Series 5 Episode 3: Measuring Hormone Levels - There's More to It Than You Think

Podcast: Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk

Guest: Dr Clare Spencer

Episode focus: Understanding hormone testing, timing, and what those results really mean.

Understanding Hormone Testing and What It Really Tells You

Hormone testing can feel like a scientific minefield, confusing, inconsistent and sometimes downright frustrating. In this episode of Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk, Dr Heather Currie and Dr Clare Spencer bring clarity to this complex topic, helping you understand not only what hormone tests measure but also what they don’t.

It might not sound like the most exciting topic at first glance, but trust us ... it’s absolutely worth a listen! By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of your hormones and how to make sense of blood test results during menopause and beyond.

Beyond the Numbers: Why Hormone Tests Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Dr Clare Spencer reminds us that blood tests are just one piece of the puzzle. Hormones fluctuate naturally (sometimes daily) which means a single test can’t capture the full picture of what’s happening in your body.

Lifestyle, stress, sleep, environmental factors and genetics all play powerful roles in how you feel during this hormonal transition. As Heather and Clare discuss, how you feel is often just as important as what your blood test shows.

“Understanding your hormones isn’t just about measuring them, it’s about interpreting them in context.” – Dr Clare Spencer

Busting Common Myths About Hormone Testing

Heather and Clare tackle some of the biggest myths and misunderstandings around hormone testing and HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). They explore:

• How unmeasurable factors influence your symptoms

• The impact of age and menstrual cycle stage on results

• What doctors are actually testing for

• Why absorption levels can affect accuracy

• Why there aren’t universal “target” hormone levels

By cutting through misinformation, they support listeners to ask better questions and make informed choices about their health.

The Science and the Subtleties: Questions Answered

Throughout this insightful conversation, Heather and Clare answer key questions many women have but rarely get clear answers to:

• Should you measure hormone levels at all?

• When’s the right time to test?

• How do you interpret the results?

• How accurate are blood tests for hormones?

• What about absorption levels if you’re already on HRT?

• How do environmental and genetic factors come into play?

• How can you avoid tachyphylaxis (when HRT stops working effectively)?

• And what about prescribing HRT for bone health?

Their practical, science-backed insights make this one of our most informative episodes yet.

HRT and Bone Health: An Overlooked Benefit

Many women are surprised to learn how closely hormones and bone health are linked. Clare and Heather delve into how declining oestrogen levels can affect bone density and how HRT can play a protective role when used appropriately.

This nuanced conversation helps listeners see HRT not just as symptom relief but as part of a bigger picture of long-term health.

Why You’ll Want to Tune In

If you’ve ever found hormone blood tests confusing or been told conflicting advice about what your results mean, this episode will bring clarity and calm.

Dr Heather Currie and Dr Clare Spencer strip away the jargon to explain what’s really going on, offering reassurance and practical wisdom that every woman deserves to hear.

🎧 Listen now to “Measuring Hormone Levels – There’s More to It Than You Think” on Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk.

Available on all major podcast platforms.