Hormone Testing

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Dec 13, 2021
Last Modified Date: Dec 13, 2021
Published Date: Jul 29, 2017

What is a hormonal imbalance?

When the endocrine system is functioning smoothly, its precise and timely release of hormones works to promote optimal health and function. The glands in this system assist in nearly every critical bodily function. So, if there is a problem with one or more glands, hormonal imbalance can occur, causing a variety of problems - some serious. These changes can be detected by a hormone imbalance test, opening the door to treatment that can ease or eliminate hormonal imbalance symptoms.

What is the cause of hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance causes vary according to the specific hormones involved. However, in general, they are caused by changes in or dysfunction of a hormone-producing gland. For instance, a thyroid gland that isn't functioning correctly may produce too much thyroid hormone, accelerating body metabolism, or too little. Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by autoimmune diseases, thyroid nodules, medications or, rarely, thyroid cancer, among other potential causes. Imbalances in male or female sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, can be caused by age-related changes, such as menopause and andropause, as well as genetic disorders, stress, nutritional issues, or medications. Excessive stress, poor diet, aging and certain medications can contribute to imbalances in cortisol and other adrenal hormones.

What is hormonal imbalance in men?

The most common hormonal imbalances in men are related to testosterone levels. Men may experience low levels of testosterone due to disorders, like hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes cannot produce an adequate supply of testosterone. More commonly, aging is the underlying cause, with testosterone production gradually diminishing over time, beginning around age 40. For some men, levels fall so low that the body's basic needs for the hormone cannot be fulfilled, which can lead to many of the symptoms listed above. Other factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels include excessive stress, poor diet, obesity and regular, excessive alcohol use.

What are common symptoms of hormonal imbalance?

Again, that depends to some degree on the specific hormones that are out of balance. That said, here are general symptoms that may be experienced:

• Fatigue – Frequent in all common types of hormonal imbalance.
• Irritability – Common in those affected by imbalances in female, male, and stress hormones.
• Mood swings – common in sex hormone imbalances.
• Weight changes – High levels of thyroid hormones can cause weight loss, while low thyroid levels and imbalances in female hormones, male hormones or stress hormones typically cause weight gain.
• Muscle loss – Most common with male and female sex hormone imbalances.
• Reduced bone density – Thyroid and sex hormone imbalances can cause bone loss.
• Increased sensitivity to heat or cold – Abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones can cause heat intolerance, while low levels can make a person over-sensitive to cold.
• Hot flashes and/or night sweats – Very common with female hormone imbalances as well as low testosterone.
• Sexual disinterest or dysfunction – Most common with male and female sex hormone imbalances.
• Infertility – Can occur with sex hormone disturbances.
• Skin changes – The skin can be affected by all common hormone imbalances. Changes can include severe skin dryness, skin thinning, oily skin and acne outbreaks.
• Hair loss – Often seen with thyroid problems or low testosterone.
• Anxiety/depression – Can occur with all common imbalances.
• Heart rate changes or palpitations – Thyroid dysfunction, sex hormone imbalance and stress hormone imbalance can all cause these symptoms.
• Rising cholesterol levels – Low thyroid hormone levels, low testosterone and estrogen/progesterone imbalances can cause cholesterol levels to rise.
• Memory problems – Can occur in all common hormone imbalances.
• Poor focus/concentration – Common symptom of any hormone imbalance.

How can I balance my hormones?

If you have been diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance, your doctor can advise you on ways of bringing your body back into proper balance. Typical treatments for improved hormonal balance include hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes, stress management and exercise. In the case of thyroid dysfunction, medications and/or surgical intervention may be necessary to restore health levels of thyroid hormones.

Where can I get hormone testing near me?

Choose from over 3500 locations in the following states.

To search by zip code use our LAB LOCATOR.