Understanding Endocrine Lab Test Results

Importance of Endocrine Lab Test Results

The endocrine system makes and releases hormones that affect the body’s functions in many ways. If any of the tissues in this system start producing too little or too much of a hormone, health problems occur. Some of the issues include obesity, diabetes, thyroiditis, and erectile dysfunction.

Endocrine testing measures hormone amounts to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. Understanding your endocrine test results can be helpful as you and your physician explore potential issues.

This article covers why doctors order endocrine blood tests (sometimes called endocrine panel lab tests), lists some of the more common endocrine lab tests, and provides guidance on how to interpret endocrine blood test results.

Why Endocrine Lab Tests Are Ordered

If your doctor has received abnormal results of other endocrine function studies or suspects you have an endocrine disorder, blood test results can confirm that suspicion or indicate that the endocrine system probably isn’t the cause of your symptoms.

Some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance include high or low blood pressure, significant changes in energy level or mood, irregular menstrual periods, high or low blood sugar, unintended weight changes, and fertility problems.

Common Endocrine Lab Tests

Several tests are available to measure hormone levels and help doctors diagnose endocrine system problems. Some of the more common tests include:

Thyroid function tests

These tests measure the amount of a specific thyroid hormone (often thyroxine) in the blood. Over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones can cause problems with mood, energy level, bone health, and other issues.

Adrenal function tests

Adrenal gland problems can result in too much or too little of hormones like cortisol, which helps regulate metabolism, fight infections, and maintain proper blood pressure. These tests assess whether the adrenal glands are functioning correctly.

Pituitary function tests

These tests assess levels of the several hormones produced by the pituitary gland, some of which affect the functioning of other glands.

Glucose tests

Glucose tests measure blood sugar levels. High levels can indicate diabetes.

Sex hormone tests

Sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect sexual development, reproductive processes, muscle mass, bone density, and other functions. Sex hormone tests detect the levels of each.

Understanding Lab Results

Your care team will explain the outcome of your endocrine testing. However, it’s helpful to know a few things about reading endocrine blood test results.

For example, what doctors consider normal for a given hormone is noted in ranges that can vary by sex, age, and other criteria. There are many units of measure in endocrine test results, like cmm (cells per cubic milliliter), mcg/dL (micrograms per deciliter), and several others.

Understanding those measures isn’t especially important. What is informative is how your figure compares to the normal range. If you find anything about your results confusing or concerning, don’t hesitate to contact your care team for clarification.

When To Consult with a Healthcare Provider

The information above is a helpful introduction to endocrinology and endocrine testing. However, no one expects you to know when to see an endocrine specialist. If you experience symptoms or just aren’t feeling like yourself, contact your primary care physician. They can help diagnose your condition and refer you for endocrine testing if appropriate.

Next Steps and Useful Resources:

Learn More About Endocrinology
Learn More About Diabetes
Reasons to See an Endocrinologist
What Is an Endocrinologist?