I thought we could talk about lab tests for hormones and if you should have saliva or blood testing or is it really necessary. As we have talked about before, our hormones systems work in concert with each other to maintain a state of balance. In a similar manner, the adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones work in harmony, and when one or more of the hormones become unbalanced this affects all of the hormones and thus we do not feel well.
Many of us have heard or read that we should not start on any hormones until we have had the levels checked. That may be true in many cases, however if you are post-menopausal we usually can assume that your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels are very low. Our bodies are usually the best indicator or what is going on and they tell us so based on the symptoms we are having. There is much controversy regarding which type of testing is most accurate which adds more confusion into the mix. Some practitioners believe feel blood is the best while others say that saliva is the most reliable means and gives the most “bioavailable” measurement of hormone levels.
While your practitioner may or may not recommend testing before you start on hormones, you may benefit from testing once you have been on them for a while. The key to feeling well is keeping our hormones balanced and that is affected not only by hormones we take but also by out diet, lifestyle, body mass index and exposure to toxins. If we decide to take hormones, we want to be sure we are using them in the safest possible way and the levels are not higher than we need to give us the protection we want and feel the best we can.
It is a good idea to have a conversation with your practitioner every year at your visit and review what you are taking and the dosing. If you were feeling well, are you still or does something need to be changed. If that is the case, you may be someone who would benefit from lab testing.
Happy Spring!
Brenda
About the Author
Brenda Houdlette
