Hormone Imbalance Testing

Hormones are substances in the bloodstream. They are responsible for helping the body control many important processes, including reproduction and metabolism. If these substances are out of balance, you may need to see a doctor, who can order a hormone imbalance test.

Actually, there is no universal hormone level test. However, a medical professional can take diagnostic steps based on your symptoms. Typical options include a blood test, a thyroid exam, a pelvic exam, or a biopsy.

Because of their essential role in the body, even slight hormonal imbalances can cause symptoms. Therefore, it is important to know the effects of these irregularities so you can undergo hormone testing and identify the problem early.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Your hormones play an integral role in your general health. An imbalance can lead to different symptoms depending on which hormone is causing it. Furthermore, hormonal imbalance symptoms in males can be different than hormonal imbalance symptoms in females.

Common symptoms for both men and women may include:

Rapid weight gain or weight loss
Increased sensitivity to heat or cold
Frequent urination
Changes to appetite
Depression or anxiety
General nervousness and irritability without a direct cause

If you experience these symptoms, you can visit a doctor to discuss options for a hormone imbalance test.

Some of the signs of hormone imbalance are different depending on your gender. Low testosterone or low estrogen symptoms in men can include erectile dysfunction, hair loss, or decreased muscle mass.

Hormonal imbalance symptoms in women include irregular periods, hair loss or excessive hair growth, mood swings, night sweats, and genital dryness.

Both boys and girls start producing hormones during puberty, so symptoms of hormonal imbalance could appear at this age. However, issues are more common in those over age 40.

How to Test Hormone Levels for Hormone Imbalance

While there isn’t a universal hormonal imbalance test, physicians can use different diagnostic tests to check for hormonal imbalances. The most common hormone testing steps include:

Blood test – Most hormones can be detected in the blood. A blood test for hormone levels can find lower levels of compounds like testosterone and estrogen.
Pelvic exam – The doctor can perform a Pap smear to check for lumps or tumors in females or look for abnormalities in the sex organs of males.
Ultrasound – Physicians can use an ultrasound to check for any abnormalities. Both female and male hormone tests can rely on an ultrasound to look at the thyroid glands, which produce hormones.
Thyroid scan – This specific hormone imbalance test involves a digital image that doctors can use to examine the glands.

Other hormone imbalance tests also include biopsies, sperm count tests, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment for Hormone Imbalance

There are various treatments for a hormonal imbalance, and they depend on what is causing the problem. Common treatments include medication, lifestyle changes, and supplements.

Having a balanced diet, exercise, losing weight, and changing sleeping patterns can help for mild hormone imbalances. Furthermore, vitamins and natural supplements can correct hormone imbalances. Herbs like ginseng and red clover are sometimes effective, as are selenium and vitamin D.

More serious cases of hormonal imbalance can require hormone therapy and medication. In addition to testosterone or estrogen supplements, patients can have thyroid-based hormone therapy, anti-androgen medication, or metformin.

Find Hormone Imbalance Treatment Now

A hormone imbalance can lead to serious health problems, and even mild cases can cause quality-of-life issues. If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to undergo hormone imbalance testing, you can contact Matthews Internal Medicine or set up a time to meet with a doctor on our appointment page. Taking this step can help improve your quality of life, alleviate symptoms, and help you avoid more severe hormone imbalance issues in the future.