Hormone Testing: Beyond Blood Work

The 'Pause

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We dive deep into why standard hormone tests often miss the full picture of what's happening during perimenopause and explore comprehensive testing options that provide better answers.
• Dr. Erica Armstrong with Root Functional Medicine explains why conventional blood tests only capture a moment in time, missing the hormone fluctuations of perimenopause
• Standard testing ranges are broad, meaning you can be "within normal" yet still experience significant symptoms
• Functional testing options include Dutch test (urine), saliva cortisol testing, and gut microbiome analysis
• Tracking your symptoms is crucial alongside testing to identify patterns and triggers
• Comprehensive testing reveals how your body metabolizes hormones, not just hormone levels
• Many perimenopause symptoms can be addressed naturally by targeting the root cause
• DHEA and adrenal function are often overlooked but crucial during the perimenopause transition
• Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's commonly emerge during perimenopause and should be screened for
• Cortisol spikes can trigger hot flashes independent of estrogen levels
• Request FSH, LH, progesterone, estradiol, DHEA, insulin, inflammation markers, glucose, thyroid panel, and vitamin D from your doctor
Join our private Facebook group, the Pause Diaries, for real conversations about midlife symptoms, solutions, and sisterhood. It's a safe space to ask questions, share your story, and find support from other women going through the same journey.

Chapters

1. Welcome to The Pause (00:00:00)

2. The Hormone Rollercoaster of Perimenopause (00:01:27)

3. Why Blood Tests Don't Tell All (00:03:20)

4. Comprehensive Hormone Testing Options (00:07:00)

5. Success Stories Without HRT (00:11:20)

6. What to Ask Your Doctor (00:16:10)