Hormone Testing Explained: Key Labs & Timing

Table of Contents

Questions & Answers

1. What is hormone testing?

Hormone testing measures the levels of various hormones in the body using blood, saliva, or urine to assess balance and function.

2. Why is hormone testing important?

Testing identifies hormonal imbalances that can affect energy, weight, mood, metabolism, libido, sleep, and overall health.

3. Which hormones are commonly tested?

Commonly tested hormones include testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, DHEA, thyroid hormones, insulin, LH, FSH, and SHBG.

4. What is a hormone panel?

A hormone panel is a set of lab tests designed to assess multiple hormones simultaneously to evaluate overall endocrine function.

5. How do I prepare for hormone testing?

Preparation may include fasting, avoiding certain medications, and testing at specific times of day for accurate results.

6. When is the best time to test hormones?

Testosterone: morning (7–10 am)
Cortisol: morning or saliva throughout day for rhythm
Women’s hormones: specific cycle days for progesterone and estrogen

7. What is the difference between blood, saliva, and urine testing?

Blood: measures circulating hormones in serum
Saliva: measures free, bioavailable hormones
Urine: can assess hormone metabolites and patterns over 24 hours

8. How is testosterone tested?

Testosterone is measured via total and free testosterone levels in serum, sometimes along with SHBG to assess bioavailable testosterone.

9. How is estrogen tested?

Estradiol (E2) is typically measured in blood; saliva and urine may be used for functional assessments.

10. How is progesterone tested?

Progesterone is measured in serum or saliva, often timed to specific cycle days in women.

11. How is cortisol tested?

Cortisol can be measured via blood, saliva, or urine to assess adrenal function and circadian rhythm.

12. How is thyroid tested?

TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO, TgAb) are standard tests.

13. What are normal hormone ranges?

Ranges vary by age, sex, and lab method; functional medicine often uses narrower ranges to detect early imbalances.

14. Can age affect hormone levels?

Yes, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and growth hormone naturally decline with age.

15. Can stress affect hormones?

Chronic stress elevates cortisol and can disrupt thyroid, reproductive, and metabolic hormones.

16. Can diet impact hormone testing?

Yes, fasting, macronutrient intake, and alcohol can affect certain hormone levels.

17. Do medications affect hormone levels?

Hormone therapy, steroids, contraceptives, and some supplements can alter lab results.

18. How are results interpreted?

Results are interpreted in context of symptoms, lab ranges, and patterns rather than absolute numbers alone.

19. What is total vs. free hormone?

Total: all hormone bound and unbound in circulation
Free: unbound, active hormone available for receptor activity

20. What is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone is an adrenal hormone that supports energy, mood, and sex hormone production.

21. What is LH and FSH?

Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone regulate reproduction and can indicate menopause or hypogonadism.

22. What is SHBG?

Sex hormone-binding globulin binds sex hormones; high SHBG can reduce bioavailable testosterone or estrogen.

23. What is the role of insulin testing?

Insulin testing evaluates metabolic health, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk.

24. How does hormone testing support weight management?

Identifies imbalances that affect metabolism, appetite, fat distribution, and energy utilization.

25. How does hormone testing support fatigue management?

Detects low thyroid, adrenal, or sex hormone dysfunction that may contribute to chronic fatigue.

26. Can hormone testing detect menopause?

Yes, measuring FSH, LH, and estradiol helps identify perimenopause and menopause stages.

27. Can hormone testing detect andropause?

Yes, low testosterone and related hormones in men can indicate age-related decline (andropause).

28. Can hormone testing detect thyroid disorders?

Yes, TSH, free T4, free T3, and antibodies reveal hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

29. Can hormone testing detect adrenal dysfunction?

Yes, cortisol and DHEA levels help evaluate adrenal stress and fatigue.

30. How accurate are hormone tests?

Blood tests are highly accurate; saliva and urine can provide functional insights but may vary by lab.

31. How often should hormones be tested?

Frequency depends on age, symptoms, and treatment: usually every 3–6 months if monitoring therapy, or annually for baseline checks.

32. Can hormone tests detect imbalances in women?

Yes, panels assess estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, and adrenal hormones.

33. Can hormone tests detect imbalances in men?

Yes, testosterone, estradiol, thyroid, cortisol, DHEA, and SHBG are commonly measured.

34. What are functional hormone panels?

Panels designed for early detection and optimization, often including circadian cortisol patterns, sex hormones, thyroid antibodies, and adrenal metabolites.

35. Can labs identify root causes of symptoms?

Yes, combined with clinical evaluation, labs help identify hormonal, adrenal, thyroid, and metabolic dysfunctions.

36. How do I know which test to order?

A functional medicine provider customizes labs based on symptoms, age, sex, and health goals.

37. Can hormone tests guide therapy decisions?

Yes, results guide bioidentical hormone therapy, TRT, thyroid medication, adrenal support, and lifestyle interventions.

38. Can hormone testing improve mood?

Identifying and correcting imbalances often improves depression, irritability, and anxiety.

39. Can hormone testing improve energy?

Yes, treating low thyroid, testosterone, or adrenal dysfunction can restore energy levels.

40. Can hormone testing help with weight loss?

Yes, optimizing hormones supports metabolism, fat distribution, and appetite regulation.

41. Can hormone testing guide bioidentical hormone therapy?

Yes, accurate lab results help create personalized dosing and monitoring plans for BHRT.

42. What is the cost of hormone testing?

Costs vary from $100–$500 depending on the number of hormones tested and lab used.

43. Are hormone tests covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on diagnosis, medical necessity, and insurance policy. Some functional panels are out-of-pocket.

44. Can I test hormones at home?

Yes, home kits exist, but professional interpretation ensures accuracy and actionable guidance.

45. How reliable are home hormone tests?

Saliva and finger-prick tests can be convenient but may be less precise than lab-based blood tests.

46. How long do results take?

Typically 3–7 days for blood labs; some specialized panels may take 1–2 weeks.

47. How is hormone testing different in men vs women?

Men focus on testosterone, estradiol, DHEA, and thyroid; women also require progesterone, FSH, LH, and estrogen cycle tracking.

48. What lifestyle factors affect hormone levels?

Sleep, stress, exercise, diet, alcohol, and weight all impact hormone production and balance.

49. Can I test hormones during pregnancy?

Yes, but reference ranges differ, and interpretation must be done by a medical professional.

50. How do I start hormone testing?

Consult a functional medicine provider to order personalized labs, review symptoms, and create a plan for optimization and monitoring.

Hormone Testing & Blood Work: Top 50 Questions Answered