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At-home hormone tests are becoming increasingly popular because of their relative privacy and comfort. Taking a test typically involves mailing a blood, urine, or saliva sample to a lab.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
- Best comprehensive hormone test for females: Everlywell Women’s Health Test | Skip to Review
- Best basic hormone test for females: LetsGetChecked Female Hormone Test | Skip to Review
- Best comprehensive hormone test for males: LetsGetChecked Male Hormone Advanced | Skip to Review
- Best basic hormone test for males: Everlywell Men’s Health Test | Skip to Review
- Best for menopause test: myLAB Box At-Home Postmenopause Test | Skip to Review
- Best general hormone test: Walk-In Lab Female and Male Saliva Profile I – ZRT | Skip to Review
- Best thyroid hormone test: ZRT Labs Comprehensive Thyroid Profile | Skip to Review
Hormones play an essential role in many aspects of health, from growth and metabolism to cardiovascular health and mood. Some changes in hormone levels are typical, while others can indicate an irregularity. A person may monitor their levels at home for a range of reasons.
This article explores how the tests work and which hormones people tend to monitor. It also describes seven testing kits on the market.
Medical News Today’s methodology
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
- Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
- Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
- Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Best for menopause: myLAB Box At Home Postmenopause Test
The table below compares each hormone test in this article for the price, hormones tested, and more.
| Cost | Hormones tested | Subscription available | Sample type | Results time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everlywell Women’s | around $249 for a one-time purchase $186–211 for regular deliveries | • estradiol • progesterone • LH • FSH • DHEA-S • cortisol • TSH • free T3 • free T4 • free testosterone • thyroid • peroxidase • antibodies | yes | saliva | 2–5 days |
| LetsGetChecked Female | around $139 for a one-time purchase $97.30 per test for a quarterly subscription | • estradiol • prolactin • FSH • LH | yes | blood | 2–5 days |
| LetsGetChecked Male | around $149 for a one-time test, around $104– 126 for regular deliveries | • testosterone • estradiol • prolactin • sex-hormone binding globulin • free androgen index | yes | blood | 2–5 days |
| Everlywell Men’s | around $249 for a one-time purchase $186–211 for regular deliveries | • free testosterone • DHEA-S • cortisol • estradiol | yes | saliva | 2–5 days |
| myLAB Box | $99 for a one-time purchase $89.10 for tests twice a year | • progesterone • estradiol | yes | saliva | 2–5 days |
| Walk-In Lab | around $175 | • estradiol • testosterone • progesterone • DHEA-S • morning cortisol | no | saliva | 7–10 days |
| ZRT Labs | around $319 | • TSH • free T3 • free T4 • T4 • thyroglobulin • TPO • iodine • arsenic • creatinine • bromine • selenium • cadmium • mercury | no | blood and urine | 5–7 days |
The nervous system and the
Hormones affect:
Hormonal imbalances can cause various symptoms, depending on the specific hormones involved and their levels.
Anyone who suspects their symptoms result from an imbalance should contact a doctor. If they diagnose a health issue related to hormones, a person might also consider testing their hormone levels at home for greater clarity.
Some people require continued monitoring and may prefer the comfort and convenience of at-home tests. For example, this may be true for pregnant people or those with weakened immune systems.
Also, some hormone levels
Once a person makes a purchase, the company ships their testing kit.
Test activation
When a person receives their kit, the first step is registering it online using the code the company provides. This ensures that the results go to the person’s online account.
Sample collection
The next step is to collect a blood, saliva, or urine sample using the materials in the kit. The manufacturers should include clear instructions, and most companies offer phone or video assistance.
After collecting the sample, the person ships it back to the company or a designated lab. Most companies provide prepaid shipping labels in their testing kits.
Results
Once the company receives the sample, it sends a confirmation of receipt. It then usually sends the sample to a partner lab for processing. This usually takes 3–5 business days.
When the results are ready, the person receives a notification and can access the results online. A nurse or doctor from the company’s medical team may then contact the person to explain the results, offer advice, and send out a prescription, if necessary.
Below, we explore these hormones’ roles and why people monitor their levels.
Cortisol
Commonly known as the stress hormone, the adrenal glands produce cortisol.
Checking cortisol levels
Estrogens
Estrogens are crucial for the
One type of estrogen is called estradiol, or E2, and the testicles and ovaries primarily produce it. In females, checking E2 levels can help doctors identify and explain early- or late-onset puberty. In males, testing these levels can help doctors understand the cause of delayed puberty.
Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) belong to a class of hormones called gonadotropins. They help
Melatonin
Melatonin
Progesterone
Testing levels of progesterone can
Testosterone
Checking testosterone levels can help a doctor
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
The pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Checking TSH levels can
T3 and T4
Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the
Checking levels of T4 and TSH can give a doctor a good idea of the thyroid’s function. T3 levels help doctors diagnose hyperthyroidism and its severity.
At-home testing cannot replace in-person medical care. At-home test results are insufficient to diagnose a health condition.
A person should contact a healthcare professional if they:
- have questions about their health
- have been exposed to an infectious agent
- have a family history of any health condition
- are experiencing new or changing symptoms
Below, we answer some common questions about these tests:
Are at-home hormone tests accurate and trustworthy?
A person should look for a company that works with certified labs and offers support from medical professionals.
It is also important to follow instructions for collecting samples carefully, as any error could reduce the accuracy of the test.
Does insurance cover the costs?
Most testing companies do not accept direct billing from health insurance providers.
Before buying a test, it may be a good idea to check whether the insurance company will reimburse the cost. If so, a person can forward an invoice from the lab to their insurer with their claim for reimbursement.
Some companies may also accept payments from flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.
Do at-home hormone tests work better than in-person tests?
Medical professionals administer in-person tests, which lessens the risk of error in collecting the sample.
At-home tests may be more suitable for people with busy schedules, little access to traditional healthcare, or who need to test frequently.
What is the best way to test female hormones?
The best way to test female hormones depends on the reasons for testing hormone levels and the individual’s circumstances. A person can use tests to indicate the presence of potential health conditions and monitor existing conditions.
However, a person should not use at-home hormone tests to replace the advice of a doctor.
Female hormone tests can help assess symptoms that may be due to hormonal imbalances, such as:
- irregular periods
- unexplained weight changes
- skin problems, such as acne
- hair changes
- hot flashes and night sweats
- vaginal dryness
Getting an in-person test conducted by a medical professional is more likely to yield a quality sample and provide a better test. However, people with busy schedules, limited access to healthcare, or who need frequent testing may find that at-home testing better meets their needs.
How do I check if I have a hormonal imbalance?
The best way for a person to find out if they have a hormonal imbalance is to get their hormone levels tested.
People should discuss any healthcare concerns they have with a healthcare professional.
How much does it cost to get your hormones tested?
The cost of hormone tests depends on which tests a person chooses and which samples they require. An at-home test may be cheaper than an in-person test.
However, insurance is unlikely to cover at-home tests. The test kits in this article range from $129–319.
Hormones play an essential role in a person’s health and well-being. At-home tests can be a straightforward and convenient way to monitor levels of specific hormones.
While many testing kits are available, it is worth keeping in mind that these tests alone cannot be used to diagnose a health issue. Anyone with concerns should contact a healthcare professional.