Urinary hormone testing exhibits a LOT of information and it can feel difficult to understand, let alone apply to your specific situation, whether it be related to PCOS, skin health, peri-menopause and more. So let’s walk through it!
Firstly, when we see many markers outside of the reference range, please remember that the information presented can help to bring clarity and change to support a sense of well-being – they do not represent a diagnosis.
Our hormones link to every other endocrine activity in our body – this reflection allows us to recognize how we sleep, manage stress, express love, maintain an exercise regime, enjoy food and drink water plays a role in the results we see and how we feel, and more importantly, that we can directly influence our hormonal balance by our daily choices.
Estrogen
Estrogen is generally categorized by its primary forms: estrone, estradiol, and estriol and their metabolites.
- Estradiol exerts the most potent actions.
- Estrone exerts a weaker action and takes the lead role in menopause.
- Estriol exerts its action primarily on the uterus to support pregnancy.
Progesterone
Progesterone prepares the uterus in the thickening of the endometrial lining so that the viable egg released in ovulation will have the right conditions to settle and implant should fertilization of the egg occur.
Testosterone
Energy, libido, facial hair growth, acne, and PCOS may often be linked to higher levels in women.
Hormone testing in men can often show imbalances that can help highlight where work can be done.
Making Sense of Excesses and Deficiencies
Seeing a report loaded with red highlighted numbers can feel overwhelming and it can lead to seeking solutions such as:
- using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT or Bio-identical HRT)
- using herbals for their hormone modulating effects
- using supplements to detoxify and support to the liver and kidneys to excrete excesses
- adjusting sleep, exercise, food choices, stress management
Understanding those numbers carries the weight of a few factors before choosing a path of action:
- understanding the phase of life and time of cycle when sample was taken
- was it during the luteal phase?
- is perimenopause or menopause taking place?
- are periods irregular?
- how prevalent and frequent is the erectile dysfunction?
- is fertility the goal?
- understanding the circumstances that created the results – disequilibrium takes time to occur:
- was there a medication(s) being taken?
- what levels of stress has been experienced and for how long?
- what supplements and herbs (including tisanes) are being taken?
- what is the standard diet?
- understanding what form of lifestyle changes are feasible:
- food accessibility
- budget
- time management
- stress
Xenoestrogens
Plastics, drinking water (tap & bottle), hair dyes, toys, mouth guards, cars, homes, …breathing. The gist here is that external estrogens that can disrupt your hormones cannot be avoided.
Solution: identify and limit exposure and optimize endogenous cleansing.
Consider investing in a home reverse osmosis filtration device. #commissionearned
Hormones, Mood & Neurotransmitters
Hormones have a slower and longer action in the body, whereas nervous system neurotransmitters act lightning fast and for a short duration.
The relationship between our neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin and our fluctuating hormones holds the key of being the biology for how we feel.
Neurotransmitters, like hormones, have peaks and valleys with life changes and stages. Hormones and neurotransmitters share an intimate link in production, sensitivity and receptivity, and its interpretation and expression (thus why equanimity plays such an important role).
Ratios
Lab results often show the ratios between a few different markers. This is worth reading into as the ratio may be out of the reference ranges and highlighted in red, however, the report may indicate that the number relates to a lower potential risk.
While that may not always be the case, it is an important reminder to not be emotionally attached to the number of red markers.
In Conclusion
Choosing to test your hormones and neurotransmitters is a step in the right direction for getting an in-depth look into your hormonal health and supporting your emotional and mental well-being.
Learn how to eat well, achieve a feel-good weight with an even better self-loving attitude, and an informed approach to managing your daily life –book a consult today!
