Hormone Testing for Menopause: What You Need to Know

By Dr. Mary Knudsen, ND

Menopause is a natural and powerful transition—but let’s be real, it can also be confusing, frustrating, and filled with questions. One of the most common ones we hear?
“Should I get my hormones tested?”

It’s a great question—and the answer isn’t always black and white. But understanding what hormone testing can (and can’t) tell you is a big step toward making confident, informed choices about your care.

Why Consider Hormone Testing?

Hormone testing gives us a peek behind the curtain. During perimenopause (the transition years leading up to menopause), hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and FSH can fluctuate wildly—and unpredictably. Testing can sometimes help:

• Pinpoint where you are in the menopause transition

• Rule out other causes of your symptoms

• Customize your care plan—especially if you're considering hormone therapy or natural support

• Track progress with your symptom management tools over time

But just like menopause itself, hormone testing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Types of Hormone Testing (and What They’re Good For)

There are a few different ways to measure hormones—each with its own pros and cons:

1. Blood (Serum) Testing

This is the most common method used in conventional medicine. It measures hormones such as:

• FSH (often elevated in menopause)

• Estradiol (a form of estrogen)

• Progesterone

• Testosterone

• Thyroid markers like TSH (to rule out thyroid issues)

Pros: Easy to access, standardized, often covered by insurance
Cons: Hormones fluctuate daily—especially in perimenopause—so one snapshot might not tell the whole story

2. Saliva Testing

Saliva tests measure free (bioavailable) hormone levels and are often used in naturopathic and integrative care.

Pros: Non-invasive, may offer insights into daily rhythms
Cons: Not always accepted in conventional care, and lab accuracy can vary

3. Urine Hormone Testing (DUTCH Test)

This advanced test gives a deep dive into hormone metabolites—how your body breaks down and detoxifies hormones—and includes stress hormones like cortisol.

Pros: Super comprehensive, useful for complex cases or when you're seeking precision
Cons: Higher cost, and not always necessary for basic evaluations

Do You Need Hormone Testing?

Not necessarily. If you’re over 45 and having common symptoms—irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, brain fog—your provider may be able to identify perimenopause or menopause based on symptoms alone.

But hormone testing can be especially helpful if:

• Your symptoms are unusual, intense, or just don’t fit the mold

• You want to rule out thyroid or adrenal issues

• You’re considering bioidentical hormone therapy

• You want a customized, whole-person plan (our fave!)

What Hormone Testing Can’t Do

Hormone testing is a tool, not a diagnosis on its own—and it’s not a magic answer. Here’s what it won’t necessarily tell you:

• How you feel day-to-day (because hormone levels change frequently)

• What’s “optimal” for you (lab ranges are averages—not individualized)

• Why you still feel off even when results look “normal”

That’s why at menoPowered, we believe the most powerful part of your care plan is you. Testing can help—but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

Remember - Your Symptoms Matter Most

Whether or not you choose to test, remember this: your experiences are valid, and you deserve to feel supported.

At menoPowered, we combine evidence-informed tools with compassionate care to help you create a plan that works for your body, your goals, and your life. Hormone testing can be helpful—but you are the expert in how you feel. And that matters most.

Menopause doesn’t have to be something you just “get through.”
You can thrive through it—with the right knowledge, support, and care.