Skip to content

Cortisol & Estrogen: Their Role in Hormonal Imbalance

At Princeton Integrative Health, we recognize that while women statistically live longer than men, they often face more chronic health conditions. Women are particularly susceptible to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions that disproportionately affect them compared to men. Pregnancy also introduces unique health challenges, including significant hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. As women age, they encounter menopause-related issues such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia. Even common conditions like heart disease and diabetes can manifest differently in women than in men, requiring specialized care.

Unfortunately, women's health research has historically been underfunded, leading to gaps in both awareness and available treatment options for conditions that predominantly affect women.

What Do Female Health Tests Measure? At Princeton Integrative Health, we prioritize comprehensive female health assessments, focusing on hormonal balance and factors crucial to women's physical and emotional well-being. These tests are integral to diagnosing and treating conditions that uniquely affect women, spanning areas such as gynecological, reproductive, sexual, hormonal, cardiovascular, stress, and bone health.

Through our partnership with Rupa Health, we offer a variety of female health tests, including:

  • ZRT Laboratory’s Saliva Profile 1-Female/Male: This test uses saliva to measure sex and adrenal hormones, providing a baseline for hormone replacement therapy or assisting in managing menstrual, infertility, or sexual health concerns.
  • Access Medical Labs’ SBHG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin): A blood test that evaluates SBHG levels to provide insights into a range of hormonal disorders.
  • DUTCH’s Sex Hormone Metabolites: A urine test that assesses estrogen, progesterone, and androgen hormones and metabolites, offering critical information for managing hormone replacement therapy.

Beyond these tests, a comprehensive review of medical history, physical exams, and lab work, including a complete blood count and chemistry panel, can be beneficial. Depending on the results, additional evaluations such as bone density testing or mental health assessments may be recommended. We understand that mental health often plays a significant role in conditions like menopause, infertility, and pregnancy, and it’s an essential factor in holistic care.

Treatment Plans At Princeton Integrative Health, we develop individualized treatment plans that recognize each woman's unique hormone profile and health needs. Our goal is to alleviate symptoms while reducing the risk of long-term health issues. Some of the common interventions we may recommend include:

  • Optimizing nutrition and physical activity
  • Supplementation to address nutrient deficiencies
  • Emotional and social health support
  • Acupuncture
  • Stress reduction strategies

We believe in empowering women with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health, providing the resources needed for long-term wellness.

References available upon request.