The Top 5 Functional Tests to Understand Your Hormones (And What They Actually Reveal)
If you’ve ever been told your lab results are “normal,” but you know something still feels off, you’re probably in the wrong system. Many women experience this frustrating disconnect — especially when it comes to gut and hormone health. Conventional medicine relies heavily on standard lab tests that often miss the nuances of hormone balance. This is where functional testing can fill the gaps.
Functional hormone tests offer deeper insight into how your hormones behave throughout the day and month, revealing imbalances that might not show up on a typical blood test. Keep reading for the top five functional hormone tests that can help millennial women understand their bodies better and advocate for the care they deserve.
1. Comprehensive Hormone Panel: More Than Just Estrogen and Progesterone
Most people associate hormone testing with checking estrogen and progesterone levels — but a thorough hormone panel digs much deeper. These panels often include:
Estrogen (including estradiol)
Progesterone
Testosterone (yes, women need this too!)
Luteinising hormone (LH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Why it matters:
These tests provide a snapshot of your reproductive hormone status and how your body is cycling. For women struggling with irregular periods, PMS, or symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or low libido, this panel can offer clues about whether your hormones are in balance or if there’s an underlying issue like estrogen dominance or low progesterone.
What imbalances might look like:
High estrogen relative to progesterone can cause symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
Low progesterone may contribute to anxiety, poor sleep, or spotting between periods.
2. Thyroid Panel: The Hormone Master Regulator
Your thyroid gland controls metabolism, energy, and hormone balance, so testing it thoroughly is essential. Functional testing typically includes:
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Free T3 and Free T4 (active thyroid hormones)
Reverse T3 (an inactive form that can block thyroid function)
Thyroid antibodies (to check for autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s)
Why it matters:
Many women struggle with thyroid symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair thinning, or brain fog — but their TSH might still be “normal.” Functional thyroid testing gives a fuller picture of your thyroid function and can reveal hidden issues conventional tests miss.
What imbalances might look like:
Low Free T3 with normal TSH can cause sluggish metabolism and fatigue.
High thyroid antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroid disease, which requires a different treatment approach.
3. Cortisol and Adrenal Function Testing: Stress and Hormones
Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone, released by the adrenal glands. Instead of a single blood draw, functional testing uses saliva or urine samples taken multiple times throughout the day to map your cortisol rhythm.
Why it matters:
Chronic stress, burnout, and hormone imbalance often go hand in hand. If you feel exhausted but wired, have trouble sleeping, or notice mood swings, your cortisol pattern might be off.
What imbalances might look like:
High cortisol in the evening can disrupt sleep and promote weight gain.
Low cortisol throughout the day can lead to fatigue, low blood pressure, and brain fog.
4. Vitamin D: The Hormone Helper
Though not a hormone in the traditional sense, vitamin D functions like one and plays a crucial role in hormone production, immune function, and mood regulation.
Why it matters:
Low vitamin D levels are surprisingly common and can worsen hormone imbalance symptoms like fatigue, depression, and menstrual irregularities. Testing your vitamin D levels is simple but often overlooked.
What imbalances might look like:
Deficiency linked to increased risk of autoimmune conditions and mood disorders.
Optimal levels support healthy estrogen and progesterone function.
5. DHEA-S: The Overlooked Adrenal Hormone
DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is another hormone produced by your adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone.
Why it matters:
Imbalances in DHEA-S can impact energy, mood, and sex drive. It’s especially useful to test if you’re dealing with symptoms like chronic fatigue, low libido, or unexplained weight changes.
What imbalances might look like:
High DHEA-S may be linked to symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), like acne or excess hair growth.
Low DHEA-S can contribute to fatigue and difficulty managing stress.
Using Functional Testing to Advocate for Your Health
Functional hormone testing can be empowering when you’ve felt unheard or dismissed in traditional healthcare settings. While these tests don’t provide all the answers, they offer valuable insight into your unique hormonal landscape and can guide personalised approaches to restoring balance.
If you decide to pursue functional testing, I encourage you to track your symptoms, do your research, and partner with a knowledgeable health coach or practitioner to interpret your results — because your health is worth the extra care.
With love and balance, my Friends x
