Female Hormone Test Kit (6 Biomarkers)
Biomarkers
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Oestradiol
Often thought of as purely a female hormone, oestradiol is present in men too, where it quietly supports joint health, brain function, and bone maintenance. Problems arise when levels climb too high, which can lead to low libido, mood changes, and fat accumulation around the chest. In women it takes centre stage, regulating the menstrual cycle and protecting bone and cardiovascular health throughout reproductive life. The drop in oestradiol during perimenopause and menopause is what drives many of the most recognisable symptoms, from hot flushes to mood shifts.
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
In women, FSH governs the development of ovarian follicles each cycle and is one of the most informative markers of ovarian reserve. Rising FSH, particularly alongside falling oestradiol, is strongly associated with perimenopause and the natural decline in egg supply that comes with
FSH is central to reproductive function in both sexes, though it works differently in each. In men it drives sperm production, and raised levels are often an early indicator of testicular dysfunction or fertility issues. -
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
In women, LH has a different but equally critical job: it triggers ovulation each month. Persistently high levels can indicate PCOS or premature ovarian insufficiency, while a well-timed surge is confirmation that ovulation is happening as it should.
In men, LH acts as a messenger, travelling from the brain to signal the testes to produce testosterone. When something goes wrong, measuring LH helps pinpoint whether the problem lies in the testes themselves or higher up in the signalling chain. -
Total Testosterone
The primary male sex hormone, testosterone drives muscle mass, bone density, libido, energy, and mood in men, with levels declining naturally with age. Women produce it too, just in much smaller amounts, where it plays an equally important role in bone strength, sexual drive, and energy. Elevated levels in women can point to conditions such as PCOS.
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Progesterone
Progesterone is a vital steroid hormone primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries, as well as the adrenal glands and the placenta during pregnancy. It is essential for preparing the uterine lining for the implantation of a fertilized egg and is the key hormone responsible for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Beyond its reproductive role, progesterone influences mood, sleep quality, and bone metabolism, often acting as a balancing agent to estrogen. In clinical settings, measuring progesterone levels is instrumental for confirming ovulation, investigating the causes of infertility or recurrent miscarriages, and monitoring high-risk pregnancies. Significant deviations in progesterone levels can provide insight into conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, adrenal disorders, or luteal phase deficiency, making it a cornerstone marker for assessing reproductive and hormonal health.
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Prolactin
Produced by the pituitary gland, prolactin is present and active in both sexes. In women, raised prolactin outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding can disrupt the menstrual cycle, suppress ovulation, and cause unexplained milk production, making it an important marker for anyone experiencing irregular periods or difficulty conceiving.
In men, elevated levels suppress testosterone production, contributing to low libido, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a hormone imbalance?
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A hormone imbalance occurs when one or more hormones are too high or too low. Because hormones operate as an interconnected network, a problem with one can affect others. Depending on which hormones are involved and for how long, this can affect your physical health, mental wellbeing, energy, mood and reproductive function. Left unaddressed over time, a hormone imbalance can also increase the risk of longer-term conditions such as osteoporosis.
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What causes hormone imbalance in women?
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The causes are wide-ranging. Chronic stress, significant weight changes, perimenopause and menopause are all common drivers. Medical conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders can also disrupt hormone levels, as can certain medications. In some cases, there is no single cause, which is why testing across a panel of hormones gives a clearer picture than looking at any one marker in isolation.
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What are female hormones?
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Female hormones help regulate many essential functions throughout the body, including the menstrual cycle, reproductive health, bone strength, mood and energy levels. Oestradiol is the main female sex hormone and works alongside progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinising hormone (LH) to coordinate hormonal balance and the menstrual cycle. Testosterone is also produced in small amounts and contributes to muscle and bone health, libido, and overall wellbeing. Hormone levels naturally vary throughout the menstrual cycle and change with age, with oestradiol and progesterone declining during perimenopause and menopause, while FSH and LH typically rise.
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What are the symptoms of a female hormone imbalance?
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Symptoms vary depending on which hormones are affected, but common signs include irregular or absent periods, unexplained weight changes, acne, low energy, mood changes, and difficulty conceiving. Because many of these symptoms are easy to attribute to stress or lifestyle, they can go unrecognised for some time. A hormone blood test is one of the most direct ways to understand whether an imbalance is the underlying cause.
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Can a female hormone test help identify PCOS?
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Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years. Elevated testosterone and a raised free androgen index are two of the most telling markers, and when seen alongside disrupted LH and FSH levels, they can build a strong case for further investigation. A hormone test cannot diagnose PCOS on its own, as imaging and clinical assessment are also part of the process, but it is often the first step toward understanding why periods are irregular, why ovulation may not be occurring, or why symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, and weight changes are appearing.
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Can a female hormone test tell me if I am menopausal?
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A blood test cannot diagnose menopause, but it can provide supporting evidence, particularly if symptoms have appeared earlier than expected. For women aged between 45 and 55, menopause is usually identified based on symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes. If you are under 45 and suspect you may be going through early menopause, elevated FSH and LH alongside low oestradiol can help indicate whether this is likely and support a conversation with your GP.
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Why does a female hormone test include testosterone?
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Testosterone is often associated with men, but it is an important hormone in women too. It supports bone strength, muscle mass, energy, mood, and sex drive, and the body also uses it to produce oestrogen. Levels naturally decline during the transition toward menopause, which can contribute to fatigue, low mood, and reduced libido. Elevated testosterone in women, on the other hand, is a common finding in PCOS and can be one of the factors disrupting ovulation.
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What can a female hormone test tell me about my fertility?
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Measuring reproductive hormones can indicate whether your levels are likely to support conception and flag conditions that could be making it harder to conceive. PCOS, which affects the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries, and thyroid disorders are two of the more common conditions a hormone panel can point toward. It will not give a definitive fertility diagnosis, but it provides a useful and informative starting point.
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How can I improve a hormone imbalance?
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Lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats, combined with regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, good quality sleep, and managing stress all support hormonal health. Where lifestyle changes are not enough, medical treatment may be needed. This could involve addressing an underlying condition such as a thyroid disorder, adjusting medication, or discussing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with a doctor.
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Can I take a female hormone test if I am on HRT?
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Yes, and many women find it particularly useful. If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, testing your levels can help confirm whether your current dose is working effectively and whether your hormones are sitting within a healthy range. It can also help identify if adjustments may be needed. The timing of your test is important. For the most consistent and meaningful results, please consult your prescriber and review the test preparation instructions. This helps ensure accurate results and reduces the risk of contamination from patches, gels, or pessaries.
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Turnaround Time
TURNAROUND TIME
THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEED TURNAROUND TIME.
We are extremely proud of our very short turnaround times and a very efficient laboratory processes, you will start receiving results as soon as they are available and have completed clinical validation.
Whilst we accommodate the shortest of time scales, with some results available within hours, for this particular test the usual turnaround time is: 1-2 working days.
Test Preparation
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When to Take the Test
For the most accurate results, aim to take this test between days 2 and 5 of your menstrual cycle, with day 1 being the first day of your period. If your periods are absent or irregular, the test can be taken at any time. -
Are you Testing Primarily for Progesterone?
If your main reason for testing is to assess progesterone levels, the timing above will not give the most informative result. Progesterone peaks around 7 days after ovulation, which in a standard 28-day cycle falls around day 21. Testing on or around this day gives a much clearer picture of whether ovulation has occurred and whether progesterone is reaching the levels needed to support a healthy cycle. If your cycle is longer or irregular, count 7 days back from when your next period is due and aim to test around that point instead. -
Activity and Diet Before Testing
Refrain from intense exercise or sexual activity for 48 hours before the test, as both can elevate prolactin levels. Additionally, avoid nipple stimulation and heavy meals prior to testing, as these may also affect your results. -
Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraception can affect hormone levels and make the results harder to interpret. If possible, pause hormonal contraceptives and use barrier methods for a few weeks before testing. -
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Gel
If you use hormonal gels or pessaries, always wear gloves when applying them. Do not test on the same day as application, as these products contain a very high concentration of hormone that can linger under the fingernails for several days and contaminate your sample, falsely elevating your results.
If you use a topical HRT gel, allow 4 to 5 consecutive days without application before testing.
To further reduce the risk of contamination when collecting your sample, we recommend the following: shower before testing and scrub your fingernails thoroughly with a nail brush to remove any hormonal residue, clipping your nails short if possible. Wear freshly laundered clothes and use a clean towel, as hormone gel can transfer onto fabric and back onto your hands without you realising, which can be enough to affect your results.
Please note that if you are using a hormonal gel on prescription, do not pause your treatment without speaking to your prescriber first. Your GP or prescribing clinician can advise on the safest way to time your test around your treatment schedule.
Symptom Check
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Female Hormone Imbalance
Oestradiol
Low: irregular or absent periods, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low mood, brain fog, poor sleep, reduced bone density, fatigue, dry skin.
High: bloating, breast tenderness, heavy or irregular periods, headaches, mood swings, weight gain particularly around the hips and thighs, low libido.
Progesterone
Low: irregular periods, spotting between periods, difficulty conceiving, anxiety, poor sleep, PMS, heavy periods, recurrent early miscarriage.
High: fatigue, low mood, bloating, breast tenderness, dizziness, nausea.
Testosterone
Low: low libido, fatigue, low mood, reduced muscle tone, brain fog, poor motivation, thinning hair, reduced bone strength.
High: acne, oily skin, excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), irregular or absent periods, hair thinning at the scalp, weight gain, difficulty conceiving.
LH
Low: absent or irregular periods, failure to ovulate, infertility, fatigue.
High: irregular periods, PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, difficulty conceiving.
FSH
Low: irregular or absent periods, low oestrogen symptoms, infertility.
High: perimenopause or menopause symptoms, hot flushes, night sweats, irregular periods, reduced ovarian reserve, difficulty conceiving.
Prolactin
Low: rarely symptomatic, occasionally associated with fatigue and low mood.
High: irregular or absent periods, unexplained milk production outside pregnancy or breastfeeding, low libido, difficulty conceiving, headaches, visual disturbances.
Result Report
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Result Report (in-use)
The final report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your biomarkers, displaying your specific levels alongside standard UK reference ranges to show exactly where you fall on the spectrum. Beyond just the raw numbers, the report includes a brief commentary.
View your results in a clear, easy-to-understand format with charts and reference ranges. If you repeat the same biomarkers with us, your report includes historical comparisons to help track changes, trends, and progress over time.
Unlock deep insights into your health with our comprehensive female hormone blood test kit. As featured in an article by the Evening Standard, this private blood test measures 6 essential hormonal biomarkers to help you identify root causes of fatigue, irregular periods, weight fluctuations, and mood shifts.
Get accurate, quantitative laboratory analysis with actual data figures and specialist clinical remarks for any results falling outside the normal reference range, delivered securely to your email.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Prolactin
- Testosterone
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Oestrogen (oestradiol)
- Progesterone
The report will be quantitative, containing actual figures and remarks for results that fall outside the normal range. The report will be sent to your email.
This test can give you an insight into your hormonal health. Simply collect a sample of blood at home using a finger prick and send it to our CQC-regulated UK laboratory for analysis, or you can choose a partner clinic or pharmacy to get your blood drawn. The kit contains everything you need to collect blood. Inside, you'll find lancets, instructions, lab request form, labels, tube, tube pouch, prepaid UN3373 envelope, tube holder, swabs, alcohol wipes and plasters. In extremely hot or cold weather, your sample may be at risk of damage. To help protect it, please drop it off directly at a post office instead of using a postbox.
Female hormones play a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions such as fertility, metabolism, mood regulation, and even sleep patterns. Any alteration in these hormones can manifest through changes in your menstrual cycle, weight fluctuations, skin issues like acne, hair thinning, decreased energy levels, feelings of anxiety or depression, or even muscle weakness. There are also associations between hormonal levels and menopause and perimenopause.
Our convenient at-home test with laboratory analysis and results is designed to help you pinpoint whether a hormone imbalance could be the underlying cause of your symptoms.
It's worth noting that the contraceptive pill may impact your test results. If you decide to discontinue its use, we recommend waiting until your menstrual cycles return to their regular pattern before taking the test. Additionally, if you're not planning to conceive, ensure you use an alternative form of contraception during this period.
Q: Can this test replace my GP or NHS testing?
A: This test is a private alternative for convenience and speed, not a replacement for NHS care. It measures the same biomarkers analysed in NHS laboratories. If your results fall outside the normal range, we recommend sharing them with your GP for further assessment and interpretation.
Q: Is this test safe?
A: Yes. It's a minimally invasive finger-prick sample, and every kit is processed in our CQC-regulated UK laboratory, the same standard applied to NHS hospitals.
Q: What happens if my results are abnormal?
A: Your report will flag any biomarker outside the normal reference range with clinical notes. We recommend discussing abnormal results with your GP, who can advise on further testing or treatment.
Q: How does this compare to a GP hormone test?
A: This panel measures the same six biomarkers a GP would typically request for a hormone imbalance workup, but without the wait for an appointment or referral. Results are usually available within 1-2 working days of your sample reaching the lab.
How it works
Order test online
Collect a few drops at home
Return sample to the lab
