If we just wait to get sick before treating, how will we know when symptoms don’t show? Or if we just think, “Why get checked? It’s a waste of money!” “Why know? It just causes stress!” “The body is free, so why not take care of it?” These phrases are often heard but just go in one ear and out the other, even though we use our bodies every day from head to toe but never take care of them.
I encountered problems with irritability, restlessness, bad mood, insomnia, or light sleep, waking up feeling unrefreshed, weight gain despite eating less, and decreased sexual desire. Initially, I researched the issues, which were caused by hormonal imbalance, so I decided to find a package to test the balance of female sex hormones.
I was very lucky to find information about testing 13 hormone levels for women at Phyathai 2 Hospital, so I decided to call and make an appointment immediately because they have the Premier Life Center that specializes in hormone testing. It’s also conveniently located, and the doctors and hospital are trustworthy.
Preparation before the service is not difficult. The staff will call to inform you to fast for 8 hours before the test, but drinking water is allowed. On the test day, you can travel by BTS and get off at Sanam Pao station. The hospital is right opposite Channel 5 TV station.
Today, I drove myself, exited the expressway, turned left, and immediately saw the hospital. The hospital has two parking buildings to choose from conveniently. Then I went to Building B, 8th floor, at the Premier Life Center and informed them of my appointment (you can complete your history via Call Center 1772 before going).
After registration, the staff called me in to measure blood pressure, weigh, and measure height, and asked some basic personal information. Then a nurse came to draw blood for testing 13 hormone items, including:
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- Consultations Anti – Aging Medicine
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- Test Luteinizing Hormone (LH) level
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- Test Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level
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- Test Estradiol (E2) level
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- Test Progesterone level
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- Test for thyroid abnormalities (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone – TSH)
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- Test for thyroid abnormalities (Free T3 – FT3)
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- Test for thyroid abnormalities (FT4 – Free T4)
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- Test Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) level
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- Test IGF1 level
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- Test IGFBP3 level
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- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
- Test Insulin level
The blood draw went well, no pain at all because the nurse kept informing me at every step. The other equipment was excellent, and the nurse explained in detail the procedures before and after the blood draw, helping to prevent repeated bruising (I usually bruise easily). After that, the staff asked me to wait for a consultation with the doctor. The waiting room even had a massage machine (I loved it).
When I met Dr. Kobkulya Jorprasertsri, I told her about my problems such as feeling insufficient sleep, waking up unrefreshed, light sleep, easy fatigue, and decreased sexual desire. These issues affected my life and those close to me.
The doctor explained that after age 30, Growth Hormone levels decrease, causing these symptoms. She recommended increasing exercise, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, getting enough rest, and relaxing without stressing about work. All these factors affect the body’s production of Growth Hormone. At 34, I am at an age of changes in stability, work, responsibilities, and burdens, which can cause hidden stress.
Regarding sexual desire, the doctor advised testing Testosterone hormone as well because, although female, it is important for sexual mood. If below the standard, it can cause problems (this is an additional test beyond the 13-item program). This information will help analyze the causes and find targeted solutions. The blood results will show which hormones are deficient.
Overall, the doctor was kind and gave thorough advice, asked detailed questions, analyzed possible problems, and clearly recommended solutions and prevention. I felt very good. We talked for about 40 minutes.
After the consultation, I made an appointment to receive the results the following week to find solutions based on the test results.
This was my first female hormone test, and I was very impressed. The staff and nurses provided excellent service. The doctor explained clearly and gave clear solutions, making me confident that my problems could be resolved.
Before leaving, the staff gave me a Gift Voucher to use for food within the hospital.
On the day of the results, from the day I refused to get tested thinking nothing was wrong… seeing the results made me stressed, shocked, and worried. Did I really let my mind and lifestyle, which I thought were good, harm my internal health this much? I want to share this in an easy-to-understand way. All of this is true, and I think others reading might think they have the same issues and that it’s normal, right? (Yes, I thought so too before, but it’s not normal.)
As I mentioned, I had problems with irritability, stress (unconscious), mood swings, fatigue, forgetfulness, slow thinking, dullness, lack of motivation to do anything, laziness to exercise, desire to sleep, reduced sex activity, weight gain despite eating less and dieting, craving sweets and salty foods, frequent illness, and low immunity.
The doctor said I have adrenal fatigue, a disorder caused by chronic stress. This disease is part of the “forgotten diseases” group because it is often not diagnosed correctly or timely. One reason is that general health check-ups are insufficient to diagnose this condition.
Diagnosing adrenal fatigue requires measuring two adrenal hormones: Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which can be measured from blood results.
These two hormones are the “stress hormones.” Currently, treatment for adrenal fatigue focuses on balancing these two hormones. My test results were abnormal for both, with some levels too high and some too low.
The doctor’s recommended solutions and care methods were very brief and easy. We talked for an hour to adjust behavior and understanding. The doctor listened and helped find a suitable solution.
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- Exercise (don’t just skim over this because it’s really important). The doctor recommended walking for this condition (overdoing it will worsen symptoms). Start with 20 minutes of continuous walking daily, then gradually increase time and other activities as you like.
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- Rest your mind with a clear, open, stress-free state for 20 minutes, whether doing yoga, praying, or listening to music, but your mind must focus on that activity without any worries in the world. This is considered Quality Time.
- Eat breakfast every day and sleep before 10 PM because Growth Hormone is secreted between 10 PM and 2 AM (I encourage you to research more about this; it’s very important, not just for height increase).
Initially, the doctor prescribed supplements for about 1-2 months, such as Fish Oil, Magnesium, Vit D3, DHEA, Q10, Indole 3 Carbinal (doses are individually calculated and specially made) to help the body return to normal quickly. During this time, I must follow the recommendations. The doctor is very confident that my next blood test will be 100% normal.
What I gained from this test was:
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- Coming home, dusting off my sneakers, and going out for a walk & bike ride
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- Realizing that stress is the real villain
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- Reviewing and prioritizing health like never before
- Those who love us are those who care about our health. Thanks to Nawanop for supporting, pushing, paying, and being the sweetest.
This test was supported by a great project from HDreview and Phyathai 2 Hospital, who were very willing and happy to have this review so friends can realize the importance of health. For anyone who wants to test 13 hormone levels for women (including thyroid abnormalities), click here .
