Advanced Hormone Testing

Most hormones follow a circadian rhythm, with peak levels occurring in the early morning. We recommend blood collection before 10 AM for the most reliable testosterone, cortisol, and pituitary hormone results. For women, specific menstrual cycle timing is also critical: FSH and estradiol should be tested on cycle days 2 to 4, while progesterone is best measured around day 21 to confirm ovulation. AMH can be tested on any day of the cycle. Our booking team provides personalised timing guidance based on your specific panel to ensure clinically meaningful results.

A comprehensive female hormone panel at DCDC includes FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone), estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin as core reproductive markers. AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) is added for ovarian reserve and fertility assessment. For PCOS evaluation, testosterone (total and free), DHEA-S, and androstenedione may be included alongside fasting insulin and glucose. Additional markers such as SHBG, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and thyroid hormones can be added depending on clinical suspicion. Your physician will recommend the most appropriate panel based on your symptoms and goals.

A standard male hormone panel includes total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), FSH, LH, and estradiol. These markers evaluate testicular function, pituitary regulation, and hormone balance. For comprehensive assessment, prolactin, DHEA-S, cortisol, and thyroid hormones may be added. PSA (prostate specific antigen) is often included for men over 40. Early morning blood collection is essential for testosterone, as levels can drop by 20 to 30 percent by afternoon. Results are interpreted considering age-specific reference ranges, as testosterone naturally declines with ageing.

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) is produced by small ovarian follicles and serves as the most reliable marker of ovarian reserve, representing the remaining egg supply. Higher AMH levels suggest greater ovarian reserve, while low levels may indicate diminished reserve and reduced fertility potential. Unlike FSH and estradiol, AMH remains relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle and can be tested on any day. It is particularly valuable for women planning to delay pregnancy, those considering egg freezing, and patients undergoing IVF, as it helps predict ovarian response to stimulation medications.

Hormonal contraceptives suppress the body's natural hormone production, making it difficult to assess baseline reproductive function while on the pill. FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone levels are suppressed and do not reflect natural hormone status. For accurate assessment of reproductive hormones, testing is typically recommended after discontinuing hormonal contraception for at least one full menstrual cycle. However, AMH and thyroid hormones are not significantly affected by birth control and can be tested at any time. Your physician will advise which tests are meaningful while on contraception and which require a washout period.

Hormonal imbalance in women can manifest through numerous symptoms depending on which hormones are affected. Common signs include irregular or absent periods, heavy or painful menstruation, unexplained weight gain particularly around the abdomen, persistent acne, excessive facial or body hair, hair thinning, mood swings, anxiety or depression, fatigue, low libido, sleep disturbances, and hot flashes. These symptoms can result from conditions including PCOS, thyroid disorders, perimenopause, elevated prolactin, or adrenal dysfunction. A targeted hormone panel identifies the specific imbalance, enabling precise treatment rather than symptom management.

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can result from primary causes affecting the testes directly, such as injury, infection, or genetic conditions, or secondary causes involving the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Common contributing factors include ageing, as testosterone declines approximately one percent per year after age 30, obesity, chronic stress, poor sleep, type 2 diabetes, opioid medications, and excessive alcohol consumption. Symptoms include fatigue, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, low libido, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, and poor concentration. A comprehensive panel including total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, and SHBG helps distinguish between causes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting approximately 10 to 15 percent. Diagnosis requires meeting two of three criteria: irregular or absent ovulation, elevated androgen levels either clinically or on blood tests, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. Key hormone tests include total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA-S, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, LH-to-FSH ratio, fasting insulin, and glucose. Additionally, thyroid function and prolactin are tested to exclude other conditions that mimic PCOS. Early diagnosis and management reduce long-term risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.