All blood draws are performed by trained phlebotomists
Female Hormone Blood Test
A female hormone blood test, also known as a hormone panel or hormone profile, typically measures the levels of various hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
Here are the key hormones that included in the test:
- Oestrogen: Oestrogen is a group of hormones responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. Oestradiol is the most potent form of oestrogen and is primarily produced by the ovaries.
- Progesterone: Progesterone is another female sex hormone produced mainly by the ovaries after ovulation. It plays a crucial role in preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and maintaining pregnancy.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH is also produced by the pituitary gland and triggers ovulation, the release of the mature egg from the follicle.
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): AMH is produced by the ovarian follicles and is used as a marker of ovarian reserve, indicating the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
- Prolactin: Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and is primarily involved in milk production during breastfeeding. High levels of prolactin can interfere with ovulation and menstrual cycles.
- Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are produced by the thyroid gland and play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. Thyroid disorders can impact fertility and menstrual cycles.
- Testosterone: Although typically associated with male reproductive health, women also produce testosterone, albeit in smaller amounts. Testosterone plays a role in libido, muscle mass, and overall well-being.
These hormones are often evaluated through blood tests to assess ovarian function, menstrual cycle regularity, fertility issues, and other reproductive health concerns. Interpretation of the results should be done in consultation with a healthcare provider who can consider individual health history and symptoms.
Ideally, this test is taken between days 2 and 5 of your menstrual cycle (with day 1 being the first day of your period). If you do not have periods, or if your periods are irregular, then the test can be taken at any time.
Hormonal contraception will make these results difficult to accurately interpret so it is best to take a break from this and use barrier methods of contraception for a few weeks before the test.
If you take biotin supplements, stop taking these for 72 hours before the test.
- Drink plenty of water about an hour before the appointment.
- Avoid coffee/tea/energy drinks.
*Turnaround time
The tests take time to be delivered, prepared and analysed, therefore the turnaround time varies from test-to-test