Hormone Fluctuations

You’ve probably heard it before:

"Your hormones are fluctuating too much to get an accurate read.”

Or, “You're in perimenopause—testing won’t tell us anything new.”

Let me be clear: this mindset is not just outdated. It’s dangerous.

One of the most alarming trends I see is women being put on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without any testing at all.

Recently, I explored a popular HRT product called “Inner Balance” out of curiosity. Here’s what I found:

1. No appointment or consultation required to access actual hormone creams containing estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.

2. Claims of FDA approval—despite the fact that testosterone is not FDA-approved for women. The issue isn't testosterone itself (I love it for women!)—it's the misleading marketing.

3. No testing required for a so-called “personalized” formula.

Hormones are powerful—not supplements. And just because they fluctuate doesn’t mean we stop paying attention.

In fact, that’s exactly why we test.

Why Testing Is Essential, Not Optional

Fluctuations Are the Data

Your hormone swings tell a story. Peaks and valleys can explain everything from anxiety and sleep issues to mood swings, weight changes, and fatigue. No two women are alike. And that’s why guessing doesn’t cut it.

Irregular Cycles Still Hold Clues

Even without a predictable cycle, your hormones provide insight into your brain, thyroid, adrenals, and more. Ignoring that is like ignoring a blinking check engine light—just because it’s not constant doesn’t mean nothing’s wrong.

Tips for Testing When Things Are All Over the Place:

1. Try testing on day 19–21 of your cycle if you can catch day one.

2. No cycle? Use an Oura ring or ovulation strips to track temperature shifts. Test 4–5 days post-ovulation.

3. No ovulation, no cycle, total chaos? TEST ANYWAY. Especially before starting HRT. Add in FSH and LH. If they’re high, you’re likely in late perimenopause or postmenopause.

Menopause Isn’t a Flatline

It’s not the end—it’s a new baseline.

I’ve seen postmenopausal women with high estradiol and no progesterone. Others thrive with just estrogen and progesterone, while their testosterone levels stay robust. How do I know? Because I test.

Precision Makes Personalization Possible

You deserve a plan that’s based on your biology—not guesswork.

Testing is the foundation for targeted supplements, effective HRT, smart peptide protocols, and real results that evolve with you.

If your healthcare provider says you don't need to test or your insurance does not cover hormone testing, that is why there are labs like Ulta Labs where you can order your tests yourself. Here's a sample panel that you can order to get a comprehensive look at your hormones. Ulta Labs is partnered with Quest, so it is not some random lab or a random test!

Bottom Line:

Fluctuations don’t mean you skip testing. They’re the reason you test.

One of you said it best on Instagram:
"Prescribing HRT without testing hormones is like prescribing blood pressure meds without checking blood pressure."

Exactly.