QUESTION:
What is a hormone panel, and do I need to get one done?
ANSWER:
Several types of female hormone panels are available to choose from, depending upon
a woman’s age, medical history, and symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation might include
a thyroid assessment, adrenal testing, lipid profile, and analysis of your sex steroids,
including total estrogen, progesterone, free testosterone, pregnenolone, and DHEA
sulfate, among others.
We recommend getting a hormone panel done if you feel your hormones are out of balance.
Symptoms of hormonal imbalance that you may notice include
irregular or severe periods, PMS,
fatigue,
cravings for salt, caffeine or carbohydrates,
hot flashes, night
sweats, mood swings,
weight gain,
feeling depressed or overwhelmed, insomnia,
or any combination of these. If indeed your hormones are out of balance, you can
work with your practitioner to find the best natural solution, and be sure to get
regular hormone panels in follow-up to monitor your progress.
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