Women’s Health Test

The Home Test Box At-Home Women’s Health Test measures five hormones that can affect a woman’s mood, weight, sex drive, muscle mass, and energy levels.

The Home Test Box At-Home Women’s Health Test measures the following hormone levels:

• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Cortisol

You can check hormone levels with an at-home test or at a clinic. The Home Test Box at-home Women’s Health Test uses a saliva sample you collect in the morning by spitting in a tube that comes with the kit. You then mail the sample to a lab. You will be not and get your results online. Hormone testing at a clinic usually involves a blood test, during which blood is drawn from a vein in your arm.

Your results will provide detailed information on whether your testosterone, DHEA, estradiol, and cortisol levels are normal, low, or high compared to reference ranges. If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances, sharing your test results with your healthcare provider can help them recommend possible next steps.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. While it is commonly referred to as the "stress hormone," cortisol has many essential functions. It is involved in managing how your body uses macronutrients, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, and controlling the sleep-wake cycle. 

In healthy amounts, cortisol helps control and regulate energy metabolism, which can influence weight. 

However, chronically elevated cortisol can slow our metabolism and hinder weight loss. Over time, chronic stress and overproduction of cortisol can contribute to decreased muscle mass, strength, endurance, and motivation to exercise. It can also lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and depression, negatively affecting physical and mental well-being and overall fitness.

Sources:

Hackney AC, Walz EA. Hormonal adaptation and the stress of exercise training: the role of glucocorticoids. Trends in sport sciences. 2013;20(4):165-171. Accessed January 13, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5988244/

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone made by the adrenal glands and liver. It plays a role in estrogen and testosterone production. 

DHEA levels tend to decrease with age, which has been linked to reduced muscle mass, strength, and bone density. 

While some preliminary research suggests that DHEA may have a role in weight loss by increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat, others show little effect on weight.  Therefore, more research is needed to understand the effects of DHEA on weight loss fully and to determine its safety and effectiveness as a weight loss supplement. 

It’s important to note that the FDA does not approve DHEA supplements for weight loss, and it's not well understood how they interact with other medications or supplements. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

For athletes, DHEA is banned by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Sources: 

Endocrine Society. Adrenal Hormones. Endocrine.org. Published January 24, 2022. Accessed January 13, 2023. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/adrenal-hormones

Saling J. DHEA Supplements. WebMD. Published October 2, 2012. Accessed January 13, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/diet/dhea-supplements

Estradiol is a type of estrogen, a hormone that is primarily produced in the ovaries in women. It is also produced in the adrenal glands, body fat, and, during pregnancy, the placenta. 

Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen and the most prevalent during a female’s reproductive years. 

Some functions of estradiol include the following:

• Growth of reproductive organs 
• Development of sexual characteristics
• Menstrual cycle regulation
• Supports bone growth and maintains bone and joint health

Too much estradiol may result in acne, loss of sex drive, osteoporosis, and depression.

Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout life, rising during puberty and falling approaching menopause. 

They can also change depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle. It’s normal for estrogen levels to rise during ovulation and drop when you are on your period.

However, levels that are consistently high or low can be related to an underlying condition. If your levels are out of range, consult a healthcare provider.

Progesterone is a female sex hormone primarily produced by the ovaries after ovulation. Progesterone’s main job is to get your uterus ready for pregnancy, but it also helps regulate your menstrual cycle. 

Low progesterone levels can affect the ability to get or stay pregnant.

Symptoms of low progesterone in non-pregnant women include:

• Headaches and migraines
• Mood changes
• Menstrual cycle irregularity

Testosterone is the primary androgen, meaning it stimulates the development of male characteristics. Although it’s commonly referred to as the “male sex hormone,” testosterone is also found in women. However, women produce much less than men. 

Too much testosterone is associated with irregular or absent menstrual periods. It is also linked to increased body hair, frontal balding, acne, an enlarged clitoris, and a deepened voice. High testosterone can also lead to infertility.