{"id":71830,"date":"2025-01-02T02:54:58","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T10:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/?p=71830"},"modified":"2025-01-02T02:55:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T10:55:58","slug":"the-hormone-health-connection-five-tests-that-could-add-years-to-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/the-hormone-health-connection-five-tests-that-could-add-years-to-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hormone-Health Connection: Five Tests That Could Add Years to Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hormones are about more than reproduction. If your hormone levels are too high or too low, the consequences could be dire. It\u2019s not just about feeling out of sorts. When they are not in balance, hormones can ruin your health and shorten your lifespan<\/strong>. If you\u2019ve been feeling tired, irritable, or depressed lately, it could be time for a hormone test<\/strong>. Weight gain, trouble sleeping, and a host of other physical concerns are often because of a hormone imbalance<\/strong>. 
The good news is that there are easy, at-home hormone tests<\/strong> available. Read on to learn all about the hormone-health connection and the five important tests that can add years to your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Hormones Are Out of Balance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Although not always associated with a prolonged lifespan<\/strong>, some of the latest longevity research<\/strong> is focused on hormones. There are around 50 different ones responsible for various bodily functions. This is why problems develop so quickly from just a single hormone imbalance<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overseeing the creation and release of all these hormones, is the endocrine system<\/strong>. This complex ecosystem is made up of both vital organs and tissues. Within the brain, a tiny section called the hypothalamus facilitates many of the system’s functions. Just below the hypothalamus lies the pineal and pituitary glands followed by the thyroid gland in the neck. Other tissues include the adrenal gland, the pancreas, and the ovaries or testes. All are responsible for the creation and release of different hormones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hormones are minuscule chemical messengers with an outsized role. They affect every aspect of our lives including healthy aging<\/strong>. Although thought of primarily for their role in reproductive functions, they also control metabolism, the sleep-wake cycle, appetites, blood pressure, and so much more. When hormones aren\u2019t in balance, a range of symptoms results. Some signs of a hormone imbalance<\/strong> include irritation, depression, fatigue, and bloat. If left untreated, hormonal imbalances shorten lives. The life expectancy of someone with high cortisol levels<\/strong>, for example, is far shorter than for someone with normal cortisol levels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe endocrine system<\/strong> plays a major role in survival and lifespan<\/strong> through regulating vital processes such as energy consumption and optimizing the stress response among others\u2026\u201d explains a recent research paper entitled, \u201cAge-Related Hormones Changes and Its Impact on Health Status and Lifespan.\u201d The longevity research<\/strong> study further explains that, \u201cWith aging<\/strong>, the peripheral endocrine<\/strong> glands, and the central pituitary\/ hypothalamic axis experience changes in its homeostasis. .. Indeed, the endocrine system<\/strong> plays a major role in survival and lifespan<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your body is on a constant quest for this homeostasis – a steady state when your systems are at their best. A hormone imbalance<\/strong> interferes with the body\u2019s innate drive to achieve homeostasis. Within your brain, the hypothalamus oversees sex drive, appetite, emotions, while the autonomic nervous system regulates blood pressure and body temperature. It does this thanks to a complex hormone-brain feedback loop that relies on nerve cells delivering chemical messages. These trigger the hypothalamus to release hormones which are responsible for maintaining homeostasis. As the research paper further explains, \u201cFrom an evolutionary perspective, the endocrine system<\/strong> is responsible for the metabolic adaptation of the species.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, this also provides one possible explanation for why so many are battling obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. That\u2019s because the \u201cfeast and famine cycle\u201d hypothesis suggests that ancient mechanisms for retaining fat during times of scarcity are the very adaptations that can make it so hard to lose weight today. Conditions like heart disease have been linked to a hormone imbalance<\/strong>. Some estimates suggest that these metabolic conditions are responsible for half of all deaths worldwide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because different conditions can cause similar symptoms, accurate information is vital. If you are worried you have a hormone imbalance<\/strong>, there\u2019s a simple way to find out. Instead of waiting weeks or even months for a doctor\u2019s appointment, Kyla offers an at-home<\/a> hormone test<\/strong> that delivers results in days. By downloading the Kyla app<\/a>, you\u2019ll soon be able to check your hormone levels and get on the path toward healthy aging<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After downloading the Kyla app<\/a>, you\u2019ll be asked a few simple questions. This helps the app formulate a risk analysis that includes your projected life expectancy<\/strong>. The app offers the option to order an at-home Hormone & Vitamin Panel from Kyla<\/a>. You can also order it online<\/a>. Just complete an easy two-minute, online health quiz<\/a> and select the best test for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some home-testing companies charge hundreds of dollars for a hormone test<\/strong>. Kyla\u2019s comprehensive tests cost just $99<\/a> – which may be covered by your insurance. You\u2019ll receive the hormone test<\/strong> kit just a few days after ordering. Just follow the simple instructions for sample collection and return it to our labs postage free. You\u2019ll soon receive the results which will not only reveal whether or not you have a hormone imbalance but also the current state of your heart, kidney, and liver health. Along with hormone levels, you\u2019ll learn about your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. You\u2019ll also discover if you have deficiencies in vitamin D, B9, or B12. If you\u2019re not sure if a hormone test<\/strong> is right for you, take a look at these five life-shortening hormone imbalances<\/strong> and see if their symptoms sound familiar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Tired or Depressed? Testing Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Can Help<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Lying in close proximity to the hypothalamus is the pebble-sized pituitary gland. This tiny gland manufactures and distributes eight different hormones including thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH<\/strong>. If your thyroid levels<\/strong> are sub-optimal, the pituitary gland releases TSH<\/strong>. This triggers production of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working in concert these two hormones provide assistance with muscular control and bone density. They also regulate digestion and cardiovascular functions. These hormones are responsible for how rapidly your body metabolizes nutrients and how efficiently your body turns food into fuel.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lying just below the skin at the front of the throat, the thyroid gland releases hormones to help you feel warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. After you eat, they motivate the body to exercise. Following exertion, they inspire rest and slumber. Hormones released by the thyroid even determine your heart rate.  Because hormones produced by the thyroid oversee so many bodily functions, when you have suboptimal levels of thyroid-related hormones it\u2019s usually a warning sign. If you\u2019ve gained weight, have low energy, or are having difficulty metabolizing food it could indicate thyroid problems<\/strong>. You don\u2019t need to guess. Part of the at-home Hormone & Vitamin Panel from Kyla<\/a> includes a TSH test <\/strong>along with tests <\/strong>of T4, and T3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been considering a TSH test<\/strong>, now is the time to act. Thyroid problems<\/strong> have been conclusively linked to shorter lifespans. <\/strong>One recent longevity study<\/strong> of thyroid levels concluded<\/strong> that participants over the age of 50 who had \u201clow-normal thyroid function live up to 3.5 years longer overall and up to 3.1 years longer without cardiovascular disease than participants with high-normal thyroid function.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Problem Pregnancy, Ovarian Cysts, or Brittle Bone Concerns? You Need AN FSH Test! <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The pituitary gland doesn\u2019t just involve itself with thyroid levels. It also secretes Follicle-Stimulating Hormone<\/strong> (FSH) which initiates a woman\u2019s estrogen and egg production. That\u2019s why hormone tests<\/strong> that include FSH levels are vital for anyone hoping to get pregnant. For men, FSH controls the quantity and health of their sperm – which is why testing a man\u2019s follicle stimulating hormone<\/strong> levels is vital if he\u2019s trying to get his partner pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, looking at follicle stimulating hormone levels<\/strong> is about more than diagnosing fertility and ovulation issues. It has been used to identify ovarian cysts. Testing FSH levels is also vital for the sort of preventive care that can extend lifespans<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your follicle stimulating hormone <\/strong>levels are high, you could have bone density issues and put yourself at risk for fractures. With postmenopausal women, elevated follicle stimulating hormone<\/strong> levels can also increase the risk for osteoporosis. Low testosterone in men<\/strong> when combined with high levels of FSH accelerates the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. This is a precursor to cardiovascular disease – modern life\u2019s main impediment to a prolonged lifespan<\/strong>. Women with low testosterone and high FSH levels face similar concerns. Men and women with elevated FSH levels are at an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis according to some studies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of symptoms including hypertension and elevated levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, and midsection fat. These symptoms are a hallmark of abbreviated lifespans<\/strong> and unhealthy aging<\/strong>. Unfortunately, studies not only suggest that elevated follicle stimulating hormone levels<\/strong> can increase the risk for metabolic syndrome but researchers are even exploring ways of blocking FSH or deploying anti\u2013FSH antibodies. FSH may also be partly responsible for cognitive decline in menopausal women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to check your follicle stimulating hormone<\/strong> levels by ordering Kyla\u2019s Female Hormone & Vitamin Panel<\/a>. Along with an FSH test it also includes two other tests vital for hormone health: luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Chronic Stress? You Might Need a Cortisol Test!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cortisol is one of the primary hormones released during the fight-or-flight response. Although adrenalin might be better known for its role as energizer, cortisol keeps your engine revving. Along with maintaining your hyper vigilance toward a perceived threat, it immediately signals the liver to release stored glucose. This gives you another burst of stamina. Cortisol is not only produced during elevated threats but also during physical exertion and when you awaken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you have optimal cortisol levels,<\/strong> you don\u2019t just have a well-regulated immune system. You also have healthy blood pressure levels along with reduced sensitivity to pain. If you are having trouble remembering things, it could actually be a sign of high cortisol levels<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are dealing with chronic stress elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> can lead to chronic conditions. That\u2019s because instead of reacting to a transitory threat, your body is on unending high alert as the result of financial, family, or other concerns. Consistently elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> definitely affect longevity<\/strong>. Study after study shows that elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> accelerate aging<\/strong>, or as one explained, \u201c\u2026high levels of cortisol are associated with a higher perceived age.\u201d In other words, reducing your cortisol levels<\/strong> can actually reverse aging<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> have been linked to numerous health problems. If you\u2019ve gained weight in their face, midsection and\/ or upper back it could be a sign of higher than normal cortisol levels<\/strong>. If you feel fatigued, irritable, and have consistent headaches, then you may need to reduce cortisol<\/strong>. <\/strong>You can do this by reducing stress and making other lifestyle changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, your first step needs to be taking a hormone test<\/strong> that will reveal your cortisol levels<\/strong>. Fortunately, Kyla offers an at-home <\/a>cortisol test.<\/strong>  Not only will you be able to learn if a hormone imbalance<\/strong> is responsible for your symptoms, when you download the app you gain access to Kyla\u2019s proprietary risk engine. By combining AI-driven data analysis with personalized programs, Kyla can help you not only overcome elevated cortisol levels<\/strong> but also extend your life expectancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Testing Your Anti-M\u00fcllerian Hormone Levels Is About More Than Fertility <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When women are worried about getting pregnant or facing fertility issues, an anti-m\u00fcllerian hormone<\/strong> test lets them know approximately how many eggs they have. This lets them make informed decisions. Generally this hormone peaks around age 25 and is undetectable after menopause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, anti-m\u00fcllerian hormone levels<\/strong> are about more than fertility. That\u2019s because studies have shown that elevated AMH levels represent a similarly elevated risk for breast cancer. Having an elevated level generally means menopause commences later in life. This also extends the length of time for exposure to elevated quantities of steroid sex hormones – which increases cancer risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This doesn\u2019t mean a low anti-m\u00fcllerian hormone level <\/strong>is ideal. Recent studies have found a link between low AMH levels and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. What this means is that women who are concerned about cancer, type 2 diabetes or any condition that can prevent a happy and prolonged lifespan <\/strong>should make sure that any hormone test<\/strong> that take includes anti-m\u00fcllerian hormone levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyla\u2019s Female Hormone & Vitamin Panel<\/a> is just such a test, providing convenient and accurate results to help you make healthy choices. Low anti-m\u00fcllerian hormone levels<\/strong> for example, can often be resolved through lifestyle changes including diet and exercise. Fortunately, when you download the Kyla app <\/a>you\u2019ll be able to start recording your daily calorie count and activity level immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Total Testosterone Tests Are Important For Men and Women<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

No other hormone is associated with men like testosterone. It\u2019s true that getting a \u201cT\u201d test is vital for any man worried about issues like weight gain or depression. Low testosterone in men<\/strong> is often the cause of fatigue and low energy levels. However, women also produce testosterone. It\u2019s created in their fat cells, ovaries, and adrenal glands. Then it\u2019s converted to estradiol. Both men and women with low testosterone levels face reduced sex drive and issues with bone density. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course low testosterone levels aren\u2019t the only concern. High levels in women can affect their cycle and fertility while elevated levels for both genders can cause excessive facial hair growth along with hair loss, acne, and irritability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, low testosterone in men<\/strong> is associated with more than just lack of energy or sex drive. A very recent examination of multiple studies determined that low levels in men can also affect longevity<\/strong>. For men, normal levels range from between 10 and 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol\/L). After men turn 30, their testosterone levels begin declining from between one to two percent per year. The problem is when a man starts out at a low level (according to the study below 7.4 nmol\/L). These men were more likely to die during the study\u2019s period. Being below 5.3 nmol\/L specifically elevated their risk for cardiovascular disease and death from strokes or heart attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why getting an at-home testosterone<\/strong> test is so important. Around 40% of men don\u2019t get annual check-ups. This is one reason they have shorter lifespans than women. In fact, men\u2019s overall mortality rate is 41 percent higher than women\u2019s. Across 10 different causes of death, men are more likely to die in eight of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, an at-home testosterone <\/strong>test is part of Kyla\u2019s Male Hormone and Vitamin Panel<\/a>. Included in this panel are tests not only for total testosterone but also tests that look at fertility markers, stress hormones, thyroid function, and prostate health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the website Healthline points out, \u201cOnly a testosterone test can measure how much of the hormone is in your body and determine whether your level is within a healthy range.\u201d That\u2019s why the at home testosterone<\/strong> test Kyla offers can be an important component of preventive care<\/strong>. While many companies charge hundreds of dollars for a similar test, Kyla delivers a host of men\u2019s health tests for $99<\/a>. This cost may even be covered by insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyla is focused on putting into practice the most promising longevity research<\/strong>. This means when you resolve a hormone imbalance,<\/strong> you won\u2019t just feel better today. Kyla will help you feel better for decades. That\u2019s because Kyla\u2019s Anti-Aging program<\/a> is rapidly developing the technologies that could lead to longevity escape veloci<\/a>ty<\/a>. This is where thanks to advances in medicine and preventative care, you will gain more than one year of lifespan for every year you are alive. While that speaks to a promising future, downloading the Kyla app will help you get on a healthy path today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. \u201cTen 10 warning signs you may have a hormonal imbalance,\u201d Hormone Health (UK). https:\/\/hormonehealth.co.uk\/10-warning-signs-you-may-have-a-hormonal-imbalance-and-what-to-do-about-it<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. \u201cThe Endocrine System,\u201d The Cleveland Clinic. November 22, 2023. https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/21201-endocrine-system<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Biagetti, Betina, and Manel Puig-Domingo. \u201cAge-Related Hormones Changes and Its Impact on Health Status and Lifespan.\u201d Aging and Disease. June 1, 2023, doi:10.14336\/AD.2022.1109<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Bano, Arjola et al. \u201cAssociation of Thyroid Function With Life Expectancy With and Without Cardiovascular Disease: The Rotterdam Study,\u201d JAMA Internal Medicine. January 18, 2017. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5710266\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. \u201cFollicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test,\u201d MedLine Plus. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Zhang, Xianhui et al. \u201cHigh Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Level Associated With Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Disease Activity.\u201d Frontiers in Endocrinology. April 22, 2022, https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9074789\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Moffat, Scott D. et al. \u201cLongitudinal Change in Cortisol Levels Across the Adult Life Span,\u201d The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 75, Issue 2, February 2020, Pages 394\u2013400. https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/biomedgerontology\/article\/75\/2\/394\/5623032<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Noordam, Raymond et al. \u201cCortisol serum levels in familial longevity and perceived age: The Leiden Longevity Study,\u201d Psychoneuroendocrinology. October 2012. https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0306453012000686<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Ge, Wenzhen et al. \u201cCirculating anti-M\u00fcllerian hormone and breast cancer risk: A study in ten prospective cohorts.\u201d International Journal of Cancer. June 1, 2019. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5922424\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Verdiesen, Ren\u00e9e M G et al. \u201cAnti-M\u00fcllerian hormone levels and risk of type 2 diabetes in women.\u201d Diabetologia. October 13, 2020. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7801305<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. \u201cWhat to Know About Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels, WebMD. July 07, 2023. https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/a-to-z-guides\/what-to-know-anti-mullerian-hormone-levels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Heitz, David and Kimberly Holland. \u201cTestosterone Tests: How They Work and Understanding the Results,\u201d Healthline. April 29, 2024. https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/testosterone-test<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13.  Solan, Matthew. \u201cLow testosterone levels linked to shorter life span,\u201d Harvard Health. August 1, 2024. https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mens-health\/low-testosterone-levels-linked-to-shorter-life-span<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. Yeap, Bu B. MBBS, PhD. et al. \u201cAssociations of Testosterone and Related Hormones With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Men: Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses,\u201d Annals of Internal Medicine. May 14, 2024. https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/M23-2781<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    A hormone imbalance isn\u2019t just unpleasant, it can actually reduce your life expectancy which is why these five hormone tests are so important for anyone who wants a healthy and prolonged lifespan. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":71840,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[{"id":40,"name":"Anti-Aging","slug":"longevity","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/longevity\/"},{"id":203,"name":"Hormones","slug":"hormones","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/hormones\/"}],"tags":[408,394,470,259,495,494],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/kyla.com-wordpress\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/02024045\/shutterstock_2442519635-1-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71830"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71830"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71830\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71844,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71830\/revisions\/71844"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}