Skip to main content
Pale balls balancing on plank against green and pink background

Do you need a hormone imbalance test?

Peer reviewed by Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGPAuthored by Victoria RawOriginally published 9 Jan 2025

If your hormones are out of balance, your body may show certain symptoms or changes. The best way to check for a hormone imbalance is by talking to your doctor, who may recommend you for a test. In this article, we look at what a hormone imbalance test involves, the common symptoms, and explore potential health issues linked to hormonal imbalances.

In this article:

A hormone imbalance test isn't typically something you can request directly on the NHS. Private testing options are available, with some companies even providing home testing kits. However, if you're having symptoms you believe could be related to a hormone imbalance, it's important to discuss these concerns with your doctor rather than seeking a test yourself. They can assess your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and determine the best course of action for your situation.

Continue reading below

What is a hormone imbalance test?

Your body relies on hormones to function properly. They're basically chemical messengers that carry signals to various parts of your body to keep it running smoothly.

Hormones are important for key bodily processes, such as:

  • Growth.

  • Metabolism.

  • Mood.

  • Reproduction.

  • Sexual function.

A hormone imbalance test analyses blood, pee or saliva samples to measure important hormones to see if they're within a healthy range.

What does a hormone imbalance test look for?

This type of test examines the levels of these hormones in your body to spot any irregularities.

Deborah Grayson, Pharmacist and Nutritional Therapist, Practice With Confidence, Greater Manchester, UK explains the roles of these hormones and why testing them is important for understanding your health.

Sex hormones

Your sex hormones play a key role in your sexual development and reproductive function.

  • Oestrogen (oestradiol, oestrone, oestriol) - low or high levels may suggest menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fertility issues, or hormonal imbalances in men, such as gynaecomastia.

  • Progesterone - imbalances may cause menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, or issues during pregnancy.

  • Testosterone - low levels can cause fatigue, low libido, and erectile dysfunction in men, while high levels in women may signal PCOS or other conditions.

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) - imbalances can affect energy, mood, and sexual function.

Thyroid hormones

Your thyroid hormones regulate metabolism - the chemical process that controls how your body produces energy.

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T4 (thyroxine) and Free T3 (triiodothyronine) - tests assess under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which can cause tiredness weight changes, or mood issues.

  • Thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TGAb) - detects autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.

Adrenal hormones

Adrenal hormones help manage your stress response, blood pressure and metabolism.

  • Cortisol - high levels may indicate stress, and Cushing's syndrome, while low levels may be a sign of Addison's disease.

  • Aldosterone - helps diagnose issues with salt balance and blood pressure.

Reproductive hormones

Your reproductive hormones are essential for sexual development, fertility, and regulating your menstrual cycle.

  • Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - imbalances may indicate ovulatory dysfunction, menopause, or pituitary issues.

  • Prolactin - high levels can cause infertility, irregular periods, or unexpected milk production.

Metabolic hormones

Metabolic hormones regulate growth and development, controlling how your body uses energy and absorbs food.

  • Insulin - tests for insulin resistance or diabetes.

  • Leptin and ghrelin - identifies appetite dysregulation or metabolic disorders.

Bone and calcium-regulating hormones

These hormones help balance calcium levels in your blood. Healthy calcium levels are vital for muscle function, nerve health, and blood clotting.

  • Parathyroid hormone (PTH) - imbalances can affect calcium levels and bone health.

  • Vitamin D (calcitriol) - low levels are linked to weak bones, tiredness, and mood issues.

Other hormones

To get a full picture of your hormonal health, a hormone imbalance test may also examine levels of the following:

  • Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) - imbalances may cause growth disorders or metabolic issues.

  • Melatonin - irregular levels might disrupt sleep patterns.

Continue reading below

What are the signs of a hormone imbalance?

A combination of symptoms can suggest that your hormone levels may be imbalanced.

According to Grayson, a hormone imbalance test is often ordered if you have the following:

  • Tiredness.

  • Unexplained weight gain or loss.

  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression.

  • Hair thinning or excessive hair growth.

  • Irregular periods or infertility.

  • Hot flashes or night sweats.

  • Low libido.

  • Digestive issues.

  • Sleep disturbances.

What happens during a hormone imbalance test?

To assess your hormone levels, your doctor may order a blood, pee, or saliva test.

Grayson says blood tests are generally the most common for measuring hormone levels. A saliva test is usually used to measure your adrenal and sex hormone levels, while a pee test offers a broader profile, especially for adrenal and metabolic hormones.

"It is important to remember that hormones can fluctuate daily, and only reflect a snapshot in time," she says. "Some tests may be repeated to ensure that your levels are consistently out of range."

She adds that some hormone imbalance tests may only be available privately.

Continue reading below

How are hormone imbalances treated?

Treating a hormone imbalance depends on the underlying cause and the specific hormones involved.

Grayson says: "It can involve taking a medicine that acts in the same way as the hormone or inhibiting excess hormone production according to the imbalance present. Some imbalances may require surgery - for example an over-active parathyroid gland.

"Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended for women when hormone levels are below the minimum range for the specific hormone, or are borderline, but you are still having symptoms - such as in perimenopause."

She explains that lifestyle changes or dietary adjustments may also help manage hormone imbalances.

These can include:

  • Managing stress through practising mindfulness, yoga or meditation.

  • Improving your diet by focusing on whole foods, healthy fats and nutrient-dense meals.

  • Prioritise sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep a day.

  • Incorporating moderate exercise into your daily routine - around 150 minutes a week.

"Stress and lifestyle factors significantly contribute to hormone imbalances by disrupting the delicate hormonal equilibrium in the body," says Grayson. "Long-term or extreme stress, poor lifestyle habits, and environmental factors can trigger or worsen imbalances, leading to various symptoms and health conditions."

If you have symptoms of a hormone imbalance, it's best to speak to your doctor for a proper medical assessment. They will decide on the most effective approach - whether that's lifestyle recommendations, tests, treatment options, or ongoing monitoring.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

flu eligibility checker

Are you protected against flu?

See if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab today.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free