Now, you might be wondering, “What is an at-home hormone test?” Well, it’s a kit that you can use to measure your hormone levels from the comfort of your own home. No need to visit a doctor or a lab, just prick your finger and send the sample to the company for analysis. Easy peasy!
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Fear not, for I have done the research for you.
In this article, I will be focusing on hormones that are responsible for weight management and which at home hormone test kit will help you with reaching your goals.
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Why You Should Test Your Hormones
You can get great results with some lifestyle and diet changes but sometimes you get stuck no matter what you try. This is when you would want to get your hormone levels checked.
As a doctor that specializes in hormones, I know how much of a pain in the a** getting hormones tested can be. I want to help you reduce your headache so I made a hormone quiz.
This quiz uses the same diagnostic questions I would ask a patient in my clinic. The results will narrow down which hormones you will want to include in your at home hormone test.
The bottom line is that if you want permanent solutions then you need to find and fix the correct hormone imbalance which can ONLY be done with hormone testing.
Why Is Hormone Testing Confusing?
The short answer is that there is no standard testing for hormone imbalance. It depends on the practitioner’s training and expertise.
Most family doctors and OBGYNs are not trained in functional medicine so they order basic panels that are not comprehensive. This means markers are missing that could hold the answer to your symptoms.
To add to the complexity, hormones are like spider webs and their functions overlap. This means that you need to be asked the right questions so we know what tests to order.
Hormones are a highly individualized specialty so you need someone that is trained and knowledgeable in identifying the issue so you can get permanent solutions.
How do at home hormone tests work?
Typically the process involves you taking blood, urine, saliva, or stool samples in the convenience of your home and mailing them to the lab for processing.
It takes a couple of days for them to process the samples and then you get the results electronically. Some health kits come with interruptions and health plans while others do not.
Are At Home Hormone Tests Accurate
At home hormone tests are becoming increasingly popular as a convenient way to test hormones, but the accuracy of such tests can vary.
Before investing, you need to know whether the lab company that supplies your testing kit is CLIA certified. Meaning they must meet the standards necessary for state and federal certification by passing regular, independent inspections.
The next thing you need to do is read the instructions clearly before and during the process of taking your sample because testing errors can lead to inaccuracy.
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The Best At Home Hormone Test Kit For Weight Loss
The Best At Home Hormone Test For Weight Loss: Thorne/ZRT Weight Management Kit
Weight Management Kit
This is the most comprehensive at home hormone test kit that is specifically designed to get to root of your weight management concerns.
I have used many at home hormone test kits (both for my clients and myself) and the best comes down to a few criteria. Biomarkers, Accuracy & Budget.
Hormone Testing Kits Biomarkers
Biomarkers are the medical term for hormones or substances that are being tested. Many times I see kits measure very few markers which leads to confusion and frustration.
That is not the case in this kit. Here are the markers that are measured:
This is the most comprehensive testing for weight management because it gives a bird’s eye view of the major players in metabolism. That’s a lot of hormones!
*The only one I would add is a more in-depth thyroid panel. Adding on TPO antibodies and free T3 & fT4
Accuracy
When is comes to accuracy and at home hormone test kits, I am looking to make sure the hormones are being measured in the appropriate way.
Meaning is the sampling method correct for that hormone? Can you find the hormone in saliva or is it more accurate to find it in blood or urine?
This testing kit has 2 sampling methods. Saliva & Blood and both are used appropriately.
This is ultra important to make sure we are measuring the appropriate amount of hormones in their native environment which makes this testing kit more accurate.
Budget
Testing your hormone is an investment but it’s much cheaper than wasting money on supplements or diets that aren’t working for you. I’ve been there, done that.
The Thorne Weight Management kit is the most comprehensive at its price point without haven’t to see a physician.
Additionally, seeing a specialist can cost you hundreds of dollars on top of the cost of labs. Not to mention gas, time off work, and travel costs. At-home hormone tests are well worth it in my opinion.
If you want to see if insurance covers this testing kit then you can try using an HSA if you have that ability. No guarantees it will be covered but Thorne does mention it on their website.
Want To Learn More About Hormone Testing?
I have created a weight loss lab masterclass where I go into much more detail about hormone testing.
I cover:
I highly recommend you check out my weight loss lab masterclass before investing in testing kits so you can be as prepared as possible.
So there you have it, folks. The best at-home hormone test kit. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to keep tabs on your hormone levels, these kits can help. Just remember to follow the instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Now, go forth and get those hormones in check! And if you decide to purchase one of these kits, be sure to use our affiliate link so we can continue to provide you with helpful hormone content.
At what age should you get a hormone test?
Generally, it’s recommended that you start to get your hormones tested around age 18-20. This is the time when your hormones are most likely to be changing and you might notice an imbalance in them. Many medical professionals suggest speaking with a doctor or healthcare provider at this age to discuss any issues that might arise. It is important to note, however, that hormone tests can still be beneficial at any stage of life even if there are no symptoms of imbalance. If you experience any symptoms such as irregular periods, excessive fatigue, weight changes, or skin changes then it may be wise to consider getting a hormone test regardless of age.
Are hormone tests covered by insurance?
Hormone tests are typically not covered by insurance, as they are considered wellness testing. However, some companies may allow you to use a HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to cover the cost. Other health insurance plans may provide coverage for hormone testing, depending on the plan’s coverage guidelines. If you are unsure of your insurance plan’s coverage details, it is best to contact your provider directly and discuss your options.
How do I check if I have a hormonal imbalance?
The most effective way to determine if you have a hormonal imbalance is to undergo hormone testing. This test requires the collection of a blood sample in order to measure the levels of hormones present in your body. It is important to note that hormones fluctuate throughout the day and can be affected by lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, and exercise. Therefore, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider in order to determine the best time and course of action when scheduling a hormone test.
How much does it cost to get your hormones tested?
The cost of hormone testing will vary depending on the type of test you need, and where you go for it. Generally, a single hormone test will cost between $50 to $100. If you need multiple tests, then that could cost more ($100-$600). Additionally, if your health insurance covers hormone testing, the cost may be less or even waived entirely.
