Is it possible to determine hormone imbalance via simple on-line questionnaires?

Hi Catherine

I went to a website that, after taking a simple quiz regarding symptoms recommended a program of supplements & cream, all bioidentical.

Is it possible to determine that with so little info? I’m just beginning my own search as a result of reading ‘The Sexy Years’.

Thank you,

Debbie

Dear Debbie,

On-line quiz pages can provide women comfortable surfing the web with a unique opportunity to examine and ‘hone in’ on possible hormone imbalance.

These tests, designed around targeted areas of concern such as ovarian failure, adrenal exhaustion, thyroid or liver dysfunction, etc., may help women determine which symptoms, from an extensive checklist, are troublesome and persist over time.

But can these programmed questionnaires offer a reliable, individualised diagnosis? I wouldn’t think so.

I would argue such checklists ought to be regarded as ‘flags’ to more thorough diagnostic testing that can, indeed, help us gain insight into health problems prior to visiting, or in consultation with a competent healthcare professional.

Without question, such checklists and journal keeping are an invaluable tool in the monitoring of hormone balance and assessing effectiveness of treatment. But I’m always wary of checklists that are used as ‘platforms’ for self-diagnosis and the purchase of product without a degree of consultation with a healthcare professional happening somewhere in the middle!