Hormone Imbalance Testing Near Asheville
Hormonal imbalance occurs when levels of key hormones—such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, insulin, or cortisol—are either too high or too low in relation to the body’s needs. These imbalances don’t happen in isolation; they often reflect deeper dysfunctions in the gut, liver, adrenal system, or brain-body communication.
Even slight shifts in hormone levels can lead to significant symptoms. And because the endocrine system is highly interconnected, one imbalance can ripple through multiple systems in the body.
Why Hormonal Balance Matters
Optimal hormone balance is essential for nearly every aspect of health and wellness, including:
- Metabolism and weight regulation
- Mood stability and emotional well-being
- Reproductive health and fertility
- Energy levels and sleep cycles
- Cognitive clarity and focus
- Healthy aging and disease prevention
When hormones are in sync, the body feels resilient, calm, and energized. When they’re not, you may experience symptoms that are hard to pinpoint—but impossible to ignore.
Why Conventional Testing Often Falls Short
Traditional medicine tends to rely on narrow lab ranges and single-snapshot blood tests, often missing important hormonal dynamics—like cortisol rhythms, estrogen detox pathways, or thyroid conversion issues. As a result, many people are told their symptoms are “just part of aging” or dismissed with medications that mask rather than solve the problem.
At Caring for the Body, we use functional hormone testing to detect patterns and imbalances that conventional labs miss. This allows us to identify the true source of your symptoms and design a personalized plan that supports long-term healing and hormonal harmony.
Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
Fatigue and Poor Sleep
Hormonal imbalances—especially involving cortisol, thyroid hormones, and progesterone—can make you feel chronically tired, even after a full night’s sleep. You may also struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early due to adrenal and melatonin disruption.
Weight Gain or Inability to Lose Weight
When hormones are out of balance, the body resists weight loss. Elevated insulin, cortisol, or estrogen can lead to stubborn belly fat, while low thyroid function can slow metabolism. No matter how clean your diet is, without balanced hormones, your body may hold onto excess weight.
Anxiety, Depression, or Irritability
Mood instability is a hallmark sign of hormonal dysregulation. Fluctuating estrogen, low progesterone, cortisol imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies can all disrupt neurotransmitter function, leading to symptoms like anxiety, low mood, and emotional volatility.
PMS, PMDD, or Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Painful periods, mood swings before menstruation, or inconsistent cycles are often signs of estrogen dominance, low progesterone, or disrupted ovulation. These issues are common—but not normal—and can be addressed with proper testing and support.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Perimenopausal and menopausal women often experience hot flashes and night sweats as estrogen and progesterone begin to decline. These symptoms can be managed naturally or with bioidentical hormone therapy, once underlying patterns are identified through testing.
Hair Thinning or Unwanted Hair Growth
Low thyroid, low iron, high cortisol, or excess androgens can all contribute to hair loss, while hormonal imbalance related to PCOS may cause unwanted hair growth on the face, chin, or abdomen.
Low Libido and Vaginal Dryness
Testosterone and estrogen play key roles in sexual desire and function. When these levels fall out of balance—due to aging, stress, or other root causes—women may experience low libido, vaginal dryness, or discomfort, while men may notice reduced drive or performance.
Brain Fog or Memory Issues
Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones influence cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity. Imbalances may lead to forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, or a persistent sense of “mental cloudiness.”
Poor Recovery from Stress or Workouts
If you feel wiped out after exercise, can’t bounce back from stress, or notice increased soreness, this may signal depleted adrenal function, low DHEA, or suboptimal testosterone. These issues can be reversed with the right testing and support.
Key Hormones That Should Be Tested
Sex Hormones
Sex hormones influence fertility, libido, mood, skin, sleep, and energy levels in both women and men. We test:
- Estrogen: High or unopposed estrogen can lead to PMS, heavy periods, and weight gain. Low estrogen may cause hot flashes, mood issues, or vaginal dryness.
- Progesterone: Low progesterone can lead to anxiety, sleep disruption, irregular cycles, and miscarriage risk.
- Testosterone (total and free): Imbalances may cause fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, or mood changes.
- DHEA: A precursor hormone that supports adrenal resilience, libido, and anti-aging.
Adrenal Hormones
The adrenal glands play a vital role in stress response, metabolism, and energy regulation.
- Cortisol (diurnal rhythm): Measured throughout the day to assess adrenal function. Imbalances may present as burnout, anxiety, or insomnia.
- Cortisone: Offers further insight into adrenal reserves and cortisol conversion.
We use saliva or dried urine testing to evaluate adrenal rhythm, which is often more accurate than a single blood draw.
Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid affects every cell in your body. Subtle thyroid dysfunction is a common and overlooked cause of fatigue, weight changes, and mood issues.
We assess a comprehensive thyroid panel, including:
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
- Free T3 and Free T4 (active thyroid hormones)
- Reverse T3 (a blocking hormone that can hinder metabolism)
- Thyroid antibodies (to screen for autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s)
Insulin and Blood Sugar Markers
Blood sugar and insulin regulation are crucial for hormonal balance, especially in conditions like PCOS, perimenopause, and adrenal fatigue.
We test:
- Fasting insulin
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
- Fasting glucose
These markers help identify insulin resistance, a common root cause of weight gain, fatigue, and hormonal disruption.
Melatonin and Sleep-Related Hormones
Melatonin is not just a sleep hormone—it’s also a powerful antioxidant and regulator of circadian rhythm. Disruption here can affect cortisol, sex hormones, and immune health.
Testing melatonin can be particularly useful for those with:
- Chronic insomnia
- Mood instability
- Jet lag or shift work fatigue
Neurotransmitter Support Markers (when appropriate)
In certain cases—especially when mood, anxiety, or cognitive symptoms are prominent—we may assess neurotransmitter markers alongside hormone testing. These include serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and others that influence emotional health and stress resilience.
Types of Hormone Testing Offered Near Asheville
DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)
Lab: Precision Analytical
The DUTCH test is one of the most comprehensive hormone panels available today. It evaluates:
- Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA
- Cortisol and cortisone (measured throughout the day)
- Hormone metabolites and detox pathways
- Melatonin and some organic acid markers
The DUTCH test is ideal for individuals needing a complete picture of sex and adrenal hormone balance, particularly those dealing with perimenopause, adrenal burnout, or estrogen dominance. It also reveals how your body processes and clears hormones—information that blood tests can’t provide.
Saliva Hormone Panels
Saliva testing is a non-invasive, convenient method to assess free (bioavailable) hormone levels.
We often use saliva testing to evaluate:
- Daily cortisol rhythm (morning, noon, evening, bedtime)
- Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA
- Hormonal shifts associated with stress and PMS
Best for: Patients with adrenal symptoms, stress-related fatigue, cycle-related mood swings, or suspected low progesterone.
Blood Testing Through Quest Diagnostics and Specialty Labs
Blood tests are useful for evaluating:
- Total and free testosterone
- Estrogen and progesterone (baseline)
- Fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c
- Thyroid function and autoantibodies
- Nutrient status (vitamin D, B12, ferritin, magnesium, etc.)
Blood draws are sometimes necessary for specific markers or when certain insurance coverage applies. They provide quick insights into baseline hormone levels and metabolic function.
Thyroid Panels Including Antibodies and Reverse T3
A full thyroid panel goes beyond just TSH. We evaluate:
- TSH
- Free T3 and Free T4
- Reverse T3 (which can block T3 receptors)
- TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies (for autoimmune thyroid conditions)
Important for: Individuals with fatigue, hair thinning, cold intolerance, weight gain, or suspected Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Cycle Mapping
For menstruating women, hormone levels change throughout the cycle. Cycle mapping involves testing hormone levels daily or in phases to identify irregularities in ovulation, luteal phase defects, or estrogen/progesterone imbalances.
Who benefits most: Women with infertility, irregular cycles, PMDD, or persistent PMS who want an in-depth view of hormone fluctuations throughout the month.
Choosing the Right Testing Method
At Caring for the Body, your testing plan is never generic. We consider:
- Your age and life stage (e.g., cycling, perimenopausal, menopausal)
- Your primary symptoms (fatigue, cycle issues, mood, weight, etc.)
- Past lab results or diagnoses
- Your personal health goals
Based on these factors, we create a diagnostic plan that’s both clinically meaningful and practical.
Reclaim Hormonal Balance—and Your Vitality
Hormonal imbalances are incredibly common, but they’re not something you have to live with. If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but you still feel off—tired, moody, foggy, or unlike yourself—it may be time to dig deeper.
At Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine, we specialize in advanced hormone testing and personalized treatment plans that help you uncover the true source of your symptoms. Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, thyroid issues, adrenal fatigue, or cycle-related mood changes, we offer clarity, compassion, and a path forward.
With the right testing and whole-person support, hormonal balance can be restored—so you can feel energized, focused, and at home in your body again.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you're ready for answers, we invite you to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to hormonal clarity and lifelong wellness.
Caring for the Body, PLLC – Center for Functional Medicine
📍 1998 Hendersonville Rd, Suite #24, Asheville, NC 28803
📞 (828) 490-1545
📠 Fax: (828) 202-8752
🌐 caringforthebody.org
📧 Secure Email: help@caringforthebody.org