Hormones regulate much of our body function. They can account for our weight, our height, body hair and our mood and disposition. If any of these functions are abnormal, it may help to have hormone balances tested. There are primarily two tests that are performed, and there are primarily two ways in which you can have your hormones tested. Because the tests require advanced technology, you will not be able to perform the tests yourself. But there are ways to find what your hormone levels are.

Saliva and Serum Testing

Serum testing, or using a blood sample to test hormones, defines the normal range of hormones very broadly; this is a disadvantage to their accuracy. They also don't give results as to the amount of hormone that is active in organs and tissues. Instead they measure hormones that are attached to substances that carry hormones in the blood. However, the thyroid hormone (which accounts for the metabolizing of food) can only be measured by serum testing. There is another serum test, the FSH test, which tests menopausal symptoms in premenopausal women. Saliva testing, on the other hand, does measure active hormones and tends to be more accurate than serum testing. It is also easy to obtain as patients can collect a sample of their own saliva in any location. And it is easy to test. One of the drawbacks are that standards for performing the test accurately have yet to be established. Saliva testing has been done for more than 30 years, and many insurance companies pay for it. Saliva testing measures hormones at the cellular level and works very well for determining the level of sex hormones.

How to Get Your Hormones Tested

There are hormone test saliva kits available that can be sent for and returned for analysis by mail, although Dr. Kenna Stephenson, clinical professor at the University of Texas at Tyler, does not recommend this route to get tested. Tests should be performed by a lab with a certified medical director and lab director. Proof of reliability and know-how in saliva testing should be provided. The lab should also have experienced medical staff who can consult with physicians on the results. For these reasons, it's best to see your doctor to get your hormones tested. If you are suffering any physical ailments that might be a result of hormone imbalance your doctor will be able to counsel you on them and find treatment.

Source:

Women In Balance: Determining & Testing Hormone Levels

More Information:

Lab Tests Online website: Progesterone