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Female Essential Hormone And Thyroid Function Test
Home Finger Prick Test


£ 114.99

With this service you will receive a home finger prick test. Our most comprehensive analysis of female hormones that impact the menstrual cycle, and fertility. Also added a comprehensive thyroid profile to assess its health and function.

  • 12 tests included

  • Finger prick blood sample

  • 2 days turnaround

Female Essential Hormone And Thyroid Function Test

What this test measures
Read more about the health markers we check in this blood test

Hormones

FSH Learn More

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by pituitary gland and plays a key role in the reproductive system of both men and women. In women, FSH regulates the growth of ovarian follicles which secrete progesterone and Estrogen that are required for key events during the menstrual cycle. In men, FSH plays a key role in the development of the testes as well as the production of sperm.

LH Learn More

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced in the anterior pituitary gland and plays an important role in regulating the function of the reproductive tissues which include the ovaries in females and testes in males.

In women, during the first half of a typical menstrual cycle (roughly weeks one to two), LH is required to stimulate the ovarian follicles that are located in the ovaries to produce the female sex hormone oestradiol. LH naturally rises at around day 14 of a women’s cycle and this surge is vital in stimulating the ovaries to release an egg during ovulation. Given fertilization occurs, LH also stimulates the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone that is essential for sustaining pregnancy.

For men, LH plays a key role in stimulating the production of the main male sex hormone (testosterone) from Leydig cells present in the testes. Further to this, testosterone is then able to stimulate the production of sperm as well as contribute to the development of a set of characteristic traits which range from increased muscle and bone mass to the degree of bodily hair present.

LH also stimulates the production of testosterone in females. Consistently raised LH in women is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in which excessive amounts of testosterone are produced as a result of elevated LH. In contrast, low levels of LH may result in the halt of ovulation.

Low levels of LH may be a cause of infertility in both men and women due to levels being insufficient in stimulating sperm production or the ovulation process.

Testosterone Learn More

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is produced in the testicles of men and to a lesser extent in the ovaries of women. In men, testosterone plays an important role in the development of the male reproductive tissues including the prostate and testes. Testosterone is responsible for a variety of traits which can range from; increasing the mass of bone and muscle to influencing the growth of hair on the body. Therefore, men with lower levels of testosterone may encounter a reduction in these traits, whilst women with raised testosterone may encounter an increase in these traits. Raised testosterone is commonly observed in women with polycystic ovaries syndrome in which increased body hair, acne or a deepened voice may be characteristic.

FAI Learn More

The Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a ratio used to determine the amount of free androgen hormones within the blood and whether this is within the normal range. Testosterone readily binds to proteins within the blood such as SHBG, though it can also be found in a free, unbound state. The FAI ratio is based on measurements of testosterone present in your blood in comparison to the total amount of testosterone plus SHBG in your body. In women, an elevated value for FAI could indicate polycystic ovary syndrome. In men, a low value could be indicative of a reduced availability of testosterone which may be associated to symptoms including loss of muscle mass, libido and erectile dysfunction.

Oestradiol Learn More

Oestradiol is an important steroid hormone that can be found in both men and women. In women, oestradiol is mainly produced by the ovaries and plays a key role in the maturation and maintenance of the female reproductive system.

In comparison, men produce considerably lower amounts of oestradiol. This is mainly produced by the testes where some testosterone is converted into oestradiol which is a vital component for the production of sperm. Oestradiol may also be produced to lesser extent by fat tissue in both men and women. Elevated levels of oestradiol may lead to a host of conditions ranging from depression to acne. A raised result has also been found to be associated with an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer. In contrast, low levels may affect the menstrual cycle, fertility, mental health or even lead to osteoporosis. In men, increased oestradiol can lead to infertility, loss of libido or the development of breast tissue. Levels may rise due to the accumulation of excessive fat tissue that secretes oestradiol.

Prolactin Learn More

Prolactin is a hormone which is produced in the pituitary gland in both men and women. Prolactin can also influence the levels of other important hormones such as Estrogen and testosterone in both sexes. In women, prolactin stimulates the production of milk following the birth of a child. Consequently, levels are characteristically high in pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, elevated prolactin levels in both men and women that are not pregnant or breastfeeding is a condition known as hyperprolactinemia and may lead to loss of libido, bone density loss and potential infertility. In women in particular, elevated prolactin may also lead to other issues such as vaginal dryness or disruptions to the normal menstrual cycle subsequently leading to irregular periods. In comparison, symptoms specific to men in response to high levels of prolactin may include breast enlargement or erectile dysfunction.

SHBG Learn More

SHBG is a protein that is produced by your liver and is able to bind tightly with three main sex hormones (dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone and Estrogen). These hormones can be found in your blood in an unbound, free form in both women and men. However, when SHBG binds to them they become bound and unavailable to the cells of your body, therefore, SHBG can influence the amount of these free hormones that is available to your tissues. A high value for SHBG can indicate a lack of testosterone or oestrogen available to your tissues whilst a low SHBG value can indicate an excess amount of these hormones available. Causes for changes in the level of SHBG other than sex and age include hyperthyroidism and liver disease.

Thyroid

TSH Learn More

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and acts to increase the functioning of the thyroid gland, This stimulation in turn encourages the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid. Elevated TSH may be indicative of an underactive thyroid, In comparison, reduced TSH may be associated with an overactive thyroid.

FT4 Learn More

The purpose of this test is to measure the amounts of free thyroxine (T4) that is present within the blood. T4 is a one of two hormones that is secreted by the thyroid gland. Therefore, a high result may be associated with an individual with an overactive thyroid as more T4 is produced then normal. In contrast, a lower than normal result may arise if an individual has an underactive thyroid.

FT3 Learn More

The purpose of this test is to measure the amounts of free thyroxine (T3) that is present within the blood. T3 is a one of two hormones that is secreted by the thyroid gland (the other being T4). Therefore, a high result may be associated with an individual with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) as more T3 is produced then normal.

Autoimmunity

TPOAb Learn More

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme that can be found within the thyroid gland where it is involved in the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). This test evaluates the levels of antibodies against TPO that are present. A high value of antibodies against TPO (TPOAb) can indicate the body has mounted an immune response against the thyroid gland leading to its attack and potential damage. This may be indicative of an autoimmune disorder where the functioning of the thyroid may be impaired. Examples of such autoimmune disorders include Hashimoto's disease which is associated with an underactive thyroid and Graves disease which is associated with an overactive thyroid.

TGAb Learn More

Thyroglobulin (TG) is a protein that is found within the thyroid gland where it is required for the production of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This test evaluates the levels of antibodies against TG that are present within the blood. As antibodies against TG (TGAb) typically only arise following inflammation or attack of the thyroid by the body's immune system, elevated levels may be indicative of an autoimmune disorder that may result in the impairment of normal thyroid functioning.

About this test and how it can help you

If you are trying to get pregnant, high levels of thyroid specific antibodies in your blood could increase your risk of suffering a miscarriage. This can be the case even if your levels of thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) are within the normal range. An undiagnosed, and therefore most likely untreated thyroid disorder can also increase the risks during pregnancy to both the mother and the foetus.

For this reason, our Female hormone tracker advanced includes a comprehensive and increasingly extensive thyroid profile. This involves testing for FT3 in addition to antibodies present against the thyroid (thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies) to provide a better picture of the health of your thyroid. The detection of thyroid specific antibodies is also important in assessing whether an autoimmune disease is present.

As included in our basic package we also test for the most important hormones associated with a woman's reproductive system. The tests included can help you understand whether symptoms such as painful periods, acne or alterations to mood are being caused by a hormonal imbalance. The test may be used to diagnose PCOS and other underlying issues regarding fertility and difficulty trying to conceive.

This is perfect for females experiencing the following:

  • Irregular, heavy or painful periods
  • Symptoms associated with a suspected hormonal imbalance such as; loss of libido, extreme mood swings, excessive bodily hair growth
  • Trying to conceive and therefore, wanting to evaluate their reproductive hormones to assess any potential issues with fertility
  • Trying to conceive and therefore, wanting to identify any potential issues regarding their thyroid that may hinder them from supporting a healthy pregnancy
  • Have suffered one or multiple miscarriages and are keen to identify whether a thyroid disorder may be the cause
  • Please note, this test should be performed on the morning of the third day of your cycle (three days following the start of your period). The test may also be performed on days two, four and five of your cycle.

Caution: Receiving hormones either during hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or from contraceptive sources including; the pill, the hormone IUD or the implant will affect your results. To give a true indication of your natural hormone status requires the ingestion of these types of medication to be stopped for at least 12 weeks prior to testing. During this period, it is advised alternative methods of contraception are used if pregnancy is not desired.

How to Use your Home Blood Test Kit

Collect Sample

We send you an easy-to-use kit to collect your blood sample.

Post Sample

Post your sample to our lab in the prepaid envelope provided.

View Results

View results securely in your own personal dashboard.

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