Hormones affect growth, reproduction, mood, sexual function and metabolism. Even small imbalances can cause huge problems. To stay balanced, hormone levels can be tested in three ways. Measuring hormone levels in blood, urine and saliva can help evaluate proper functioning of the glands and organs that produce hormones.
Establishment of normal hormone levels
Step 1
Confirm the normal hormone level for the hormone you are having tested. According to the National Medical Library, the normal hormone level varies, depending on the gender, age and the specific hormone being tested.
Step 2
Make an appointment with your doctor for a blood test to measure hormone level. A medical doctor uses blood tests to measure DHEA, cortisol, testeosterone, thyroid hormones, progesterone, and estrogen. He draws blood from the vein into a test tube and the specimen is taken to a laboratory for testing.
Step 3
Consult your doctor for a urine test. Depending on the specific hormone being tested, the urine test may need repeating for several days or at several times within a certain time frame. Urine tests are common to determine hormonal changes due to ovulation and pregnancy. Follow the directions precisely on a home urine test kit to get the correct results.
Step 4
Refrain from eating or drinking for two hours prior to a saliva test. Swallow all the saliva in your mouth, then chew paraffin tablets 60 times per minute for three minutes. The concentration of the hormone being tested will be evaluated by a lab technician or medical professional.
Things You'll Need
- Medical doctor
- Medical laboratory
- Blood samples
- Urine samples
- Saliva samples
- Urine speciment cup
- Sterile test tubes
- Laboratory testing equipment
- Home testing kits
- Paraffin tablets
- Patient with a hormonal imbalance
References
- "Hormones"; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 1/25/10
- "Serum progesterone"; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 4/21/09
- "Testosterone:/ U.S. National Library of Medicine; 1/21/10
- "Estradiol test"; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 7/26/09
- "Cortisone level"; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 11/23/09
