The women’s hormone test panel is one of the most in-depth tests for women’s health. Information about your hormone levels can be valuable when evaluating conditions related to weight gain, slowed metabolism, and menopause.
Hormone imbalances in women can contribute to:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Skin dryness
- Hair Loss
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Loss of libido
- Weight gain
- Slowed metabolism
It is clear why we think everyone should consider a hormone test panel. Specifically, the Track Your Max hormone panel will test the most important three hormone areas for health and fitness.
These include:
- Thyroid
- Perimenopause: Estradiol, FSH, LH
- Post-menopause: Estradiol, Progesterone
Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid blood tests are used to measure the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood. The measurement can indicate if your thyroid gland is functioning properly and help diagnose thyroid diseases. Your thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland at the front part of your neck and it produces the thyroid hormone which regulates your body’s temperature, weight, and energy usage. The thyroid test is a key measurement when looking at the full picture of your metabolism.
Thyroid blood tests can show if you have a thyroid disorder. The most common are:
- Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid producing more thyroid hormones than your body needs. Speeds up your metabolism, which can cause weight loss, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, puffiness around the eyes, anxiety, and other symptoms. Most commonly caused by Graves’ disease.
- Hypothyroidism – An underactive thyroid producing too few thyroid hormones. Slows down your metabolism, which can cause weight gain, menstrual irregularity, dry and puffy skin, and fatigue. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease.
Estradiol
Estradiol is a female sex hormone. An estradiol test, or E2 test, measures the amount of the hormone estradiol in your blood. Estradiol is a form of the hormone estrogen. Estradiol is made in the ovaries, breasts, and adrenal glands. During pregnancy, the placenta also makes estradiol.
Estradiol helps with the growth and development of female sex organs but also helps to control the way fat is distributed in the female body. It is essential for bone and joint health in females.
Low estradiol hormone can be a sign of the beginning of menopause or a sign of Turner syndrome. High estradiol hormone levels have been linked to acne, constipation, loss of sex drive, and depression. Extremely levels can increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer and even heart disease.
FSH
The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test measures the level of FSH in blood. FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland, located on the underside of the brain. In women, FSH helps manage the menstrual cycle and stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs.
The test is used to help diagnose or evaluate:
- Menopause
- Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts
- Abnormal vaginal or menstrual bleeding
- Problems becoming pregnant, or infertility
LH
The LH blood test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. LH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland on the underside of the brain. In women, an increase in LH level causes ovulation. The test may indicate hormone issues that can cause irregular ovulation, infertility, or the onset of menopause.
Progesterone
A progesterone test measures the level of progesterone in your blood. Progesterone is a hormone made in the ovaries and it helps make your uterus ready to support a fertilized egg. Progesterone also helps prepare your breasts for making milk.
Progesterone levels vary during a woman’s menstrual cycle and progesterone levels in a pregnant woman are about 10 times higher than they are in a woman who is not pregnant.
Generally, a progesterone test can identify the causes of a woman’s infertility, and risk of miscarriage, and can help monitor other health concerns.
The physicians and consultants at Track Your Max in Webster, TX dedicate themselves to providing essential services to people who are taking their health seriously. If you are ready to have a dedicated team provide you with a breakdown of your body’s inner working and help you set up and meet health, wellness and weight goals, Track Your Max is ready for you.
