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Testing your hormone levels at home may provide insight into how your body functions. However, knowing how to use this information likely requires medical expertise. Learn more and read about our testers’ experiences.
Chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, infertility, and hair loss can all signal a hormonal imbalance. You might consider a hormone test if you’re experiencing these or more.
Hormone tests can provide insight into thyroid function, fertility, and testosterone level, among other considerations. The best at-home hormone test for you depends on the specific hormones you want to measure.
Here are four of the top hormone tests on the market and what they can teach you about your body.
A few important notes about at-home hormone tests
The at-home test kits included in this article have passed our vetting process. That said, most at-home tests are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some don’t test as accurately or widely for certain antibodies, chemicals, or other variations as tests done through a lab or doctor’s office.
Though at-home tests may provide some quick information, the results may not be easy to understand. User error with the collection process can also sway results.
The tests listed below are recommended while working with a healthcare professional to ensure you get the best possible care.
An important note: Do not change your medication based on at-home test kit results. Always consult a doctor before making changes to your medication. For abnormal results, ensure the tests are confirmed at a lab and with supervision and guidance from a healthcare professional.
When researching at-home hormone tests, we read online reviews to determine the best tests on the market. We also ensured that people working for these services are licensed, each test is analyzed in a certified lab, and the brands have Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and College of American Pathologists certifications.
In addition, we considered the available research that supports each test, the company’s reputation, marketing processes, clinical relevance, and methodology.
We made sure the companies do not make any claims without scientific support, and we considered any legal action taken against a company, if at all.
We review products and services periodically to ensure they meet standards according to our vetting process.
Hormones serve as chemical messengers, carrying signals to different body areas and affecting vital functions like metabolism and growth. They are produced by the endocrine system and contain information that tells different organs and tissues throughout the body how to function.
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you can speak with a doctor who can perform a comprehensive exam.
At-home tests may be an option if you want to view your levels before speaking with a doctor, but only a medical professional can diagnose a hormone imbalance.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, including losing or gaining weight without trying, unexplained joint pain, severe fatigue, or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, it’s important to speak with a doctor.
Also consider seeing a doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant and are having difficulty or if you’re experiencing other reproductive issues.
These are not conditions that can be self-diagnosed with an at-home test.
Dr. Philip Ngo, a pharmacist in Houston, said the use of at-home testing is limited in general. The exceptions are when testing for COVID-19, pregnancy, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When testing for something as complex as hormones, it’d be difficult for most people to understand the results or know what to do next.
“For example, if [you] test for low testosterone, what are you going to do with that? [You] can’t buy testosterone over the counter,” Dr. Ngo said.
“At-home tests are great for your own personal knowledge, but if you want to take active steps toward treating whatever issue it is … [you want to] have a provider, in reading these tests, interpreting the results, to give you a formal diagnosis, versus you trying to wing it yourself and guessing at it.”
Yes, but you’ll likely need to speak with a medical professional to understand what the results mean for you.
Also, having a test ordered by a doctor ensures that the right things are being tested so the results come out conclusive.
And if you are experiencing symptoms of a possible hormone imbalance, it’s important to get a medical diagnosis to understand what might be going on.
Even so, at-home tests may be a starting point for your own self-knowledge in learning about your hormonal levels.
You might suspect that you have a hormonal imbalance if you’re unable to get pregnant, your weight fluctuates rapidly, you have unwanted hair growth, you constantly feel tired, or you have other issues with your metabolism.
It’s important to find a company that uses a certified lab. Dr. Chris Airey is a medical director at Optimale, a men’s health company providing testosterone replacement therapy in the United Kingdom.
Airey answered some questions about at-home tests, especially about their accuracy. “If results can’t be independently confirmed by multiple labs, there’s a chance you’re being persuaded to purchase a solution to a nonexistent problem,” Airey explains.
“When looking for an accurate at-home testing kit, make sure there are options to keep and share your results, as well as options for medical professional support. That can help ensure your results are accurate and being used for something other than a business gimmick,” he adds.
Think of your hormones as tiny messengers sending vital instructions throughout the body. If your hormones cannot deliver their message, your body functions can weaken.
At-home hormone tests can pinpoint which hormones might negatively affect your body. They can help a doctor provide a treatment plan to help regulate your system.
While at-home hormone tests are growing in popularity, they might not be as reliable as a lab-collected test. Regardless, at-home hormone tests may be a great starting point to get the health information you need.
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