Hormone Test: What It Really Shows and When You Need One

If you feel tired no matter how much you sleep, struggle to lose weight, have mood swings, low libido, or irregular periods, a hormone test may be the missing piece.

Hormones control how your body works. When they are out of balance, symptoms appear long before blood results are labelled “abnormal”. This is why testing matters, and why how you test matters just as much.

What Is a Hormone Test?

A hormone test measures chemical messengers that regulate energy, metabolism, stress response, sleep, fertility, and mood.

Common hormones tested include:

• Cortisol (stress hormone)
• Thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T4, Free T3)
• Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
• DHEA
• Insulin
• Melatonin

These tests help identify functional imbalances, not just disease-level problems.

Symptoms That Often Signal the Need for a Hormone Test

You may benefit from hormone testing if you experience:

• Chronic fatigue or burnout
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Anxiety, low mood, or brain fog
• Poor sleep or early waking
• Irregular periods or PMS
• Low libido
• Hair thinning or acne
• Heat intolerance or feeling cold all the time

These symptoms are common, but they are not normal.

Types of Hormone Tests (And Why One Size Does Not Fit All)

1. Blood Hormone Test

Best for:

• Thyroid hormones
• Testosterone
• Estrogen levels at a single point in time

Limitations:

• Does not show daily hormone rhythms
• Often misses stress-related imbalances

2. Saliva Hormone Test

Best for:

• Cortisol rhythm (morning to night)
• Free, bioavailable hormones
• Stress and adrenal assessment

This is especially useful for burnout, anxiety, and sleep issues.

3. Urine Hormone Test

Best for:

• Hormone metabolism
• Estrogen detox pathways
• Comprehensive sex hormone patterns

Often used in functional and integrative medicine for deeper insights.

When Is the Best Time to Do a Hormone Test?

Timing matters.

• Cortisol should be tested across the day, not once
• Female hormones should be tested based on cycle phase
• Thyroid tests should include Free T3 and Free T4, not TSH alone

Testing without context leads to missed diagnoses and frustration.

Why Many Hormone Tests Come Back “Normal” (But You Still Feel Awful)

Reference ranges are based on population averages, not optimal health.

You can be:

• “Normal” on paper
• But functionally exhausted, inflamed, or hormonally dysregulated

Functional interpretation looks at:

• Patterns
• Ratios
• Symptoms alongside results

This is where most people finally get answers.

What Happens After a Hormone Test?

A hormone test is not the end. It is the starting point.

Results are used to:

• Identify root causes (stress, inflammation, nutrient depletion)
• Create a personalised treatment plan
• Support hormones naturally through nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation
• Track progress over time

Random supplements without testing often worsen imbalances.

Hormone Testing in South Africa: What You Should Know

Many standard labs test hormones, but few interpret them functionally.

At Ask Dr Olz:

• Testing is chosen based on your symptoms
• Results are explained clearly
• Treatment focuses on restoring balance, not masking symptoms
• Care is available via telehealth across South Africa

Do You Need a Hormone Test Right Now?

You likely do if:

• You have persistent symptoms with no clear diagnosis
• You have tried diet, exercise, or medication with little success
• You suspect stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormone issues
• You want clarity instead of guessing

Next Step: Test, Don’t Guess

Hormones affect every system in your body.
Ignoring them keeps you stuck.

A properly chosen hormone test can explain why your body feels the way it does and guide you toward real, lasting improvement.

👉 Book a hormone assessment with Ask Dr Olz and get answers tailored to your body, your symptoms, and your life.