When to Test Hormone Levels: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

ByMorgan Eye

Updated June 06, 2025

What are the signs your hormones might be off?

Let’s start with the basics: hormones are involved in nearly every process your body performs. So when levels shift unexpectedly, you can feel it in surprising ways. These are some symptoms that could signal a hormone imbalance, hinting when to test hormone levels:

• Chronic fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
• Unexpected weight changes, especially stubborn belly weight
• Changes in your cycle, missed periods, shorter or longer cycles
• Mood shifts: anxiety, irritability, or depressive spells
• Sleep disturbances: trouble falling or staying asleep
• Low libido or other changes in sexual function
• Hair thinning or loss, especially around the scalp or eyebrows
• Hot flashes or night sweats, even if you’re not near menopause

Not all of these mean something’s wrong with your hormones—but if you’ve noticed more than one hanging around for weeks (or months), it may be time to dig deeper.

When is the best time to test hormone levels?

The right moment to test depends on what you’re testing for—and why. Different hormones have different rhythms, and understanding that timing can make your results more meaningful.

For instance, thyroid hormones like TSH, T3, and T4 can technically be tested at any time of day, but early morning blood draws usually yield the most consistent results. Cortisol, your main stress hormone, naturally spikes in the morning and dips at night, so it’s typically tested around 8 a.m. to reflect that peak.

Reproductive hormones follow your menstrual cycle, so timing matters more here. If you’re checking estrogen, FSH, or LH, testing on day 3 of your cycle—during the early follicular phase—gives a helpful baseline. If you’re tracking ovulation or concerned about low progesterone, day 21 of your cycle (or roughly a week after ovulation) is the sweet spot for measuring progesterone levels.

Testosterone tends to be most accurate when tested in the morning, ideally between days 5 and 10 of your menstrual cycle.

If your periods are irregular or have stopped entirely, timing gets a little trickier. Your doctor may adjust the testing approach based on symptoms, patterns, and your health history rather than a fixed calendar day.

When it comes to perimenopause or menopause, hormone levels naturally fluctuate, which can make pinpointing things with a single test challenging. Still, if you’re noticing early signs of menopause or you’re dealing with symptoms that persist and disrupt daily life, testing might still offer valuable insights. A thoughtful provider can help you decide if and when it’s useful.

How do you know if testing is really necessary?

Short answer? If something feels off and it’s interfering with your daily life—it’s worth checking.

Hormonal changes are often behind things we dismiss as “normal aging,” “just stress,” or “being a woman.” But you don’t need to just power through it. Testing gives you data. Data helps you make informed choices—whether that’s about treatment, lifestyle changes, or simply understanding your body better.

And no, you don’t need to wait for a “perfect” time to start the conversation. If your symptoms are loud, they’re valid.

Talk to a provider about comprehensive hormone testing if:

• You’ve had significant cycle changes
• You’re experiencing fertility issues
• You’re in your 30s or 40s and noticing perimenopause signs
• You’ve had unexplained weight or mood shifts
• You feel like something’s wrong, and can’t get answers elsewhere

Wanting to learn more about the connection between your hormone levels and changes in your body? See our article: Is Bloating a Sign of Hormone Imbalance in Perimenopause?

What kinds of hormone tests are available?

Most tests are done through blood draws, but depending on your symptoms, providers might also suggest saliva or urine testing—especially for adrenal or cortisol tracking.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Blood tests – most common; accurate for thyroid, reproductive hormones, and general panels
• Saliva tests – sometimes used for cortisol and estrogen/progesterone tracking throughout the day
• Urine tests (DUTCH test) – offers a big-picture view of hormone metabolites over time

Ask your doctor what they recommend based on your symptoms and goals.

The Takeaway

If you’re wondering when to test hormone levels, start by tuning into how you feel. Your body’s been whispering clues—maybe now it’s time to listen. Hormone imbalances aren’t always easy to spot, but when you catch them, they’re often treatable. Testing gives you a foundation to work from, and that’s powerful.

So if your mood’s all over the place, your sleep’s out of whack, or your cycle’s suddenly gone rogue—don’t shrug it off. You deserve answers, not guesswork.