At home female hormone blood test
Home Female Hormone and Metabolic Blood Test UK
A 7 biomarker home blood test combining female reproductive hormones with HbA1c and vitamin D for broader metabolic context.
The panel measures LH, FSH, total testosterone, SHBG and calculated FAI alongside HbA1c and vitamin D. Cycle day is recorded so the reproductive hormone results can be considered against the relevant cycle stage.
This test can provide hormone and metabolic information, but it cannot diagnose or exclude polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, menopause, infertility or another endocrine condition by itself.
Quality and compliance
Home testing supported by UK clinical standards
The testing pathway combines home sample collection with accredited laboratory analysis and secure digital results delivery.
What this test measures
| Health area | Biomarkers | What they may help show |
|---|---|---|
| Pituitary and ovarian signalling | LH and FSH | Cycle stage dependent patterns related to ovarian and pituitary signalling. |
| Androgen context | Total testosterone, SHBG and FAI | Selected information about total testosterone, hormone binding and estimated androgen availability. |
| Blood glucose | HbA1c | Average blood glucose exposure over approximately two to three months. |
| Vitamin status | Vitamin D | A marker relevant to bone and muscle health and vitamin D sufficiency. |
Who may consider this test?
This screen may be considered by adults who want to review selected hormone and metabolic markers in the context of:
- Irregular or changing menstrual cycles
- Acne, increased facial or body hair, or scalp hair thinning
- Possible androgen imbalance
- Changes in weight, energy or general wellbeing
- Possible blood glucose risk
- Vitamin D concerns
- Perimenopausal or postmenopausal hormone discussions
- Monitoring requested by a qualified clinician
The panel does not include oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin, thyroid hormones or AMH. A clinician may recommend additional testing depending on symptoms and the purpose of the assessment.
Cycle timing and interpretation
Reproductive hormones vary naturally through the menstrual cycle. You may collect the sample on a convenient day if the exact cycle day is recorded. Day 1 is the first day of full menstrual bleeding.
| Testing situation | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Baseline FSH and LH | Early follicular collection, usually cycle days 2 to 5, is preferred for comparison with baseline reference intervals. |
| Irregular cycles | Collect on a convenient day and record the date of the last period, cycle day if known and whether cycles are irregular. |
| No periods | Record how long periods have been absent and any use of contraception, hormone treatment or pregnancy possibility. |
| After menopause | Use the postmenopausal reference intervals shown on the laboratory report. |
| Hormone medicines | Results may be changed by hormonal contraception, HRT, fertility medicines, testosterone or other endocrine treatment. |
How the home blood test works
Collect your sample
Follow the supplied instructions to collect capillary blood into the microtainer at home.
Return it for analysis
Package and return the sample using the materials and transport instructions supplied.
Review your results
Results are delivered securely and should be read with the laboratory reference intervals and recorded cycle information.
Preparing for your test
| Preparation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Cycle information | Record the first day of your last period and the cycle day at collection. |
| Hormone treatment | Tell the provider about contraception, HRT, fertility treatment, testosterone or other hormone medicines. |
| Biotin | Biotin, vitamin B7, can interfere with some hormone tests. Ask your doctor whether it should be paused. |
| Hormone gels | Tell the provider if you use or regularly touch testosterone or other hormone gels because sample contamination can affect results. |
| Prescribed medicines | Do not stop any prescribed medicine unless a doctor or qualified prescriber advises you to do so. |
| Pregnancy | Pregnancy substantially changes hormone results. Seek clinical advice if you are pregnant or pregnancy is possible. |
| Recent illness | Recent illness, significant stress, weight change and intense exercise can affect some results. |
Understanding the result tables
Reference intervals vary by laboratory method, units, age, cycle stage, pregnancy status and hormone treatment. The interval printed on your individual report takes priority.
Biomarkers and result interpretation
Select each biomarker to read what it measures, preparation guidance and how low, normal, high or undefined results may be considered.
Luteinising hormone
Luteinising hormone, known as LH, is produced by the pituitary gland. In women it helps regulate the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation. Levels vary substantially according to cycle stage and are naturally highest around the midcycle surge.
LH may provide context when reviewing irregular cycles, ovulation, pituitary signalling, ovarian function or menopause. It is not diagnostic of infertility or polycystic ovary syndrome by itself.
Record the first day of full menstrual bleeding as day 1 and record the exact cycle day when collecting the sample. Early follicular testing, usually days 2 to 5, is preferred when the aim is to compare baseline gonadotrophins.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A low result may be normal at some cycle stages. It can also occur with reduced pituitary stimulation, low energy availability, significant weight change, chronic illness or certain medicines. | Discuss the result with a doctor in the context of cycle day, symptoms and medicines. |
| Normal | The result falls within the reference interval for the recorded cycle stage or postmenopausal status. | Continue to consider symptoms and the accompanying FSH and androgen results. |
| High | A high result may reflect the normal midcycle LH surge. Outside that context it may occur after menopause, with reduced ovarian function or in some people with polycystic ovary syndrome. | Discuss the result with a doctor before drawing conclusions. |
Free androgen index
Free androgen index, known as FAI, is a calculation using total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin. It estimates the proportion of circulating testosterone that may be more readily available to tissues.
FAI can provide additional context where symptoms suggest androgen excess, such as acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning or irregular cycles. It is not diagnostic of polycystic ovary syndrome or an ovarian or adrenal condition by itself.
Free androgen index is commonly calculated as total testosterone divided by SHBG and multiplied by 100, provided the laboratory uses compatible units. It is an estimate rather than a direct measurement of free testosterone.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A low result may reflect lower testosterone, higher SHBG, hormone treatment, pregnancy, thyroid or liver factors, or normal individual variation. | Discuss the result with your GP if symptoms are present. |
| Normal | The calculated value falls within the laboratory reference interval. | A normal result does not exclude every cause of symptoms. |
| Undefined | The calculation could not be produced or cannot be interpreted reliably, often because testosterone or SHBG was outside the analytical range or the required information was incomplete. | Discuss the result with a clinician and follow any laboratory recommendation for repeat testing. |
| High | A high result may reflect higher testosterone, lower SHBG or both. It can occur with polycystic ovary syndrome, some medicines, hormone use or less common ovarian or adrenal conditions. | See your GP for clinical assessment before making treatment decisions. |
HbA1c
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose exposure over approximately the previous two to three months. It can provide metabolic context and may identify results within a high risk or diabetes range when the test is clinically appropriate.
It does not explain the cause of a raised result and should not be used alone to diagnose a complex endocrine condition.
HbA1c can be misleading in some forms of anaemia, haemoglobin disorders, pregnancy, recent major blood loss, recent transfusion and some kidney conditions. A doctor may recommend a different glucose test.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A low result may be normal for some people, but can also be influenced by shortened red blood cell survival, blood loss or another medical factor. | Discuss an unexpectedly low result with your doctor. |
| Normal | The result is below the laboratory threshold used for high risk or diabetes range results. | Seek medical advice if you have increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or persistent tiredness. |
| Prediabetes range | An HbA1c of 42 to 47 mmol/mol is commonly described in UK guidance as indicating a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. | Discuss risk reduction, follow up and repeat testing with your GP. |
| Diabetes range | An HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol or above is within the range used to diagnose diabetes when the test is suitable. Confirmation may be required when symptoms are absent. | Arrange a medical review as soon as possible if diabetes has not already been diagnosed. |
| Diabetes range or glycaemic control | For someone already living with diabetes, interpretation depends on the personalised target agreed with the diabetes team. | Discuss the result with your GP, diabetes nurse or specialist. |
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and normal bones, teeth and muscles. It is obtained through sunlight exposure, food and supplements.
Low vitamin D is common in the United Kingdom, particularly during autumn and winter, in people with limited sunlight exposure and in people with darker skin.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Severely deficient | A very low result may be associated with significant deficiency and requires assessment of the cause and any related bone or muscle effects. | Discuss the result with a doctor as soon as possible. |
| Deficient | A result below 25 nmol/L is commonly regarded in UK guidance as deficient. Symptoms can include muscle weakness or bone pain, although many people have no specific symptoms. | Discuss treatment and further assessment with a doctor or pharmacist. |
| Low | The result is below the preferred interval and may be associated with limited sunlight exposure, diet, poor absorption or increased requirements. | Discuss suitable next steps with a healthcare professional. |
| Insufficient | A result between 25 and 50 nmol/L is commonly regarded as insufficient for some people. | Ask a doctor or pharmacist about diet, safe sunlight exposure and appropriate supplementation. |
| Not deficient | Significant deficiency has not been identified. | Persistent symptoms still require a wider medical assessment. |
| Adequate | The result is sufficient for most people and supports normal bone and muscle health. | Maintain it with sensible lifestyle measures. |
| Normal | The result falls within the laboratory reference interval. | Avoid unnecessary high dose supplements. |
| Optimal | The result falls within the interval regarded as favourable by the reporting laboratory. | Continue sensible measures to maintain the level. |
| High | A high result is most commonly associated with excessive supplementation and can disturb calcium balance. | Arrange medical review and stop non prescribed high dose supplements until advised. |
| Consider toxicity | The result is within a range where vitamin D toxicity must be considered. Possible effects include nausea, weakness, thirst, frequent urination, confusion and kidney problems. | Seek immediate medical review. |
Sex hormone binding globulin
Sex hormone binding globulin, known as SHBG, is a protein produced mainly by the liver. It binds testosterone and oestradiol and influences how much hormone is available to tissues.
SHBG is used with total testosterone to calculate FAI. It can be influenced by thyroid function, liver health, weight, insulin resistance, pregnancy and hormone medicines.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Low SHBG may occur with insulin resistance, higher body weight, an underactive thyroid, androgen exposure or some medicines. It can increase the calculated FAI. | Discuss the result with your GP in the context of symptoms and other results. |
| Normal | The result falls within the expected interval and supports interpretation of testosterone and FAI. | A normal SHBG result does not exclude every hormone related condition. |
| High | High SHBG may occur with pregnancy, an overactive thyroid, liver conditions or oestrogen containing treatment. It can reduce the calculated FAI. | Discuss the result with your GP if it is unexpected. |
Total testosterone
Testosterone is present in women as well as men. In women it is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands and contributes to sexual function, muscle, bone and other physiological processes.
Total testosterone includes both protein bound and unbound testosterone. It should be interpreted with SHBG, FAI, symptoms, cycle information and medicines.
Tell the provider about biotin, anticonvulsants, anabolic steroids, hormone treatment and regular contact with testosterone gels or creams. Do not stop prescribed treatment unless advised by a clinician.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A low result may occur with ovarian or adrenal factors, illness, some medicines, hormone treatment or normal individual variation. Symptoms such as low libido and tiredness have many possible causes. | Discuss persistent symptoms with your GP. |
| Normal | The result falls within the laboratory reference interval. | A normal result does not exclude every cause of acne, hair changes, irregular cycles or other symptoms. |
| High | A high result may occur with polycystic ovary syndrome, anabolic steroid or testosterone exposure, some medicines or less common ovarian or adrenal conditions. | See your GP for clinical assessment and possible further testing. |
Follicle stimulating hormone
Follicle stimulating hormone, known as FSH, is produced by the pituitary gland. In women it supports the growth of ovarian follicles and changes throughout the menstrual cycle and across reproductive life.
FSH may provide context when reviewing cycle irregularity, ovarian function, pituitary signalling or menopause. It is not a direct measure of fertility and cannot predict whether a person will conceive.
Record the cycle day at collection. Early follicular sampling, usually days 2 to 5, is preferred when the aim is to compare baseline FSH and LH.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | A low result may be normal at some cycle stages. It can also occur with reduced pituitary stimulation, low energy availability, significant weight change, chronic illness or certain medicines. | Discuss the result with a doctor in the context of cycle day and symptoms. |
| Normal | The result falls within the reference interval for the recorded cycle stage or postmenopausal status. | Interpret it with LH, symptoms and medical history. |
| High | A high result may occur as ovarian function declines, including around menopause. It can also occur after some ovarian treatments or with other ovarian conditions. | Discuss the result with your GP, particularly if cycles are irregular or absent. |
Content standards
How this product information was prepared
This page was prepared from the laboratory supplied product specification and interpretation material. Relevant operational quality information was incorporated without naming the diagnostic service partner.
Expert review
Medical and editorial review
This product information has been reviewed for medical accuracy, cycle timing, hormone and metabolic context, patient safety and responsible communication of the test limitations.
The review applies to the general product information on this page. It is not personal medical advice and does not provide an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Dr Rimas Geiga
Medical Doctor, Nutritional Sciences Adviser and Healthy Ageing Expert
Reviewed the HbA1c, vitamin D, metabolic health and responsible lifestyle context included within the product description.
View professional profileVeronika Matutyte
Medical Doctor and Healthcare Management Expert
Reviewed the general medical accuracy, cycle dependent interpretation, urgent symptom guidance, clinical limitations and patient safety information.
View professional profileDr Laura Geige
Medical Director, Senior Practitioner and Skin Expert
Reviewed the patient friendly presentation, hormone health boundaries, safety wording and the distinction between home testing and individual medical assessment.
View professional profileFurther reading
Authoritative UK health and laboratory information
These resources provide additional context. They do not replace the instructions, reference intervals or comments supplied with your individual laboratory report.
View NHS, NICE and UK regulatory references
- North Bristol NHS Trust guidance on FSH cycle timing
- NICE guidance on HbA1c and high risk of type 2 diabetes
- NICE guidance on diabetes range HbA1c results
- NHS laboratory guidance on vitamin D thresholds
- UKAS medical laboratory accreditation information
- CQC guidance on diagnostic and screening services
- UK government guidance on UKCA medical device conformity
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Is this a home female hormone test?
Yes. It uses a capillary blood sample collected at home and returned for laboratory analysis.
Can I take the test on any day of my cycle?
You can collect on a convenient day if you record the cycle day. For baseline FSH and LH comparison, early follicular collection on days 2 to 5 is usually preferred.
Does this test diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?
No. Testosterone, SHBG and FAI can contribute to an assessment, but diagnosis also depends on symptoms, menstrual history, exclusion of other causes and sometimes imaging.
Does it diagnose menopause?
No. Menopause is usually assessed from age, symptoms and menstrual history. Hormone results can vary and should not be used alone to confirm or exclude menopause.
Does HbA1c diagnose diabetes?
HbA1c may be used diagnostically when clinically appropriate, but an at home result still requires medical interpretation and may need confirmation.
Are the laboratories accredited?
Samples are processed through laboratories accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and registered with the Care Quality Commission within the testing pathway described for this service.
Is the collection kit compliant for UK use?
The collection pathway uses UKCA and CE marked sample collection equipment produced within an ISO 13485 quality management framework.
What should I do with an abnormal result?
Discuss abnormal or unexpected results with a GP or appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Critical results and urgent symptoms require prompt medical care.
