Hormone Testing vs. General Health Screening: Understanding the Difference

Many people wonder how a hormone test differs from a general health screening and why both play important roles in maintaining long-term well-being.

 

Ageing, Hormone Deficiencies, and Their Impact on Daily Life

As we age, our hormone levels naturally decline, leading to deficiencies that can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These imbalances often contribute to:

• Fatigue and low energy levels
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
• Poor sleep quality
• Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues
• Low libido and sexual dysfunction
• Muscle weakness, joint pain, and slower recovery

Since these symptoms develop gradually, they are often overlooked or mistaken for normal ageing. However, hormone imbalances are correctable when properly identified and addressed.

 

Why Hormone Testing Matters

Unlike general health screenings, which primarily check for existing diseases, a hormone test helps identify underlying imbalances before diseases develop. Typically, a comprehensive hormone profile measures 10-15 key hormones, including:

• Sex hormones – Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (important for metabolism, mood, and sexual health)
• Stress hormones – Cortisol and DHEA (affect energy levels, resilience, and immunity)
• Thyroid hormones – TSH, T3, and T4 (critical for metabolism and overall energy)
• Insulin and metabolic hormones – Affect blood sugar control and fat storage

By identifying these imbalances early, a doctor experienced in hormone therapy can develop a personalized treatment plan to support overall well-being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Treatment may include targeted nutritional supplementation, natural hormone therapy, or lifestyle modifications, tailored to individual needs.

 

How General Health Screening Differs

A general health screening focuses on assessing your current health status and detecting early signs of disease. It typically includes:

• Blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Cardiovascular risk markers
• Complete blood count and anaemia screening
• Infection
• Tumour markers
• Urine analysis

General screenings do not assess hormone imbalances holistically or identify underlying causes before diseases develop. When a health screening shows abnormal results, it usually means that a disease has already occurred.

However, general health screenings are still crucial for:

• Early detection of diseases – Conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and liver or kidney disorders can be detected before severe symptoms appear.
• Prompt action and disease control – Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, which can help prevent complications and reduce health risks in the future.

–           –	Hormone test	General health screening
Purpose	Identifies hormone imbalances	Assess current health status
Focus	Prevent diseases	Find diseases
What It Tests	10 – 15 types of hormones	60+ tests including blood counts, blood sugars, cholesterols, liver, kidneys, etc
Treatment approach	Proactiveprevents disease by fixing imbalances early	Reactivedetects diseases once they develop
Treatment plan	Personalized plan with supplements, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes	Medical intervention, medication, and complication monitoring
Cost	Higher	Lower

 

Why Hormone Testing Costs More

Hormone blood tests are more expensive than standard biochemistry tests because they require advanced laboratory techniques and specialized analysis.

Unlike routine biochemistry tests, hormone testing requires more advanced techniques. Biochemistry tests measure common markers like glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes using automated processes.

In contrast, hormone testing involves more complex and sensitive methods such as immunoassays or mass spectrometry. These tests require high-precision equipment, specialized reagents, and expert interpretation, contributing to the higher cost.

 

The Preferred Approach: Combining Both Tests for Proactive and Optimal Health

A general health screening is vital for early disease detection, while a hormone test identifies hidden imbalances before diseases develop. By combining both, you get the most comprehensive insight into your health, allowing for early action, personalized treatment, and long-term prevention.

At Fonctio, our hormone test offers more than just hormone analysis—it also includes over 70 general health screening tests. In addition to identifying hormone deficiencies that impact your daily performance, you receive a comprehensive health assessment that evaluates both existing health risks and early hormone imbalances. This deeper insight empowers you to take proactive steps before diseases develop, helping you maintain optimal health and well-being.

 

If you’ve been experiencing unexplained symptoms or want to take a proactive approach to your health, our comprehensive hormone test can help you take charge of your well-being today!