Taking the Guesswork Out of Hormone Testing
By Kristine Klitzke, RN, BSN, Author, “Hormone Balance: A Matter of Life & Health” Arbonne Regional Vice President

This month marks my 10th year of “coaching” females of all ages to achieve better hormone balance. Two of the most common questions I’ve been asked are, “Should I get my hormone levels tested?” And, “What is the best way to measure hormone levels?” Unfortunately, the answers are not “cut and dry” and have been heavily debated by health providers and scientists alike. Having said that, I will outline some points to consider if you are wondering if you should get your hormone levels checked and if so, how?

First of all, if you are considering hormone testing, please know that it may be useful but, not always necessary. Oftentimes, an awareness of the key factors that cause hormone imbalance in the first place can make a huge difference in restoring balance once steps are taken to minimize those influences. For example, improved changes in the areas of hormone exposure in diet, estrogenic/xenoestrogen exposures in personal care product use, lowering stress levels, increasing fat to muscle via exercise, as well as considering the benefits of natural hormones versus synthetics will take females well on a path in the right direction of restoring health and hormone balance - with or without testing hormone levels first. I know this based on research as well as on anecdotal experiences with hundreds of females I have served the past decade. Ultimately, the decision of whether to test hormones or not is a decision that must be made between an informed patient and a trusted health care provider.

If the decision to test hormone levels has been made, it is helpful to know the types of testing available.

Blood Tests

Blood serum/plasma test is the most common. For these tests, blood is drawn from a vein. However, hormones measured in serum are bound tightly by binding proteins. Only about 1-5% of the hormones in serum are actually free or bioavailable, meaning only a fraction would leave the blood and enter tissues for use. So, serum/plasma tests are not as reliable a reflection of the hormone that is actually available for the body to use (bioavailable). This is a limitation to venous blood hormone testing.

Capillary Blood Tests

Capillary Blood Tests use blood from a finger stick rather than from a vein. Capillary blood is dropped onto a special filter card and allowed to dry. Dried blood spots have distinct advantages because hormones in this form are extremely stable. Capillary blood spot testing is promising. However, as blood (serum) remains the gold standard with most providers, many are unaware of this option.

Saliva Tests

Saliva hormone testing has long been familiar to researchers who measure hormones in areas of the world where blood testing is not practical. It involves simply spitting into a tube which is sent to a lab for analysis. Bioavailable hormones in the bloodstream are filtered through the saliva and easily collected for hormone testing. Saliva testing has been labeled by some as inaccurate because hormone levels in transdermal (topical) hormone cream users goes up much higher than it does in blood serum. This is the reason why many doctors are surprised they don’t see hormones increasing in conventional venous serum tests, but their patients tell them the hormones are working! When it was discovered that the use of natural hormone creams did not match the results from blood (serum) testing, saliva testing became widely used for women using hormone creams. Again, saliva testing measures hormones that are available for the body to use.

Urine Tests

Although urine is widely used for drug tests and pregnancy tests, it is less commonly used to test hormones overall. Problems with urine testing include that specimen collection can be messy and involves carrying around a urine container for 24 hours. Another problem with urine is that it is not a direct measure of bioavailable hormones, but measures hormones and their byproducts that have been excreted.

For more info on hormone balance, contact me. It would be a joy to hear from you! Please note that this information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose. The best health care decisions are made between an informed patient and a trusted health care provider. You may also refer to my book, Hormone Balance: A Matter of Life & Health or booklet, Top 10 Truths of Hormone Balance by contacting me @ 920.731.5815 or klitzke4@new.rr.com.