Hormonal Blood Work

what to get tested, when, and what it shows us 🩸

So I recently just got my own hormonal panel done

and was excited to see how much has shifted in a positive direction (sharing the details on this journey soon)

pretty much everything came back perfect, both conventionally and optimally….except for one thing

a little hormone called DHEA-S

Which is a hormone that tends to go up when we’re stressed

the takeaway for me: the clear need to keep on creating space for myself. Not just to do the things like meditation and breathwork, etc. but to work on my perceived level of stress daily

My motivation is particularly up because I also know what a toll high DHEA-S can take on our health down the line

• High stress = high DHEA

• High DHEA can cause blood sugar dysregulation

• Dysregulated blood sugar = high insulin

• High insulin = increased andrgons

• Increased androgens = missed ovulation

See when you start seeing hormones as bigger part of the picture, we can create a deeper understanding with our body.

Hormones are the messengers of the body, orchestrating everything from metabolism and mood to digestion and fertility.

When something feels off—whether it’s irregular cycles, unrelenting fatigue, or skin issues—hormonal imbalances are often at play.

Now hormone imbalances aren’t actually the “root” though - but they do give us a LOT of insight into where we need to put our support

And how do we do that?

Blood work ✨

Blood work is one of the most standard routine lab works around and most of us have access to it + it can offer profound insight into what’s really going on beneath the surface, helping you take a targeted, effective approach to restoring balance.

Who should test their hormones?

Short answer: pretty much all women IMO

not all the time ofc - but at least once a year. Because our hormones and our cycle give us vital information into a health

If you’re really trying to see if it’s worth it, then if you fall into the below….this might be your sign

• Your cycle is irregular – Maybe your periods are MIA, show up unpredictably, or come with all the drama (cramps, clots, mood swings that make you question everything). Testing your hormones can give insight into what’s really happening.

• Your skin won’t chill – Hormonal acne, excessive oil, or even sudden dry patches can be linked to androgens, estrogen, and your thyroid.

• You feel like you’re weight is changing overnight – Or you just can’t lose it, no matter how well you eat or how many Pilates classes you take. Insulin, cortisol, and thyroid function might be at play.

• Your mood is unpredictable – Anxiety, depression, or mood swings? Especiallllyyyy before your cycle Your hormones influence neurotransmitters, which means imbalances could be fueling the rollercoaster.

• You’re struggling with fertility – Whether you're trying to conceive now or want to set yourself up for a future pregnancy, understanding your hormone levels is crucial.

• Low libido and sleep struggles – These often go hand in hand with hormonal dysfunction (especially testosterone and cortisol imbalances).

If any of this sounds like you, testing your hormones can give you a clear roadmap for getting back to feeling good in your body.

Okay so what hormones should be tested?

So some of this depends on the person, but below is a quick reference list:

Sex Hormones: