--- title: "Hormone Testing Guide: What to Test & How to Interpret | Pause + Reset" description: "A comprehensive guide to hormone testing during perimenopause and menopause, including which tests to request and how to understand your results." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": [ "MedicalBusiness", "LocalBusiness" ], "name": "Pause & Reset", "description": "Atlanta's dedicated perimenopause and menopause practice offering bioidentical hormone therapy, comprehensive hormone testing, GLP-1 weight loss management, peptide therapy, IV nutrient therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and functional medicine in Dunwoody GA.", "url": "https://pausereset.com", "telephone": "+14044458344", "email": "hello@pausereset.com", "image": "https://pausereset.com/assets/logo-Cj2twgJt.webp", "priceRange": "$$$$", "paymentAccepted": "Cash, Credit Card", "currenciesAccepted": "USD", "openingHours": [ "Mo-Fr 10:00-16:30", "Sa 09:00-15:30" ], "address": { "@type": 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including hormones, GLP-1, and nutrition." }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Nutrition and Metabolic Counseling", "description": "Personalized nutrition, supplementation, and metabolic strategy for women in perimenopause and menopause." } ] }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.instagram.com/pausenresetco", "https://atlantatrichology.com", "https://ninaross.co" ], "founder": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Nina Ross", "jobTitle": "Menopause Specialist", "url": "https://ninaross.co", "sameAs": [ "https://ninaross.co", "https://atlantatrichology.com" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Understanding Your Hormone Panel: A Complete Guide", "description": "What tests to ask for, how to interpret your results, and what optimal ranges really mean.", "datePublished": "December 15, 2025", "dateModified": "December 15, 2025", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Nina Ross", "jobTitle": "MD, Functional Medicine Physician", "worksFor": { "@type": "MedicalOrganization", "name": "Pause + Reset" } }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Pause + Reset", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://pausereset.com/logo.png" } }, "image": "/assets/article-hrt-CiHIcpgx.webp", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://pausereset.com/articles/hormone-testing-guide" } } ] --- [![pause + reset](/assets/logo-Cj2twgJt.webp)](/) Symptoms Treatments Atlanta [About](/about) Book ![Understanding Your Hormone Panel: A Complete Guide](/assets/article-hrt-CiHIcpgx.webp) [Back to Articles](/articles) testing # Understanding Your Hormone Panel: A Complete Guide What tests to ask for, how to interpret your results, and what optimal ranges really mean. ![Dr. Nina Ross](/assets/dr-nina-medspa-v2-DCgjiRes.webp) Dr. Nina Ross December 15, 2025 9 min read Getting the right hormone tests is the first step toward understanding what's happening in your body. But many women receive incomplete testing or aren't sure how to interpret their results. Here's what you need to know. ## Essential Hormone Tests **Estradiol (E2):** The primary form of estrogen. Levels fluctuate significantly during perimenopause and drop after menopause. **Progesterone:** Important to test during the luteal phase (days 19-22 of your cycle) if you're still cycling. Low progesterone can cause many symptoms even when estrogen is normal. **FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone):** Elevated FSH indicates the ovaries are producing less estrogen. High levels (typically >25-30) suggest perimenopause or menopause. **LH (Luteinizing Hormone):** Works with FSH to regulate the menstrual cycle. **Testosterone (Free and Total):** Important for libido, energy, and muscle mass. Declines with age and after menopause. **DHEA-S:** A precursor hormone that converts to estrogen and testosterone. Declines with age. ## Beyond Sex Hormones A complete evaluation should also include: - \*\*Thyroid panel:\*\* TSH, Free T4, Free T3, thyroid antibodies - \*\*Metabolic markers:\*\* Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, lipid panel - \*\*Inflammatory markers:\*\* High-sensitivity CRP - \*\*Vitamin D:\*\* Important for bone health, mood, and immune function - \*\*Iron studies:\*\* Ferritin, iron, TIBC - \*\*B12 and folate:\*\* Important for energy and brain function ## Understanding Your Results **'Normal' isn't always optimal:** Lab reference ranges are based on population averages, not what's optimal for you. A 'normal' result can still be associated with symptoms. **Timing matters:** Hormone levels fluctuate throughout your cycle (if still cycling) and throughout the day. Consistent timing is important for accurate comparison. **Trends matter more than single results:** Looking at how your levels change over time provides more information than any single test. ## Working With Your Provider Bring your symptoms to the conversation, not just your labs. Numbers don't tell the whole story. A knowledgeable provider will consider your symptoms alongside your test results when making treatment decisions. ![Dr. Nina Ross](/assets/dr-nina-medspa-v2-DCgjiRes.webp) Dr. Nina Ross ND, Ph.D · Medical Director Board-certified in functional medicine, Dr. Ross helps women optimize their hormones and reclaim their health. ### Ready to feel better? Book a free 10-minute call to discuss your symptoms and options. [Book Free Call](/understand) ## Related Articles [ ![When Should You Get Your Hormones Tested?](/assets/article-perimenopause-CSVJsG4i.webp) testing ### When Should You Get Your Hormones Tested? Timing matters. Here's when testing makes sense—and what to expect. ](/articles/when-to-get-tested) Ready to feel like yourself again? ## Let's talk about what you're experiencing Book a free 10-minute call. We'll answer your questions and help you choose the right path forward. [Free 10-Min Call](/free-call) No commitment · No pressure · Just answers [pause + reset ](/) Personalized hormone optimization and functional medicine for women who refuse to "just deal with it." 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