How to Talk to Your Doctor About Hormone Testing (Even If They Brush You Off)

Let’s be real.

For too many people — especially women — bringing up hormone issues at the doctor’s office turns into a frustrating game of medical gaslighting.

You say, “I’m tired, gaining weight, anxious, not sleeping, and my periods are a mess.”

They say, “Your labs are normal. Maybe it’s stress. Want an antidepressant?”

Sound familiar?

Here’s how to take back control and advocate for the testing you actually need — even if your doctor acts like it’s unnecessary.

1. Know What You’re Asking For (and Why)

When you ask for hormone testing, be specific. Most conventional docs will only check TSH (thyroid), maybe total testosterone, and ignore the rest.

Instead, ask for:

• Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies (TPO, TG)

• Sex hormones: Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone (total and free), DHEA-S

• Cortisol: Ideally a 4-point salivary or dried urine test — not just a single blood draw

• Insulin + blood sugar markers: Fasting insulin, HbA1c, glucose

If you walk in knowing exactly what to request, you’re harder to brush off.

2. Don’t Say “Hormones,” Say “Symptoms”

Some doctors shut down when you say “I think it’s my hormones.”

Instead, lead with your symptom pattern:

• “I’m waking up between 2–4 AM wired, but I’m exhausted during the day.”

• “My cycles have totally changed, and I’ve got major mood swings the week before my period.”

• “I’ve been lifting consistently but gaining fat, not muscle, and I’m more tired than ever.”

Describe what you’re experiencing, not what you think the root cause is.

Then follow it with, “Would you be open to running some labs to help rule out hormone imbalances?”

3. If They Say No, Ask This

If your doctor says, “We don’t need to check that,” calmly ask:

“Can you help me understand why not? I’m still not feeling like myself, and I want to make sure we’re not missing anything.”

This does two things:

• Forces them to explain their reasoning

• Re-positions you as someone trying to work with them, not challenge them

If they’re still dismissive? That tells you everything you need to know.

4. You Don’t Need to Beg for Validation

Just because someone has “MD” after their name doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your care.

• If you feel unheard, you’re allowed to find someone who does listen.

• If your doctor refuses to run the labs you need, you’re allowed to go elsewhere — or order them yourself through a licensed provider who will actually help you make sense of the results.

You’re not crazy. You’re not lazy. You’re not just “getting older.”

You’re allowed to feel off and want answers.

5. Here’s What I Do Differently

In my practice, I don’t write off symptoms just because a single number is in range.

• I test thoroughly

• I explain clearly

• And I treat based on how you feel, not just what the paper says

Because at the end of the day, “normal” isn’t the same as optimal — and you deserve better than five-minute medicine.

If you’re done being brushed off and want a deeper look at your hormones, metabolism, and energy…

Book a consult here — and we’ll start with the root, not the runaround.