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At-home hormone test results can indicate a hormonal imbalance. Testing at home can provide a more private and sometimes affordable option. This article features the best hormone tests for fertility, thyroid, menopause, and more.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Hormones are essential in many aspects of health, from growth and metabolism to cardiovascular health and mood. Some changes in hormone levels are typical, while others can indicate an irregularity. A person may monitor their levels at home for a range of reasons.
Some people require continued monitoring and may prefer the comfort and convenience of at-home tests. For example, this may be true for pregnant people or those with weakened immune systems. Some hormones also decrease with age. Older adults who regularly check their levels may also find it more convenient to test from home.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the majority of at-home tests. It states that while at-home tests can be fast, cost-effective, and confidential, they should not replace the care of a person’s regular healthcare professional.
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will select companies that process test samples in CLIA certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: We evaluated and included companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers additional support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Different tests can check hormone levels. Some common ones include fertility, thyroid, and testosterone tests.
Fertility
Around 19% of females will experience difficulty getting pregnant after one year of trying.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hormonal imbalances can cause infertility in both males and females.
A male’s sperm count may become very low if the pituitary gland in the body produces too much prolactin. Females who have too much testosterone or prolactin may also find it difficult to conceive.
Fertility tests for females often look at levels of hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol. If these hormones are not in the typical range for a person’s age, it may suggest difficulties in conceiving.
Fertility tests for males often check sperm count and mobility. Low sperm count or low mobility may indicate a male is infertile.
Thyroid
The thyroid is an important gland that helps support many bodily functions, such as basal metabolic rate, reproductive production, and body growth.
Having an overactive or underactive thyroid can negatively impact health. Thyroid tests will check a person’s thyroid levels against the typical range in people of the same age group. A result outside the typical range means people may wish to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Testosterone is an androgen that is typically present at higher levels in males than females. The body produces more of this hormone when people hit puberty.
Too little testosterone in males can cause difficulty growing facial or body hair, low sperm count, low libido, and difficulty gaining muscle mass.
Tests screening for testosterone will check the levels present in the body against typical ranges. Having too much or too little testosterone will require seeking advice from a healthcare professional to discuss treatment options.
At-home testing cannot replace in-person medical care. At-home test results are insufficient to diagnose a health condition, and people may not want to change their diet, stop or start medication, or make large lifestyle changes based on the results of an at-home test.
A person can discuss their at-home test results with a doctor before making these changes.
It is possible to check hormone levels without going to a doctor. People can buy at-home hormone test kits from companies such as LetsGetChecked and Everlywell.
Although these tests can inform a person about various hormone levels, buyers may not want to change their diet, medication, or lifestyle based on the results without first discussing them with a doctor.
Many companies work with CLIA certified and some CAP accredited laboratories to analyze people’s hormone test samples, meaning the labs comply with federal and state regulations and go through regular checks on their tests’ accuracy.
However, results from at-home tests can vary. These products may not test as widely as tests from the doctor’s office. Several factors may influence their accuracy, including user error, damage or contamination during shipping, and in some cases companies not using CLIA-accredited labs.
The FDA states that people can always discuss their at-home test results with a doctor who can interpret them correctly. Getting tested at a doctor’s office will ensure a person has help understanding their results.
A doctor will not always need to order a hormone test to effectively treat a condition. For example, a person going through menopause is unlikely to need hormone testing before a doctor prescribes hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
If a doctor does not test hormones, it is possible to order tests at home. However, people may wish to interpret the results with the help of a healthcare professional.
The FDA states that at-home tests can be cost-effective and confidential. However, they may not test as widely or be as accurate as tests available from a doctor’s office.
People looking for a test to monitor their hormone levels in conjunction with regular care from a doctor may find these tests useful. However, getting tested at a doctor’s office will ensure a person gets the insight, support, and testing panels needed for their situation.
The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance will differ depending on which hormone is affected and whether a person has too much or too little of a certain hormone.
People with a hormonal imbalance may experience:
weight gain
sudden weight loss
fatigue
mood changes
increased thirst or hunger
changes in sex drive
menstrual changes
However, symptoms can vary widely, and the list above is not exhaustive.
Companies offering at-home tests typically ask customers to test in the morning. This is especially important if a person is testing cortisol levels.
People can follow the instructions on the test they buy.
Anyone who suspects their symptoms result from an imbalance may consult a doctor. If they diagnose a health issue related to hormones, a person might also consider testing their hormone levels at home for greater clarity.
Hormones play an essential role in a person’s health and well-being. At-home tests can be a straightforward and convenient way to monitor levels of specific hormones.
While many testing kits are available, it is worth noting that these tests alone cannot diagnose a health issue. Anyone with concerns can contact a healthcare professional.
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