A Guide to Home Hormone Testing
Yes, there are several tests available to check hormone levels. The specific test or combination of tests will depend on the hormones being evaluated and the individual's symptoms or medical history.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemicals made by glands in the body. They travel in the bloodstream and act as messengers, controlling and coordinating various functions like growth, metabolism, and mood. Examples include insulin, which regulates blood sugar, and oestrogen, which affects reproductive processes. Other examples are FSH, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and the thyroid hormones, as well as dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. Hormones interact with specific receptors on target cells, triggering responses. The body tightly regulates hormone levels to maintain balance. Problems with hormones can lead to health issues.
Some common hormone tests include:
- Blood tests: These are the most common method for assessing hormone levels. A sample of blood is drawn, usually from a vein in the arm, and then analysed in a laboratory. This can measure levels of hormones such as thyroid hormones, FSH, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and others.
- Saliva tests: Some hormones can also be measured in saliva, including cortisol and sometimes oestrogen and testosterone. Saliva testing may be preferred in certain situations, such as when multiple samples are needed to track hormone levels throughout the day.
- Urine tests: Like saliva tests, urine tests can also be used to measure certain hormones, such such as reproductive hormones like FSH.
- Stimulation or suppression tests: These tests involve administering a substance to stimulate or suppress the production of a particular hormone, followed by measurement of hormone levels in the blood or urine. For example, a glucose tolerance test can be used to assess insulin levels, or a suppression test can be used to evaluate cortisol levels.
- Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be used to evaluate the structure and function of hormone-producing organs, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, or ovaries.
Can you check your hormone levels at home?
Yes, there are some home hormone testing kits available on the market. These test kits typically involve collecting a sample (such as blood, saliva or urine) at home and then you either do the test straight away yourself with a rapid test kit or it may involve sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
Here are a few types of home hormone tests:
- Urine hormone tests: Urine hormone tests involve collecting urine samples at home and then either using a home test kit or sending them to a lab for analysis. Urine tests may be used to measure hormones like cortisol, reproductive hormones, and others.
- At-home blood spot tests: At-home blood spot tests are available where a small drop of blood is collected from a finger prick and then used with a test kit or placed on a special paper card which is then sent to a lab for analysis of various hormones.
- Saliva hormone tests: These kits typically involve collecting saliva samples at various times of the day (morning, afternoon, evening) and then mailing them to a lab for analysis. Saliva tests are often used to measure hormones like cortisol, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Learn more about health screening tests here
Buy a test to check your hormone levels
You can purchase the following home test kits to check hormone levels form us:
- FSH test kit-A home urine FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) test kit allows women to measure their FSH levels conveniently at home. FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in reproductive health, particularly in the regulation of menstrual cycles and fertility. By testing urine samples collected at specific times during the menstrual cycle, typically on specific days of the cycle or at specific times of day, individuals can monitor their FSH levels. This information may be helpful for women trying to conceive or woman who think they may be in perimenopause, as elevated FSH levels can indicate diminished ovarian reserve, perimenopause or menopause. Home urine FSH test kits provide a non-invasive and accessible way to gather valuable hormonal information. You may find this article on testing for perimenopause helpful
- Thyroid test kit- The ALLTEST Thyroid Home Test Kit offers a convenient and effective test for assessing underactive thyroid levels from the comfort of home. With straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions, this home thyroid test enables you to monitor your thyroid health with ease. The home thyroid function test kit measures the level of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) in your blood, helping to detect an underactive thyroid. However, it should be noted that this test kit does not detect an overactive thyroid.
If you encounter any issues or have specific queries about either of the home hormone test kits we stock or the purchase process, please contact our customer support team who will be happy to assist you