BEST WAY TO TEST HORMONE LEVELS

Hormones play a central role in how your body functions every day. They control metabolism, mood, sleep, fertility, and energy levels. When your hormones are out of balance, you may experience a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, or changes in weight.

Testing your hormone levels is a simple and effective way to understand what is happening inside your body. The best testing method depends on which hormones you want to measure and whether you prefer to test at home or in a clinic.

A female hormone blood test from One Day Tests offers a fast and reliable way to check hormone balance. You can test from the comfort of your home or visit a clinic, with results available within 24 to 48 hours.

Hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating everything from your reproductive health to how your body handles stress. Even small imbalances can have noticeable effects.

You might consider testing your hormones if you experience:

• Irregular periods or difficulty conceiving
  
  

• Fatigue or low energy
  
  

• Hot flushes or night sweats
  
  

• Mood changes or anxiety
  
  

• Weight fluctuations
  
  

• Hair thinning or changes in skin condition
  
  

By identifying which hormones are out of range, you can work with your healthcare provider to find solutions that improve your overall wellbeing.

Several testing methods are available, each with its advantages. The most accurate and widely used method is blood testing, but there are alternatives such as urine and saliva tests.

Blood test – The gold standard for hormone measurement. It directly measures hormone levels circulating in the bloodstream and is suitable for a wide range of markers including oestrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones.

Urine test – Sometimes used to assess hormone metabolites, particularly for stress and adrenal hormones, but less accurate for reproductive markers.

Saliva test – Convenient for at-home testing of some hormones like cortisol, though not clinically reliable for sex hormones.

For precise, clinically valid results, a blood test is considered the best way to measure hormone levels.

Hormone testing can measure a range of markers depending on your symptoms and health goals.

Common hormones checked include:

• Oestrogen (Oestradiol) – Supports menstrual health, bone density, and mood regulation.
  
  

• Progesterone – Helps confirm ovulation and supports pregnancy.
  
  

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinising Hormone) – Indicate ovarian function and fertility.
  
  

• Testosterone – Important for muscle tone, libido, and mood in both men and women.
  
  

• Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) – Control metabolism and energy production.
  
  

• Cortisol – Regulates stress response and sleep patterns.
  

The best way to test hormone levels is through a professionally analysed blood test. It’s accurate, fast, and suitable for both in-clinic and at-home collection.

In-clinic tests:

• A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein.
  
  

• The sample is processed immediately and sent to an accredited laboratory.
  
  

• Results are available in as little as 24 hours.
  
  

At-home tests:

• A small finger-prick kit lets you collect your sample privately at home.
  
  

• The sample is posted to a certified laboratory for analysis.
  
  

• Results are typically ready within 24 to 48 hours, accessible online.
  
  

Both methods deliver clinically reliable results, though venous blood draws can sometimes allow for larger test panels.

Timing your hormone test correctly ensures the most accurate results.

For women with regular menstrual cycles:

• Test between days 2 and 5 of your cycle for FSH, LH, and oestrogen.
  
  

• Test around day 21 to measure progesterone and confirm ovulation.
  
  

If you have irregular periods or are postmenopausal, you can test at any time.

Hormones like cortisol and thyroid markers can be tested at any point during the day, though morning samples are often preferred for consistency.

Preparing for a hormone blood test is simple, but following a few steps helps ensure accuracy:

• You do not need to fast before a hormone-only test.
  
  

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and strenuous exercise on the day before your test.
  
  

• Stay hydrated to make blood collection easier.
  
  

• Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking hormonal medication, contraception, or supplements, as these can affect results.
  
  

• For women using hormonal contraception, note that the pill or HRT can influence readings.
  
  

By following these steps, your sample will reflect your natural hormone levels more accurately.

Turnaround times vary between providers, but modern laboratories can return results quickly.

• Private testing: Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours of the sample arriving at the lab.
  
  

• NHS testing: Results may take several days or longer, depending on referral and lab capacity.
  
  

One Day Tests delivers laboratory-reviewed results within 24 to 48 hours, ensuring you receive fast and accurate feedback.

Your results will show whether your hormone levels fall within, above, or below the normal range for your age and life stage.

Low levels may indicate:

• Menopause or perimenopause
  
  

• Low ovarian reserve or PCOS
  
  

• Stress-related hormone suppression
  
  

High levels may suggest:

• Hormonal medication effects
  
  

• Oestrogen dominance
  
  

• Thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction
  
  

Results should be interpreted in context, alongside your symptoms and medical history. You can share your report with your GP or specialist for further assessment if needed.