Why Hormone Testing is Crucial in BHRT: A Naturopathic Perspective

08/27/2025
Hormone Testing Blog

 

The Naturopathic Guide to Hormone Testing Before Starting BHRT

As a Naturopathic Doctor, my top priority is treating the root cause of health concerns with personalized, holistic care. When it comes to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), no two patients are alike. Before initiating any hormone therapy, comprehensive hormone testing is essential to ensure safety, efficacy, and truly individualized treatment.


Understanding Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of symptoms:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats

  • Low libido

  • Mood swings and irritability

  • Fatigue and brain fog

  • Weight gain

  • Irregular menstrual cycles

These symptoms of hormone imbalance are signals from your body that something is out of balance. A thorough hormone evaluation helps uncover the underlying cause.


Why Standard Hormone Testing Falls Short

Conventional hormone testing often relies on basic blood panels that only provide a snapshot of circulating hormone levels. As a naturopathic doctor specializing in BHRT, I look deeper to ensure optimal hormone balance.


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Naturopathic Approach to Comprehensive Hormone Testing

1. Comprehensive Blood Panels

These include:

  • Estradiol (E2)

  • Estrogen (E1)

  • Total Estrogen

  • Progesterone

  • Testosterone (total and free)

  • DHEA-S

  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

  • Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies)

  • Fasting insulin and cortisol levels

  • Cardiometabolic panels

  • Iron panel, Ferritin

2. Urinary Hormone Metabolites

The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is highly valuable. It reveals:

  • Hormone production and clearance

  • Estrogen metabolism (protective vs. harmful pathways)

  • Cortisol patterns and adrenal health

3. Salivary Testing (in select cases)

Saliva hormone testing can provide insight into free, bioavailable hormone levels throughout the day, particularly for cortisol rhythm and adrenal health.


The Risks of Starting BHRT Without Hormone Testing

Starting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy without comprehensive hormone testing can lead to:

  • Estrogen dominance

  • Imbalanced testosterone levels

  • Poor hormone metabolism increasing cancer risk

  • Unintended side effects like bloating, mood swings, or worsened fatigue

Personalized BHRT Treatment Plans

Accurate hormone testing allows us to:

This is how we create personalized hormone therapy plans for long-term results.

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The Naturopathic Advantage in BHRT

As a naturopathic doctor, I integrate hormone therapy with:

This holistic approach helps patients thrive beyond symptom management.


Patient Story: Mark’s BHRT Journey

Mark, 48, came in with fatigue, low libido, and mood changes. After comprehensive hormone and adrenal testing, we found low testosterone and elevated cortisol. His bioidentical hormone replacement therapy protocol included testosterone cream and adaptogenic herbs to regulate cortisol. Within three months, Mark reported improved energy, mood, and vitality.

Patient names have been changed to protect privacy.


Conclusion: Comprehensive Hormone Testing is Key

Comprehensive hormone testing is not optional—it’s essential for safe and effective BHRT. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I ensure every patient receives customized, whole-person care that addresses the root cause of hormone imbalance, not just the symptoms.

If you are considering BHRT, schedule a consultation today to start with thorough hormone testing and create a personalized hormone therapy plan tailored to your unique needs.

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