7 Essential Questions to Ask Your Doctor If You Suspect a Hormone Imbalance
Is your fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, unexplained weight changes, or other frustrating symptoms making you suspect a hormone imbalance? Speaking from experience, walking into a doctor’s office without a clear plan can leave you feeling unheard or unsure about the next steps.
Doctors are busy, and while they want to help, they may not immediately connect the dots unless you come prepared. Tracking your symptoms and asking the right questions is key to getting the answers you need.
If you think you have a hormone issue but don’t know where to start, here are seven essential questions to ask your doctor — plus some tips to make the most of your appointment.
1. Based on my symptoms, what hormone imbalances could be at play?
Rather than self-diagnosing, use this question to get your doctor’s professional insight. Many symptoms overlap across conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, adrenal dysfunction, or estrogen dominance. This question helps open the conversation and get your doctor thinking about possible causes.
✅ Pro tip: Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, when they started, and any patterns you’ve noticed (e.g., worse before your period, linked to stress, or triggered by diet changes).
2. What tests do you recommend to check my hormone levels?
Many hormone imbalances require lab work for a clear diagnosis. Unfortunately, some doctors may dismiss testing or only offer basic blood work. Advocate for yourself by asking about:
Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4, thyroid antibodies)
Sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
Cortisol levels (to check for adrenal imbalances)
Blood sugar and insulin levels (to assess metabolic health)
✅ Pro tip: If your doctor only orders basic tests, ask if additional testing is necessary (and that you are willing to pay) or if you should get a referral to see an endocrinologist.
3. When is the best time in my cycle to get tested?
Hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, so timing matters. Some tests should be done at specific times:
Estrogen and progesterone – typically tested around day 21 of a 28-day cycle
FSH and LH – often tested on day 3
Cortisol – may require morning and evening tests for accuracy
If your doctor doesn’t mention cycle timing, bring it up!
✅ Pro tip: If you have irregular cycles, ask how that impacts your testing schedule.
4. Could my symptoms be linked to stress, diet, or lifestyle factors?
Hormone imbalances aren’t just about lab results—stress, diet, sleep, and lifestyle play huge roles. A good doctor will consider how your daily habits affect your symptoms and may suggest adjustments alongside medical treatment
✅ Pro tip: Track your sleep patterns, stress levels, diet, and exercise leading up to your appointment to help identify potential triggers.
5. If my test results are “normal,” what are the next steps?
Many women are told their lab work is “within range” even when they feel terrible. But “normal” doesn’t always mean optimal.
If you still have symptoms, ask:
Should we look at different tests?
Can we check for nutrient deficiencies (like vitamin D, iron, or magnesium)?
Are there functional medicine or lifestyle approaches to consider?
✅ Pro tip: If you feel dismissed, seek a second opinion or consider working with a specialist.
6. What treatment options do I have beyond medication?
Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may suggest birth control, thyroid meds, or other prescriptions. While medication can be helpful, you deserve to know all your options.
Ask about:
Nutrition and lifestyle changes
Herbal or natural remedies
Alternative therapies (like acupuncture or stress management techniques)
This helps you make an informed decision about your health.
✅ Pro tip: If you’re open to medication but also want holistic options, ask, “How can I support my hormones naturally alongside treatment?”
7. When should I follow up, and what should I track in the meantime?
Hormone health isn’t a one-and-done conversation. Ask your doctor when to check in again and what symptoms or changes you should monitor before your next visit.
✅ Pro tip: Keep a symptom journal and note any shifts in mood, energy, cycles, digestion, or sleep patterns.
Your health is worth the effort!! The more prepared and informed you are, the better the conversation with your doctor will be.
Before your appointment, start tracking:
✅ Your menstrual cycle (length, symptoms, irregularities)
✅ Mood, energy, and stress levels
✅ Sleep patterns
✅ Digestion and gut health
✅ Food intake and any reactions
This will give your doctor insight and help you take charge of your hormone health.
Would love to hear — have you ever struggled with getting the right answers from a doctor? Let me know in the comments!
With love and balance, my Friends x
