7 Signs You May Need Hormone Testing

Your phone won't run without enough battery, your car won't go without gas, and your body won't function without hormones. And just like your car and phone, your body warns when running low. 

If you don't listen and get those warning signs checked out, you could be dealing with chronic health problems. 

Most don't know when it's time to take control of a hormonal imbalance, so our team at Ignite One is walking through some telltale signs your hormones are imbalanced. 

What are hormones?

Understanding the role your hormones play is the best first step in addressing an imbalance when it happens. 

Hormones are essential for the proper functioning of your body, and they regulate many processes, from metabolism and growth to reproduction and mood. However, hormonal imbalances (having too much or, more often, too little of a specific hormone) can occur and trigger an avalanche of symptoms.

Hormone imbalances usually stem from the gradual effects of aging, but underlying health problems like diabetes and hypothyroidism can also trigger a spike or dip in hormone levels.

Hormone testing helps us identify the underlying cause of these symptoms and guide your treatment plan. Here are seven reasons we might investigate a potential hormone problem. 

1. Your periods are off

If your menstrual cycle has gone from clockwork to hit or miss, it could signify a hormonal imbalance. 

Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are crucial in regulating your menstrual cycle, and changes in their levels can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or missed periods. Hormone testing can help determine if there is an underlying hormonal imbalance causing these issues.

2. You are experiencing mood swings 

Hormonal imbalances can also affect your mood. For example, a drop in estrogen levels can trigger irritability and anxiety. Similarly, low levels of testosterone can lead to depression. 

If you're experiencing unexplained changes in your mood, we can run a hormone test to determine if hormonal imbalances are the cause.

3. Your weight is changing

Hormones can also affect your metabolism and lead to unexplained changes in weight. For example, an underactive thyroid gland can cause hypothyroidism, which slows down your metabolism and results in weight gain. 

Hormonal imbalances can also cause an increase in cortisol levels, which can lead to weight gain, particularly around your abdomen. 

4. You can not "get in the mood"

Are you struggling with your sex drive? It might be a hormonal imbalance, as low testosterone levels can decrease sex drive in both men and women. Similarly, estrogen imbalance can cause uncomfortable, libido-killing symptoms like vaginal dryness and pain during sex. 

5. You are tired all the time

Everyone gets worn out occasionally, but when grogginess rules your life, we can almost guarantee a health issue is at play. Hormone imbalances go hand in hand with chronic fatigue and low energy levels. An underactive thyroid can cause you to feel tired, weak, and achy. 

Similarly, swings in cortisol levels can lead to fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. 

6. Your hair is changing

Hormonal imbalances can also affect your hair. For example, imbalances in testosterone levels can lead to hair loss in men and women. Similarly, imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can cause hair loss or thinning. If you're experiencing hair loss, hormone testing can help determine if hormonal imbalances contribute to the issue.

7. You can not fall or stay asleep 

Hormonal imbalances can also affect your sleep patterns. Imbalances in cortisol levels can cause insomnia and disrupt sleep. Similarly, low levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause hot flashes and night sweats, which can also disrupt your sleep. If you're struggling with insomnia, hormone testing can help identify if hormonal imbalances are the cause.

What happens during hormone testing?

Hormone testing is a simple process. First, we discuss your symptoms and health history. 

Then, we perform routine lab work to determine if you have a hormone imbalance. A blood draw is one of the simplest and fastest ways to check your hormone levels, and it can detect testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and thyroid levels. 

If your hormones are out of whack, we take steps to rebalance them. Usually, that involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT), nutrition education, and fitness programs. In some cases, you may benefit from behavioral health counseling as well. 

If you suspect you're living with a hormone imbalance, don't wait to call our office in Montclair, New Jersey, or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment and see if hormone testing and treatment are right for you.