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Your metabolism is a vital part of your overall health. It affects how you burn calories, store energy, and feel on a day-to-day basis.
If you’ve been feeling like something is a little “off” recently, it could potentially be related to your metabolism. For those who are interested in checking in on their gut, Everlywell makes one of the most popular metabolism tests around.
We did a little research to help you decide whether this test is right for you.
During the metabolic process, your body combines the calories from the things you eat and drink with oxygen to release energy. This is what keeps your body fueled.
When your metabolism isn’t working the way it should, the entire bodily system can get thrown off. A slow metabolism can lead to:
- weight gain
- sleeping difficulties
- decreased energy
- fatigue
- irritability
- thinning hair
- decreased muscle mass
A metabolic test can help you find out how and maybe even why your metabolism isn’t functioning properly.
Everlywell provides a wide range of at-home medical testing kits to help you stay on top of your health from the comfort of your home.
One of the most popular tests is the metabolism test, which works by measuring three hormones that are closely linked to normal metabolic function. These hormones are:
By measuring cortisol, testosterone, and TSH, the test can give you some key insights into your metabolic health.
Plus, becoming familiar with these hormone levels can help you learn more about other related health issues you may be experiencing.
Each test is reviewed by a physician and the overall process is regulated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to ensure quality laboratory testing. The process is also compliant with the
While the test isn’t covered by insurance, you can use a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for it if you have one.
Cortisol
Cortisol helps control glucose levels. (Glucose provides the body with energy.) Cortisol is also released when people experience stress and the fight, flight, or freeze response.
As a 2007 study noted, low levels of cortisol cause a decrease in energy, increased TSH levels, and increased insulin sensitivity.
When cortisol levels are low, the body can have a hard time metabolizing food into fuel, making it difficult to perform exercises or even day-to-day tasks.
Testosterone
Testosterone is another crucial hormone for a healthy metabolism.
Low levels of testosterone can cause weight gain, especially in men. A long-term testosterone deficiency can even lead to a risk of diabetes in men.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone (TH), while TSH regulates production of TH.
TH is an
important hormone for healthy metabolic processes. Too much TH can lead to a hypermetabolic state that includes energy loss, weight loss, and low cholesterol.
On the other hand, a TH deficiency can lead to weight gain and high cholesterol.
The Everlywell metabolism test gives you a full TSH assessment to determine if your TSH levels are in the healthy range.
The Everlywell metabolism test promises to be easy to take at home. Here’s what the process looks like:
- After placing your order, you’ll receive a kit in the mail that includes instructions, materials, and pre-paid shipping.
- You’ll need to register for an account on the Everlywell website, where you’ll be notified of your results later.
- You’ll take a saliva test and finger prick test per the provided instructions.
- Once you complete the tests, you’ll package up your samples in the provided biohazard bag.
- Use the prepaid label to ship your samples off to the lab.
- Within a few days, you’ll receive physician reviewed digital results broken down by hormone.
Pros
- tests for three hormones: cortisol, testosterone, and TSH
- at-home test with digital CLIA-lab results
- prepaid, safe packaging for shipping your samples
- HIPAA compliant protocols for data security
- FSA and HSA payments
- can give you useful information to share with a healthcare professional
Cons
- insurance payments not accepted
- more expensive without a monthly membership
- does not give exact results for resting metabolic rate
- no physician consultation
- results aren’t for diagnosis purposes
The Everlywell metabolism test is generally considered to be a great option.
On the Everlywell website, the test has 450 reviews, 82 percent of which are 5 stars, and 13 percent of which are 4 stars.
On Amazon, the product has an average of 4.2 stars across 369 reviews.
Reviewers mention:
- clear instructions
- fast online results
- convenient
- easy to use
A single metabolism test kit costs $49. A monthly Everlywell membership includes one test of your choice each month and 20 percent off all additional tests.
| Everlywell | myLABBOX | Verisana | HealthLabs | |
| Test type | at-home saliva and finger prick test with lab results | at-home saliva and finger prick test with lab results | at-home saliva test with lab results | local in-lab blood sample test |
| Measures | cortisol, testosterone, and TSH levels | cortisol, testosterone, and TSH levels | progesterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol, and testosterone levels | basic metabolic panel: electrolyte balance, glucose levels, and kidney function |
| Prices | $49 or $24.99 per month with a membership | $99 | $149.95 | $58 |
| Best for | general knowledge about hormones related to metabolism | people who want a free consultation after their at-home test | people who want a more extensive hormone assessment for other potential causes of weight gain | for people worried about liver function, this metabolic test can give you a more extensive understanding of your glucose levels |
Compared with top competitors, the Everlywell metabolism test is low-cost, convenient, and reliable.
For people who are looking for general insight into how their hormones may be affecting their metabolism efficiency, this test is a great option.
For those who are interested in more extensive hormone analysis or who are concerned about liver function, this test isn’t the best choice.
Understanding and staying on top of your metabolic health can help you to feel your best on a day-to-day basis.
Plus, it’s also important for maintaining overall wellness and preventing the development of more serious conditions, like diabetes.
Taking a convenient and affordable Everlywell metabolism test can help you better understand how your metabolic system is working, but it should never replace diagnosis and treatment by a licensed medical professional.
However, your results can give you lab-certified data to share with your doctor to help get your metabolism function back on track.
Meg Walters is a writer and actor from London. She is interested in exploring topics such as fitness, meditation, and healthy lifestyles in her writing. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, yoga, and the occasional glass of wine.
