Understanding your hormone levels, how they fluctuate over your cycle and how they change over different life stages can help you keep track of any imbalances that may make you feel less than your best. Together, these tests offer an in-depth look at how well your hormones are supporting your mood, health and lifestyle.

This is what the test will measure:

Estrogen

Estradiol is the main form of estrogen found in a woman's body and is the most potent of the three naturally produced estrogens. It plays a vital role in the reproductive system and the regulation of a woman's menstrual cycle, as well as many other areas including bone strength, heart health, metabolism and nerve health. Estradiol levels start to fall as a woman enters perimenopause, causing a range of what can be debilitating symptoms. The reduction in estrogen at the time of menopause has been linked to the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in your brain. Although it is often present in non-pregnant males and females, prolactin’s main role is to produce milk. The chemical dopamine regulates the concentration of prolactin in the body, and its levels can be raised in response to stress. However, the main use of this test can be to identify problems with fertility or irregular periods.

Low levels of prolactin are not usually a cause for concern, but high levels can be caused by several factors. In women, prolactin can affect the ability to conceive because it prevents the ovaries from making the hormone, estrogen.

DHEA-s

DHEA-s is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and its levels are an indicator of adrenal function and exposure to stressors. Its production is highest in the late teens to early 20s and declines gradually with age. Low DHEA-s can result in reduced libido and general malaise, while high DHEA-s can have masculinizing effects on women because it metabolizes androgens, including testosterone.

Normal cortisol production shows a healthy ability to respond to stress. Low cortisol levels can indicate adrenal fatigue and can leave the body more vulnerable to poor blood sugar regulation and immune system dysfunction. Constant exposure to stressors has serious implications for long-term health, including an increased risk of cancer, osteoporosis, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Baseline FSH levels typically increase with age due to diminished ovarian reserve, and over time more FSH is needed to stimulate ovarian function. A normal FSH level may imply a person with a uterus has an appropriate egg quantity for their reproductive stage.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

LH is responsible for the stimulation and maturation of ovarian follicles in the ovaries. In women, LH levels rise naturally around the time of the menopause, highlighting the reduced function of the ovaries as well as the reduction in estrogen and progesterone production.