Identifying a hormone imbalance
The female body produces many different hormones, but certain types have a bigger role to play in the body's health and well-being. When your hormones are in proper balance they help the body thrive, but small problems with hormones can cause serious and life-altering symptoms. Specifically imbalances of sex hormones, thyroid hormones and adrenal hormones, as well as insulin resistance are common problems that can contribute to a host of chronic health issues.
*Note this test is not suitable if you are taking oral contraceptives.
What we test
Female Hormone Panel
This hormone analysis includes an oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone test, as well as an LH and FSH test. These sex hormones (in conjunction with adrenal and thyroid hormones) exert powerful effects on the body. Knowing the function and levels of these hormones is a positive step in creating hormone balance and achieving wellbeing.
Too much oestradiol (oestrogen) is linked to acne, constipation, loss of sex drive, depression, weight gain, PMS, period pain, and thyroid dysfunction. The effects of low oestradiol are evident in menopause and include mood swings, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats and osteoporosis.
High levels commonly seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which can lead to difficulties in conceiving. Symptoms can include irregular periods, loss of hair from the head, excess facial and body hair, unexplained weight gain and acne.
The sex hormone produced mainly in the ovaries following ovulation and is a crucial part of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone helps to combat PMS and period pain issues, assists fertility and promotes calmness and quality of sleep.
Governs the menstrual cycle, peaking before ovulation. Raised LH can signal that a woman is not ovulating, is menopausal or that the hormones are not in balance. A high LH/FSH ratio can indicate Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Stimulates the ovary to mature an egg. High levels indicate poor ovarian reserves which means the quality and quantity of eggs may be low. This doesn’t necessarily mean that pregnancy is impossible, but it may be more difficult to achieve.
Normally this ratio is about 1:1 meaning FSH and LH levels in the blood are similar. In women with polycystic ovaries the LH to FSH ratio is often higher e.g. 2:1 or even 3:1
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to control blood glucose levels and plays a role in controlling the levels of carbohydrates and fats stored in the body.
A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to control blood glucose levels and plays a role in controlling the levels of carbohydrates and fats stored in the body.
Thyroid Function
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate growth and energy expenditure. Thyroid disorders are quite common, and many people don’t have any symptoms at all. This thyroid test screens for the thyroid hormones that play a key role in regulating the body’s metabolism.
Communicates with the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 which regulate metabolic functions. High TSH thyroid test levels indicates an underactive thyroid, and low levels an overactive thyroid.
Measures the thyroxine that is freely circulating and able to regulate metabolism. High FT4 thyroid test levels indicate an overactive thyroid, and low levels an underactive thyroid.
Measures the triiodothyronine that is freely circulating. High FT3 thyroid test levels indicate an overactive thyroid, and low levels an underactive thyroid.
Adrenocortex Function
The cortisol test measures 'the stress hormone' cortisol which mobilises the body’s nutritional resources in stressful situations. Prolonged elevation of cortisol can cause fatigue, immune dysfunction, and impact sex hormones.
A long-acting adrenal hormone which regulates energy production, the immune system, brain chemistry, bone formation, muscle tone and libido. DHEA is converted by the body into testosterone and other sex hormones.
Test instructions
Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken - no need for an appointment.
Take test 7 days before predicted date of menstruation (day 1). If menstrual cycle is 28 days, test on day 21. Or day 23 of a 30 day cycle, or day 19 of a 26 day cycle.
If it’s not possible to determine 7 days before menstruation, then you can also opt to do this test on day 3 of your cycle (where day 1 is the first day of menstrual bleeding). Just let us know which day you end up taking the test and we can apply the appropriate reference ranges to your results.
Fast from all food and drink other than water for at least 8 hours, and no more than 12 hours prior to your test.
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