Most hormones are produced by a group of glands known collectively as the endocrine system. Even though these glands are located in various parts of the body, they are considered one system because of their similar functions and relationship to each other.
Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream by these glands. From there, they travel to all parts of the body, playing the role of chemical messengers — turning specific target tissues on or off. Because they cannot be stored in the cells, hormones do their work as they pass through and then they are gone. As a result, hormones must be made and released at the precise time they are needed. To keep things functioning at their best, the body must constantly fine-tune hormone release to keep levels within proper limits.
Because of the complexity of these interactions, a hormonal imbalance rarely stems from only one type of hormone. More often, the problem involves a series of hormones that are out of balance. In addition, a disruption in the balance of hormones produced by one gland or set of glands can cause other glands or systems to dysfunction. Before you know it, you are feeling miserable on multiple fronts.
How to Achieve Hormone Balance
To restore the vital balance of hormones, we first need a detailed, accurate measurement of hormone levels — not just numbers, but an assessment that offers real meaning. (Please see Understanding Your Test Results.)
With almost 20 years of experience and results from over 8 million tests, ZRT Laboratory is a recognised leader in informative, safe and meaningful hormone testing. Reports include customised comments specific to your lab results, with reference ranges based on patient age, reproductive status and levels of supplementation.
If you are unsure where to start, our Profile Hormone Tests offer a comprehensive overview of your key hormone levels — including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol — in a single convenient home test kit.
What Happens When Hormones Are Out of Balance?
Hormonal imbalances can manifest in a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common concerns we hear from our customers include:
- Anxiety & Depression
- Chronic Fatigue
- Hot Flushes & Night Sweats
- Insomnia
- Lower Stamina & Libido
- PMS or PMDD
- Stress & Adrenal Burnout
- Unexplained Weight Gain
- Infertility
- Toxic Exposure
Many of these symptoms overlap and can be difficult to attribute to a single cause. For example, persistent stress and adrenal imbalance can suppress sex hormone production, disrupt sleep, and drive weight gain simultaneously — making it essential to test a broad panel of hormones rather than guessing at the cause.
Learn More About Testing
Our Testing Methods
We offer a range of clinically validated home test formats to suit your needs:
- Profile Hormone Testing — comprehensive multi-hormone panels
- Saliva Hormone Testing — ideal for measuring free, bioavailable hormones
- Dried Blood Spot Hormone Testing — accurate serum-equivalent results at home
- Dried Urine Spot Hormone Testing — detailed metabolite analysis
Not Sure Which Test Is Right for You?
If weight gain is your primary concern, our Female Weight Management Profile Test or Male Weight Management Profile Test measures the key hormones linked to fat storage and metabolism — including cortisol, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and DHEA — giving you a clear picture of what may be driving the problem.
Originally ZRT Laboratory. Reproduced with permission. Last reviewed: May 2026.