102: Why we don't test hormones in perimenopause

In this episode, I dive into why hormone testing isn't the best approach during perimenopause.

With hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuating so much, tests like the Dutch hormone test can be misleading and expensive. Instead, I emphasize focusing on symptoms to guide your approach.

I also touch on the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and when testing might actually be useful for ensuring its effectiveness. My goal is to help you better understand the complexities of hormone balance during this phase.

In this episode:

1. Understand why hormone testing during perimenopause can be misleading
2. Recognize the fluctuation of estrogen and its impact on symptoms
3. Learn how progesterone levels can vary due to stop-start ovulation
4. Discover why symptoms are a more accurate gauge than hormone testing
5. Identify the right time for testing hormones and how it relates to hormone replacement therapy

LISTEN TO EPISODE 91: Debunking common arguments for needing to run the DUTCH test

Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN – Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15
ZINZINO – If you're interested in trying out the ZINZINO fish oil I recommend in this episode, please email me. Make sure you tell me which country you live in when you email me so I can send you the right information: tara@tarathornenutrition.com
The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I'm a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn't have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you're at, or where you've come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I'll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you're subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn't readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.