£250.00

Description

Women’s Health Check

Women’s Health Check

£250.00

Advanced Female Hormone Profile

In-Depth Endocrine Assessment for Menstrual Health, Fertility, PCOS & Menopause

🧾 Overview

This advanced hormone panel provides a comprehensive analysis of the female reproductive hormonal axis, assessing ovarian function, pituitary regulation, and androgen status. It is essential for investigating the causes of:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
  • Ovulatory dysfunction
  • Infertility
  • Early or delayed menopause
  • Signs of androgen excess (e.g. hirsutism, acne, hair loss)
  • Suspected PCOS or pituitary abnormalities

This panel evaluates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, providing an integrated snapshot of hormonal balance and regulatory feedback.

🔍 Hormones Included – Clinical Insights

Oestradiol (E2)

Physiological role: Primary oestrogen in premenopausal women, secreted by developing ovarian follicles. Supports endometrial proliferation and prepares the uterus for implantation.

Clinical relevance:

High E2: May reflect follicular cysts, early pregnancy, or oestrogen-secreting tumours.

Low E2: Suggests diminished ovarian reserve, menopause, hypothalamic amenorrhoea, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Essential for evaluating menopausal transition, HRT monitoring, or IVF cycles.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Produced by: Anterior pituitary

Function: Stimulates follicular development in the ovary.

Diagnostic interpretation:

High FSH (>10–15 IU/L early cycle): Indicates poor ovarian reserve, perimenopause or menopause.

Low FSH: Seen in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (e.g. stress, low BMI, excessive exercise).

FSH is most accurately measured on day 2–5 of the cycle for ovarian reserve testing.

Progesterone

Secreted by: Corpus luteum after ovulation

Function: Prepares the endometrium for implantation; supports early pregnancy

Timing: Best measured 7 days post-ovulation (e.g., Day 21 in a 28-day cycle)

Interpretation:

>30 nmol/L: Indicates successful ovulation

<10 nmol/L: Suggests anovulation or luteal phase insufficiency, which may impair fertility

Also useful in monitoring progesterone support during IVF/luteal phase.

Prolactin

Source: Anterior pituitary

Function: Stimulates lactation; inhibits ovulation by suppressing GnRH

Elevated prolactin may cause:

Amenorrhoea

Galactorrhoea

Infertility

Hypogonadism

Consider pituitary microadenoma if prolactin >1000 mIU/L

Stress, sleep, and physical stimulation can temporarily raise prolactin – ideally measured in a calm, fasting state.

Testosterone (Total)

Produced by: Ovaries & adrenal glands

Function: Supports libido, mood, metabolic balance, and bone health

Elevated levels: Common in PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal tumours, or androgen-secreting ovarian neoplasms

Low levels: Associated with fatigue, low libido, or mood changes

Combined with SHBG and FAI for clinical androgen index

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Function: Binds circulating oestradiol and testosterone, regulating bioavailability

High SHBG: Reduces free testosterone; often increased with oestrogen therapy, pregnancy, or hyperthyroidism

Low SHBG: Linked to insulin resistance, PCOS, obesity, and androgen excess

SHBG helps distinguish true androgen excess from transient elevations

Free Androgen Index (FAI)

Formula: (Total Testosterone / SHBG) × 100

Purpose: Estimates the biologically active testosterone in circulation

High FAI: Suggests hyperandrogenism, frequently used in PCOS diagnosis

Normal FAI: May help exclude clinically significant androgen excess when total testosterone is borderline

📅 When to Test

Day 2–5 of cycle: FSH, LH, Oestradiol, SHBG, Testosterone, Prolactin

Day 21 or 7 days post-ovulation: Progesterone

Irregular or absent periods: Can test at any time, but interpretation will vary

For PCOS assessment, samples may be taken at any cycle point (if anovulatory)

👩⚕️ Ideal for Patients With:

Irregular or missed periods (oligo/amenorrhoea)

Difficulty conceiving or unexplained infertility

Symptoms of PCOS (acne, weight gain, hair growth)

Perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, mood swings, low libido)

Suspected pituitary or adrenal disorders

Cycle monitoring prior to IVF or egg freezing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this test confirm menopause?

Yes, when FSH is persistently >30 IU/L and oestradiol is low, it strongly suggests menopause. Combined with symptoms (e.g. hot flashes, no periods >12 months), this supports diagnosis.

Is this test useful for PCOS diagnosis?

Yes. It assesses androgens (testosterone, FAI) and menstrual hormones. In PCOS, we often see:

  • Elevated FAI
  • Irregular or absent ovulation (low progesterone)
  • Elevated LH:FSH ratio (if included)
  • Low SHBG due to insulin resistance
Can this profile help with fertility treatment planning?

Absolutely. It provides key baseline data on ovulation, ovarian reserve, luteal function, and endocrine balance — all crucial for IVF, ovulation induction, or IUI protocols.

Should I stop taking the pill or HRT before testing?

Yes, ideally. Hormonal contraception and HRT suppress natural hormone production, which may distort results. Speak with your clinician about stopping medication at least 4–6 weeks before testing, if safe to do so.

Can men take this test too?

This profile is designed for women, but Testosterone, SHBG, FAI, and Prolactin are also relevant for men — especially when investigating low libido, erectile dysfunction, or fatigue. A Male Hormone Panel is more appropriate for male patients.