What are doctors' concerns about the hormone testing market?

Doctors warn that the booming hormone testing market is targeting women, particularly those in perimenopause, with expensive and unnecessary hormone panels that provide little useful information.

How do doctors recommend women approach hormonal changes?

Doctors advise women to focus on their symptoms rather than testing their hormone levels, as hormone levels naturally fluctuate. They caution against falling for marketing schemes and spending hundreds on tests.

What are the risks of over-the-counter hormone tests?

Doctors warn that over-the-counter hormone tests can be inaccurate and lead to self-treatment with unregulated supplements, which can be unsafe. They emphasize the importance of discussing any hormonal concerns with a healthcare provider.

Home / Health / Doctors Caution Against Costly Hormone Testing Frenzy

Doctors Caution Against Costly Hormone Testing Frenzy

16 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Hormone testing market booming, but many tests unnecessary
Doctors advise focusing on symptoms, not hormone levels
Supplements and online panels can be expensive and ineffective

Doctors Caution Against Costly Hormone Testing Frenzy

The hormone testing market has seen a significant boom since the pandemic, with the global endocrine testing market projected to grow at a 7.7% annual rate from 2024 to 2030. However, doctors are cautioning against the growing trend of unnecessary and costly hormone testing.

According to experts, many women, particularly those in perimenopause, are being targeted by "meno-profiteering" and "meno-washing" tactics, where companies sell expensive hormone panels that provide little useful information. Dr. Jan Shifren of Massachusetts General Hospital says she often sees patients who have spent hundreds on these tests, only to have her disregard the results.