HOW TO CHECK HORMONE LEVELS

Hormones are chemical messengers that influence almost every system in the body. They regulate sleep, mood, fertility, energy, and metabolism. When hormone levels fall out of balance, symptoms can appear gradually, often without a clear cause.

Checking your hormone levels helps identify whether these symptoms are linked to an imbalance or another health issue. It provides insight into how your body is functioning and can guide lifestyle changes or further medical advice.

A female hormone blood test is one of the simplest and most accurate ways to assess hormone balance. At One Day Tests, you can choose a home testing kit or book a visit to one of our UK clinics, with results typically ready within 24 to 48 hours.

Hormones play a vital role in maintaining overall health. When they are well balanced, the body functions smoothly. When they are not, a wide range of symptoms can appear, often affecting energy, mood, or reproductive health.

You might consider checking your hormone levels if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
  
  

• Irregular or heavy periods
  
  

• Hot flushes or night sweats
  
  

• Weight changes or difficulty losing weight
  
  

• Low mood, irritability, or anxiety
  
  

• Changes in hair, skin, or libido
  
  

Hormone testing can provide reassurance, highlight patterns, and support early diagnosis of conditions such as thyroid disorders, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

There are several ways to measure hormones, but blood testing is the most reliable and accurate.

Blood tests:

The gold standard for hormone measurement. They measure hormone levels directly in the bloodstream and are suitable for assessing oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol.

Urine tests:

Occasionally used to assess hormone metabolites, especially for stress hormones such as cortisol. They are less common for routine hormone monitoring.

Saliva tests:

Sometimes offered for cortisol or at-home monitoring, but less accurate for most reproductive hormones.

For clinical accuracy, a blood test remains the best method for checking hormone levels.

The type of hormone test you need depends on your symptoms and health goals. Most women’s hormone panels include a combination of reproductive and metabolic markers.

Common hormones measured include:

• Oestrogen (Oestradiol) – helps regulate menstrual cycles and supports bone health and mood balance.
  
  

• Progesterone – prepares the uterus for pregnancy and confirms ovulation.
  
  

• LH (Luteinising Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) – regulate ovulation and indicate ovarian reserve or menopause.
  
  

• Prolactin – affects ovulation and can explain absent periods.
  
  

• Testosterone – plays a role in mood, muscle tone, and libido.
  
  

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

• Cortisol – the stress hormone that influences recovery, weight, and energy.
  
  

These markers give a detailed view of your hormone balance and how your body is functioning across multiple systems.

Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and the menstrual cycle, so timing your test correctly is important.

For women with regular cycles:

• Days 2 to 5 are ideal for testing baseline hormones such as FSH, LH, and oestrogen.
  
  

• Around day 21 is recommended for testing progesterone to confirm ovulation.
  
  

If your cycle is irregular or you are postmenopausal, you can test at any time. Men can test for testosterone and other hormones at any point during the day, though morning samples are usually preferred for consistency.

In the UK, you can check your hormone levels through your GP or with a private provider.

Through the NHS:

GPs can arrange certain hormone tests if symptoms suggest an imbalance. However, access may be limited, and results can take longer to return.

Through private testing:

Private providers like One Day Tests offer faster, more comprehensive testing. You can choose from a wide range of hormone profiles, book online, and receive results within 24 to 48 hours.

Options include:

• Home testing kits for convenience and privacy.
  
  

• In-clinic appointments for professional sample collection.
  
  

All results are analysed by accredited UK laboratories, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Most hormone blood tests do not require fasting, but a few simple steps can help ensure the most accurate results:

• Avoid taking hormonal medication (e.g., contraceptive pills or HRT) before testing, unless instructed otherwise.
  
  

• Take your test at the recommended time in your cycle.
  
  

• Try to avoid strenuous exercise or alcohol the day before testing.
  
  

• If you are taking supplements, let your healthcare provider know, as some can affect hormone levels.
  
  

Following these steps helps ensure your results reflect your natural hormone balance.

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

• High FSH and LH may indicate menopause or low ovarian reserve.
  
  

• Low oestrogen or progesterone can cause fatigue, mood changes, or irregular periods.
  
  

• Elevated testosterone may be linked to PCOS or hormonal imbalance.
  
  

• High cortisol levels can point to stress-related imbalance or rare conditions like Cushing’s disease.
  
  

Interpreting hormone results can be complex. Your readings should always be reviewed in context, taking into account symptoms, medication, and lifestyle factors. You can share your results with your GP or specialist for further discussion if needed.