What to know about the Everlywell Metabolism Test

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Below, we describe Everlywell’s metabolism test and the hormones it measures. We also compare it with similar tests from some of the company’s competitors.

Everlywell says that its metabolism test can indicate whether a person has a slow, normal, or fast metabolism. The test analyzes cortisol, free testosterone, and TSH — three hormones that play a role in regulating metabolism.

Metabolism is the process of breaking down nutrients into energy.

The rate at which this happens, known as metabolic rate, depends on several factors, including:

• age
• gender
• muscle-to-fat ratio
• levels of exercise
• hormone function

Learn more about Everlywell.

The Everlywell Metabolism Test measures the levels of cortisol, free testosterone, and TSH — hormones that can influence a person’s metabolic rate — in samples of bodily fluids.

Learn more about metabolism tests.

The company states that an independent physician who is board certified in the customer’s state of residence will review each test.

A person can use this test by:

1. purchasing the kit online
2. registering the kit when it arrives
3. collecting a finger-prick blood sample and a saliva sample using the tools in the kit
4. mailing the samples to a certified laboratory using the prepaid shipping container provided

Within days of receiving the samples, Everlywell notifies the person that their test results are available. The person logs into the company’s secure platform to view their results and personalized recommendations.

Everlywell uses laboratories that meet the standards of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), which means that they are subject to state and federal certifications and inspections.

The company also states that it complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and encrypts people’s personal information.

The Everlywell Metabolism Test measures cortisol, free testosterone, and TSH levels.

Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone that the adrenal gland makes and releases into the bloodstream. Many cells have cortisol receptors, and this hormone has various effects on the body.

Cortisol helps control blood sugar, for example, which affects a person’s metabolism.

Learn more about testing cortisol levels.

Free testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that is naturally present in all humans. The gonads in the body produce it, and it affects muscle mass and body fat composition.

Learn more about testosterone.

TSH

The pituitary gland produces and releases TSH into the body. This hormone controls the production of two other thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

These two hormones have many roles, which include:

• maintaining metabolic rate
• heart and digestive functions
• brain development

Learn more about TSH.

A person’s test results may indicate whether they have low, high, or average levels of the three hormones that this test analyzes.

The company hosts live group webinars to discuss the next steps with a healthcare professional and others who have taken the test.

However, it is important to keep in mind that these test results do not represent a diagnosis. If they indicate an excess or deficiency of certain hormones, a person should contact a healthcare professional for further tests and treatment.

Cortisol

Having too much cortisol may lead to Cushing’s syndrome. This can have various effects, such as glucose intolerance, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and rapid weight gain in the face, chest, and torso. It may result from the use of oral, injected, inhaled, or topical steroid treatments for other health issues.

Additionally, having too much cortisol may lead to low libido. Females with too much cortisol may also experience fewer or irregular periods or stop menstruating.

In some cases, having too little cortisol may be a sign of Addison’s disease. The symptoms of this condition include gradual, unintentional weight loss and muscle weakness.

Free testosterone

Low levels of testosterone may lead to weight gain and higher cholesterol levels.

It is uncommon for adult males to produce too much testosterone. Females who produce an excess of this hormone may have polycystic ovary syndrome, which can lead to an increase in acne, body hair, and muscle mass.

Having too little testosterone can lead to an increase in body fat, a loss of muscle tone, fatigue, and a low sex drive. In males, it can cause erectile dysfunction.

TSH

Having too much TSH may indicate hypothyroidism. This condition can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weight gain, depression, tiredness, sensitivity to cold, muscle weakness, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, and irregular periods.

Having too little TSH may indicate hyperthyroidism. People with this condition may experience unintentional weight loss, excessive hunger, restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea, intolerance to heat, palpitations, and anxiety, among other symptoms.

Before purchasing an Everlywell Metabolism Test, a person may wish to consider these possible benefits and downsides:

The stand-alone cost of the Everlywell metabolism test is about $50, which includes free shipping of the test kit and free return shipping of the collected samples.

The test kit includes directions and all the materials that a person needs to collect saliva and finger-prick samples.

Individuals receive a digital, printable report, as well as access to a group webinar with a healthcare professional and additional support.

Subscriptions

A person may wish to conduct the same test every month to track health markers, such as free testosterone. To make this less expensive, Everlywell offers a subscription program.

The subscription program for the Everlywell Metabolism, also known as “Control” or “Current Membership,” costs about $25 per month, giving a person credit for one test a month. Under the “Current Membership” program, a person can choose to subscribe on a monthly, quarterly, or biannual basis.

Everlywell requires a subscriber to take a minimum number of tests before they can cancel.

A person with a monthly subscription must take at least three tests before canceling, whereas a minimum of two tests is necessary before canceling a quarterly or biannual subscription.

After meeting that requirement, a person can cancel at any time.

At the time of publishing, Everlywell did not hold accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB gives the company an A+ grade. However, the average customer rating is 1.1 out of 5 stars. On Trustpilot, customers give Everlywell an average rating of 2 out of 5 stars.

Positive reviews indicate that taking an at-home test was more convenient than booking a test through a doctor. One customer reports that the company’s customer service team was responsive when a test kit had defective parts.

Negative reviews say that Everlywell took up to several weeks to process the tests. One customer notes that the company’s results differed significantly from the results that they had received from other labs.

Several customers mention that a person can only contact Everlywell through an online form and cannot speak with a representative.

The table below compares the Everlywell Metabolism Test with two others: the myLAB Box At Home Metabolism Test and the Verisana Weight Hormone Check.

Below, we provide answers to some common questions relating to Everlywell’s Metabolism Test.

Does metabolic testing really work?

The Everlywell Metabolism Test measures cortisol, free testosterone, and TSH. The test can let a person know if these hormone levels are irregular. If a person’s levels are outside the standard range, they may wish to consult a doctor to learn about the steps they can take to protect their health.

What does the Everlywell Metabolism Test show?

The Everlywell Metabolism Test measures the levels of cortisol, free testosterone, and TSH in the body. Levels outside of the typical range may affect a person’s weight management, energy production, and other important bodily functions.

Cortisol helps the body regulate metabolism, the immune system, and stress. Testosterone affects body fat, muscle tone, and hair growth. TSH looks at how effectively the thyroid functions. The thyroid affects weight management, energy levels, and heat or cold sensitivity.

Is the Everlywell hormone test accurate?

The company website states that Everlywell uses CLIA-certified labs to run all of its tests.

CLIA-certified labs must meet the standards necessary for state and federal certification by passing regular, independent inspections.

These labs are often the same ones that independent physicians use to conduct tests, and they conduct their own quality assurance tests.

The Everlywell Metabolism Test measures the levels of cortisol, free testosterone, and TSH in a person’s blood and saliva. The results of this analysis may provide an insight into whether the person’s metabolic rate is slow, fast, or within a normal range.

However, at-home metabolism test results are not a diagnosis. If the results indicate higher or lower levels of one or more hormones, it is important to contact a healthcare professional for further tests and treatment.