As a woman navigating the complexities of perimenopause, you might find yourself dealing with unexpected symptoms. From weight gain and irregular periods to hair loss and fluctuating sex drive, these changes can be unsettling. But remember: Perimenopause can be managed effectively with accurate testing, reliable information, and the right support. Let's dive into the root causes of hormone imbalance, how to test hormone levels, and how Proov Empower can guide you through this journey.
Where does hormone imbalance come from?
Hormone imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. In women, this is often tied to the phases of menopause, starting with premenopause and transitioning through early and late perimenopause, and finally post-menopause. During these stages, estrogen and progesterone levels can fluctuate significantly, leading to various symptoms. Factors like stress, diet, and lifestyle can also contribute to hormonal imbalances.
What hormones are fluctuating and why does it happen?
At Proov, we test 4 hormones: FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), estrogen (via E1G and PDG), progesterone, and LH (luteinizing hormone). FSH gradually rises as you move toward menopause, but estrogen and progesterone fluctuate. During perimenopause, progesterone production gradually decreases while estrogen levels tend to fluctuate, spiking and then dropping over time. These fluctuations can cause symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, and irregular periods. The hormone changes aim to prepare your body for the end of the menstrual cycle, but they can also disrupt your daily life.
Testing your hormones is crucial to understanding your body and managing symptoms effectively. There are several methods available:
- Blood Tests: Blood tests are a common method for checking hormone levels. They provide accurate measurements of various hormones at a single point in time, including estrogen and progesterone, but this single point doesn’t give you the full picture of what’s happening with your body day to day. This type of test is typically performed in a lab or doctor's office and involves drawing a blood sample.
- Lab Tests: Lab tests might involve a series of blood, saliva, or urine tests. These can offer comprehensive insights into your hormone levels and fluctuations over time. Lab tests can be more detailed and provide a broader picture of your hormonal health, but they tend to be expensive, time-consuming, and delayed results can be an issue.
- At-Home Urine Tests: At-home urine tests, like those offered by Proov, are convenient, non-invasive, and don’t require a visit to the doctor. They measure hormone metabolites throughout your cycle, providing information on hormone production. This method is particularly useful for accurate testing and monitoring over several days or weeks.
When should you test your hormone levels?
Recognizing the right time to test is crucial. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be time to consider a hormone test:
- Weight gain: Unexplained weight gain, especially in your lower abdomen, can be a sign of hormonal imbalance.
- Irregular periods: Changes in your menstrual cycle, such as missed or unusually heavy periods or shorter cycles.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired, no matter how much sleep you get.
- Mood swings: Severe changes in mood, anxiety, or depression.
- Sex drive: Noticeable decrease in libido.
It’s also important to consider the timing within your menstrual cycle. For instance, testing FSH levels is often done on day 2-5 of your cycle, while progesterone is best tested on day 21.
Is there a “best time” in the day or your cycle to test?
Yes, timing can influence test results. For blood and urine tests, it’s often recommended to test in the morning when hormone levels are more concentrated. For menstrual cycle timing, FSH is typically tested early in the cycle (day 3-5), estrogen is typically tested on days 5, 12, and 21, while progesterone is tested mid-luteal phase (day 21). Following these guidelines ensures more accurate results and better insights into your hormonal health.
How Proov Empower can help
Proov Empower is dedicated to helping you navigate the perimenopause journey with confidence and clarity. Our hormone tests are designed to be easy and non-invasive (just pee!), providing you with accurate and actionable insights. We offer natural solution options to help support your journey, along with quality customer care from women who understand what you're going through. Plus, we can connect you with medical experts quickly if you need prescriptions or further guidance.
Our comprehensive support system ensures you have all the information and tools you need to explore your options and manage your hormone health effectively. With Proov Empower, you’re never alone on this journey. We’re here to help you understand your body and find the best path forward.
