What Your Hormones Blood Markers Say About You

Hormone bloodwork can provide critical insights into women’s health, particularly when seeking menopause relief. Once tests are completed, a doctor may be able to diagnose medical conditions or recommend treatments that help restore hormonal balance.

Bloodwork is typically done as part of a comprehensive hormone panel, which includes testing multiple hormones to establish a baseline. This allows doctors to assess hormone levels in relation to symptoms and determine the best course of action.

Key Hormones Measured in a Menopause Panel:

Progesterone
One of the primary female sex hormones, progesterone supports the uterine lining and helps maintain pregnancy. During menopause, progesterone levels drop significantly. Low levels may indicate fertility issues, while persistently high levels can be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Estradiol
Estradiol is the main form of estrogen produced by the ovaries and is essential for ovulation and reproductive health. It also plays a role in the health of the breasts, uterus, and vagina. Low levels may indicate menopause, low body fat, or conditions like PCOS. High levels can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, and irregular periods.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH helps follicles mature and supports estrogen and progesterone production. Testing FSH can help assess fertility, menstrual irregularities, and ovarian function. Abnormal levels may point to issues with the pituitary gland or other hormone-regulating systems.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is crucial for triggering ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Normal LH levels indicate balanced ovarian function, while abnormalities can impact fertility and menstrual health.

Cortisol
Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol helps regulate glucose metabolism and energy levels. It's also known as the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol may contribute to increased appetite, fat storage, and fatigue.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a precursor to other hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It supports libido, mood, and energy. Testing DHEA can help evaluate irregular periods, infertility, low libido, or signs of androgen excess like acne or hair changes.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce. It’s the most reliable marker for detecting thyroid issues, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can affect metabolism and energy levels.

Free T4 & Free T3
These thyroid hormones are critical for regulating metabolism, temperature, and mood. Abnormal levels may indicate an underactive or overactive thyroid, which is common during hormonal transitions like menopause.

Free Testosterone
Free testosterone is the unbound, active form of the hormone. While primarily a male hormone, it is also produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It plays a role in muscle strength, mood, and libido.

Why Hormone Blood Testing Matters

Hormone testing provides a snapshot of what's happening inside your body. Whether you're navigating menopause, struggling with fatigue, experiencing cycle changes, or noticing other symptoms, bloodwork can be the starting point to personalized treatment.

Knowing your hormone levels can empower you and your healthcare provider to make informed decisions, helping you feel your best at every stage of life.

If you’re ready to get started, consider a hormone blood test kit from Raena.