For Hormone Imbalance?
When is the best time to test for hormone imbalance – in many cases, the best time to presume hormonal disorder depends on the particular hormone and the symptoms.
Estrogen Testing
Estrogen tests are for those women who have irregular periods, problems with conception, menopausal signs, or abnormal vaginal discharge. It is important when the tests are done, as different phases of the menstrual cycle will yield different levels of estrogen. Generally, estrogen tests are more informative when performed during specific cycle phases:
- Follicular phase: Also, it is to target the first phase of the menstrual cycle starting from the first day of the period till ovulation.
- Periovulatory phase: Around ovulation.
- Luteal phase: The second phase that spans from the time after ovulation up to the onset of menstruation.
Progesterone Testing
This blood test is done on the 21st day of the menstruation cycle to check the Progesterone level to further confirm ovulation. This timing matches the luteal phase, if ovulation took place; progesterone would be higher. This test is necessary when experiencing an irregular cycle, infertility, or there is a risk of miscarriage.
FSH Testing
FSH tests assist in the identification of conditions such as excessive bleeding, infertility, and commencement of the menopausal period. Test before ovulation, which is normally during the first half of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase.
Interpreting Test Results
Interpretation of Hormone tests involves the knowledge of standard values and they differ with the menstrual cycle and stage of life.
Estrogen Levels
Normal estradiol levels during the menstrual cycle are:
Follicular phase: 19. 5-144. 2 pg/mL
Periovulatory phase: 64. 9-356. 7 pg/mL
Luteal phase: 55. 8-214. 2 pg/mL
Postmenopausal: ≤ 32. 2 pg/mL
Low estrogen levels may show a problem of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), hypothyroidism or anorexia nervosa. High estrogen levels may signal breast cancer, obesity, certain medications, or side effects of hormone therapy.
Progesterone Levels
Normal progesterone levels vary significantly:
- Follicular phase: ≤ 1 ng/mL
- Mid-cycle: 5-20 ng/mL
- 1st trimester: 11. 2-90 ng/mL
- 2nd trimester: 25. 6-89. 4 ng/mL
- 3rd trimester: 48-300+ ng/mL
- Postmenopausal: ≤ 1 ng/mL
The condition where progesterone is low during pregnancy may be an early sign of miscarriages While high levels are normal unless the levels are constantly high it may be an early sign of breast cancer.
FSH Levels
FSH levels also fluctuate:
- Follicular phase: 3. 5-12. 5 mIU/mL
- Ovulatory phase: 4. 7-21. 5 mIU/mL
- Luteal phase: 1. 7-7. 7 mIU/mL
- Postmenopausal: 25. 8-134. 8 mIU/mL
Elevated FSH levels may indicate diminished ovarian function or pituitary gland issues, while low levels can suggest a pituitary or hypothalamic disorder.
Testosterone and DHEA Testing
As you know, testosterone is known as a male hormone, which is not entirely true since female bodies produce testosterone as well. It plays a crucial role in women’s reproductive system and their overall condition. DHEA, yet another androgen is also very relevant. These hormones need screening for symptoms of abnormal menstrual cycle, PCOS, or even obesity.
Testosterone levels in females should not go above 15-70 ng/dL and the DHEA levels also differ based on the age of the females. High levels of these hormones indicate conditions such as high steroid use, adrenal gland disorders, or ovarian cancer.
Thyroid Hormone Testing
Thyroid hormones testing play an important role in controlling the metabolism, growth, and development of an individual. Thyroid function is tested by determination of TSH, T4, and T3 quantities in human organisms. Both thyroid disorders and fertility issues are frequently rising in women and therefore could be related.
The normal THS value range is from 0. 5-5 mIU/L in non-pregnant women, and different levels depending on the weeks of the pregnancy. Another blood test performed to detect hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism is the determination of T4 and T3 levels.
To Sum up…
Now that you know when is the best time to test for hormone imbalance, so go for these tests after consulting with the doctor in case you experience any symptoms. Screening for hormonal disorders at the appropriate time will help in the discovery of many health complications. We at Direct Preventive Care have in-house Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy that seeks to balance your body by using hormones similar to those produced by your body.
We focus on helping you live a healthier and active life. Our professional experts treat not just health ailments but aim to understand the root cause of the problem. After reading this, you might be thinking what is the right time to take a hormone balance test? So, connect with us and we are ready to take you along the right path to enjoy good health.
