Hormone Testing: Beyond Blood Work

Send us Fan MailWe 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 doctorJoin 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.Loved this conversation? Let’s keep it going. Join our private Facebook group, The Pause Diaries, where we dive deeper into all things perimenopause and menopause—without judgment, just real talk.If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend or colleague. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Pause Podcast—your support helps us bring more expert voices to the table. Got a story, symptom, or question? Send it my way at by posting it our Facebook Group The Pause Diaries that supports the podcast. I just might feature it in an upcoming episode!Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered, and never hit pause on your wellbeing.