Hormone testing can be confusing. Many people in Annapolis have had blood work that came back normal while they still felt off, and others have results in hand that nobody has fully explained. Dr. Ryan Kneessi, ND, a naturopathic doctor licensed in Maryland, focuses on choosing the right tests and then walking you through what they may and may not mean.
Which hormones are commonly tested
The right panel depends on your history and goals. For thyroid questions, a fuller panel may include TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, because research has linked each of these to a different part of how thyroid hormone is made, converted, and used. For adrenal and stress questions, cortisol patterns across the day can be more informative than a single morning value, and precursors such as pregnenolone and DHEA-S add context.
For sex hormones, testing may include estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHT, as well as markers of how estrogen is processed. The article on estrogen metabolism explains why symptoms can persist even when standard labs look normal, and the guide to perimenopause and PCOS covers how hormone patterns can overlap during midlife.
Blood, saliva, and urine testing
Different sample types answer different questions. Blood tests are widely available and are often the best starting point. Saliva and dried urine tests can show daily rhythms and hormone metabolites that a single blood draw does not capture. Dr. Kneessi will explain the tradeoffs of each option, including cost, so you can decide what is worth doing.
Understanding your results
The most valuable part of testing is interpretation. Dr. Kneessi reviews your results alongside your symptoms, sleep, stress, nutrition, and medications, because hormones respond to all of these. He then explains in plain language what the patterns may suggest and which lifestyle, nutrition, and nutrient strategies may help support healthier hormone signaling. He also lets you know when a finding is worth bringing to your primary care provider or another specialist.
How it works for Annapolis residents
You start with a free 15-minute call to talk about your questions and any labs you already have. If testing makes sense, it is ordered after your initial consult. Results are reviewed in a follow-up visit by telehealth or in person at the Odenton office, which is typically about a 20 to 30 minute drive from downtown Annapolis by way of Route 50 and Route 32 or I-97.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring hormone labs I already have?
Yes, and it is encouraged. Previous results often save time and money, and they help show how things have changed.
Is hormone testing covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan and by test, so it is worth checking with your insurer. Testing costs are discussed before anything is ordered. The initial consult is $395 and is paid directly, since naturopathic doctors in Maryland cannot currently contract with insurance companies.
Can a naturopathic doctor be my primary care provider?
No. In Maryland, naturopathic doctors do not serve as primary care providers, so Dr. Kneessi works alongside your existing doctors rather than replacing them, and he encourages you to keep your regular checkups.
Start with a free 15-minute consult
If you live in Annapolis and want to see whether a naturopathic approach fits what you are looking for, the simplest first step is a free 15-minute consult. It is a short conversation about your goals, your history, and whether working together makes sense, with no pressure to book anything further. You can schedule your free consult here.
If you would rather learn on your own first, the free 28-Day Longevity Reset sends one short, educational email a day with simple habits around sleep, light, movement, and food, so you can get a feel for how Dr. Kneessi thinks before you ever meet.
The office is at 1350 Blair Dr Suite HH, Odenton, MD 21113 (inside Odenton Chiropractic), and the phone number is 443-510-1339. In-office and virtual visits are available Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Monday and Friday are virtual only.
