CAN I ASK MY GP FOR A HORMONE BLOOD TEST?

Hormones are chemical messengers that influence almost every part of your body. They help regulate mood, metabolism, sleep, and fertility. When your hormone levels are too high or too low, it can cause symptoms that affect your day-to-day well-being.

If you are feeling tired, noticing changes in your periods, or experiencing mood swings or unexplained weight changes, you may wonder if your GP can help. The answer is yes: you can ask your GP for a hormone blood test. However, NHS hormone testing is usually limited to specific cases, and access can vary depending on your symptoms and location.

If you want quick answers or a broader hormone check, you can also choose private testing through services like One Day Tests Female Hormone Blood Test, which provide fast, laboratory-reviewed results in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

Hormones are responsible for maintaining balance across many systems in the body. They are produced by glands such as the thyroid, ovaries, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. When your hormone balance is disrupted, even slightly, you may notice changes in energy, mood, or physical health.

Common signs of hormone imbalance include:

• Fatigue or low energy
  
  

• Irregular or heavy periods
  
  

• Hot flushes or night sweats
  
  

• Changes in weight or appetite
  
  

• Mood swings, anxiety, or low mood
  
  

• Reduced libido or fertility issues
  
  

• Dry skin, hair thinning, or acne
  
  

Hormone imbalances can develop gradually and may be related to factors such as stress, menopause, thyroid disorders, or conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Checking your hormone levels is an important step in understanding the underlying cause.

You can absolutely ask your GP for a hormone blood test. GPs often request hormone tests when your symptoms suggest that a hormonal condition may be involved. These may include thyroid problems, menopause, irregular periods, or infertility.

The NHS provides hormone blood testing when there is a clear clinical reason. Your GP will usually start by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you take. They may then order specific hormone tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

While your GP can arrange testing, the number of hormones checked is typically limited to those related to your symptoms. If you would like a more complete view of your hormonal health, you may prefer a private service that offers a wider panel of tests.

GPs can order several hormone-related tests on the NHS. The exact tests depend on your symptoms and local policies, but common examples include:

• Thyroid function test – checks for underactive or overactive thyroid.
  
  

• FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinising Hormone) – help assess fertility, ovulation, and menopause.
  
  

• Oestrogen and progesterone tests – monitor menstrual cycle changes and fertility.
  
  

• Testosterone test – checks for hormonal imbalance in both men and women.
  
  

• Prolactin test – can help explain absent or irregular periods.
  
  

Your GP may also order blood sugar, cortisol, or other tests if they suspect conditions that affect the endocrine system.

However, NHS testing is usually symptom-based. This means that unless your GP identifies a medical need, you might not be able to get a full hormone panel through the NHS.

If your GP agrees that hormone testing is appropriate, you’ll be given a blood test form and an appointment at your local surgery or hospital. The process is simple and involves taking a small blood sample, usually from your arm.

Your GP will let you know if the test needs to be done at a specific time in your cycle, which is often the case for hormones like FSH, LH, and progesterone. Results are typically ready within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your local NHS laboratory.

Once your results are back, your GP will review them and explain what they mean. If the results suggest a hormone imbalance, they may refer you for further testing or to a specialist such as an endocrinologist or gynaecologist.

If you want faster results, a more detailed panel, or greater flexibility, private testing may be a better option.

Private hormone blood tests give you access to a wider range of biomarkers, including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and stress markers like cortisol. You can also test without needing a GP referral, which makes it a convenient choice for many people.

With One Day Tests, you can order a female hormone blood test online, collect your sample at home or visit one of our UK clinics, and receive your laboratory-reviewed results within 24 to 48 hours.

Private testing offers:

• Broader hormone coverage
  
  

• Fast turnaround times
  
  

• No need for a GP referral
  
  

• Flexible home or in-clinic options
  
  

It’s a straightforward and private way to understand your hormone health, especially if you’ve struggled to access testing through your GP.

Preparing for your hormone blood test helps ensure accurate results. Here are a few tips:

• Inform your GP or test provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, including hormonal contraception or HRT.
  
  

• Avoid intense exercise or heavy alcohol intake the day before your test.
  
  

• For women with regular cycles, take the test at the recommended time. For FSH, LH, and oestrogen, testing is usually best on days 2 to 5 of your cycle. For progesterone, it is usually taken around day 21.
  
  

• Stay hydrated and relaxed before your appointment.
  
  

Following these simple steps helps ensure your results reflect your natural hormone levels.

Once you receive your results, your GP or healthcare provider will help interpret them. Hormone ranges vary depending on your age, menstrual cycle, and general health.

If results show that your hormone levels are outside the normal range, this could point to conditions such as:

• Thyroid disorder (underactive or overactive thyroid)
  
  

• Menopause or perimenopause
  
  

• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  
  

• Adrenal fatigue or stress-related imbalance
  
  

Your GP will discuss treatment options, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, or referral to a specialist. If you’ve chosen private testing, you can share your results with your GP for further discussion and support.