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 optimallyâŚ.except for one thing
a little hormone called DHEA-S
Which is a hormone that tends to go up when weâre 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 offâwhether itâs irregular cycles, unrelenting fatigue, or skin issuesâhormonal imbalances are often at play.
Now hormone imbalances arenât actually the ârootâ 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 â¨
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 whatâs 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 youâre really trying to see if itâs worth it, then if you fall into the belowâŚ.this might be your sign
Your cycle is irregular â 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 whatâs really happening.
Your skin wonât chill â Hormonal acne, excessive oil, or even sudden dry patches can be linked to androgens, estrogen, and your thyroid.
You feel like youâre weight is changing overnight â Or you just canât 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 â Anxiety, depression, or mood swings? Especiallllyyyy before your cycle Your hormones influence neurotransmitters, which means imbalances could be fueling the rollercoaster.
Youâre struggling with fertility â 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 â 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:
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