wann ist ein test auf östrogen, progesteron und cortisol sinnvoll? — what are common causes?

The question of when testing for estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol is useful is not addressed in the provided context. In general medical practice, such hormone measurements are indicated when there is clinical suspicion of hormonal imbalances – for example, menstrual irregularities, infertility, early menopause, or symptoms of chronic stress (e.g., fatigue, sleep disturbances). However, the evidence for many of these tests, especially salivary tests in the context of so-called 'adrenal fatigue,' is weak. Hormone secretion is subject to strong circadian and menstrual cycle variations, making single-point measurements often unreliable. Moreover, such tests are frequently offered by direct-to-consumer laboratories without adequate validation. From a scientific perspective, standardized blood draws at defined times (e.g., early morning for cortisol, day 3 of the cycle for estradiol) are only useful when there is a clear clinical question. Without medical indication and interpretation, there is a risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments. Caveat: Do not self-treat based on test results; always seek specialist evaluation (gynecology, endocrinology).