Women's Hormone Testing

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our endocrinology specialists provide hormone testing for women whose symptoms may be linked to changes in hormone levels. If you have irregular periods, menopausal symptoms, or unexplained changes in your health, a consultant can assess your concerns and recommend appropriate tests and next steps.

    Hormones help control many functions in your body, including your menstrual cycle, fertility, metabolism, mood, bone health, and energy levels. Changes in hormone levels can affect your health in different ways depending on your age, stage of life, and underlying cause.

    An assessment may help explain your symptoms and show whether you need further testing, treatment, or monitoring.

    • A women’s hormone test is a blood test that measures selected hormone levels. It can help your consultant assess how your hormone-producing glands and reproductive system are working.

      Hormone testing may be used to investigate symptoms, monitor an existing condition, or help diagnose a suspected hormone-related condition.

      Depending on your symptoms and stage of life, your consultant may test:

      • Oestrogen
      • Progesterone
      • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
      • Luteinising hormone (LH)
      • Testosterone
      • Prolactin
      • Thyroid hormones
      • Cortisol

      You may not need every test listed. Your consultant will select tests based on your symptoms, menstrual cycle, medical history, and any medicines or hormone treatments you use. 

      Testing more than one hormone may give your consultant a clearer picture and help determine whether you need further investigation.

    • Hormone levels change naturally throughout life, including during puberty, pregnancy, the time after childbirth, and menopause. Persistent or unexpected symptoms may sometimes be linked to a hormone-related condition.

      Possible signs of hormonal imbalance in a woman include:

      • Irregular or absent periods
      • Menstrual bleeding that is heavier or lighter than usual
      • Hot flushes or night sweats
      • Unexplained weight changes
      • Ongoing tiredness
      • Mood changes, anxiety, or low mood
      • Difficulty sleeping
      • Reduced sex drive
      • Acne or other skin changes
      • Thinning hair or increased facial hair
      • Difficulty becoming pregnant

      These symptoms can have many possible causes. Having one or more does not necessarily mean that you have a hormone-related condition.

      A specialist assessment can help determine whether changes in your hormone levels may be contributing to your symptoms.

    • Hormone levels can change for many reasons. Some changes are a natural part of life and do not indicate a medical condition.

      Possible causes include:

      • Perimenopause or menopause
      • Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
      • Thyroid disorders
      • Pregnancy or the period after childbirth
      • Disorders affecting the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain that helps control hormone production
      • Certain medicines or hormone treatments
      • Long-term health conditions
      • Significant changes in body weight

      Your consultant will consider your symptoms, medical history, medicines, and blood test results together. This information can help identify possible causes and guide any further testing.

    • Your assessment starts with a detailed consultation with a specialist.

      It may include:

      • A review of your symptoms and medical history
      • A discussion about your menstrual cycle, menopause, fertility, or previous hormone treatment, when relevant
      • A physical examination, when needed
      • Blood tests to measure selected hormone levels
      • Other blood tests to assess thyroid function or measures of your general health

      Some hormone levels change during the menstrual cycle. Your consultant may recommend having a blood test at a particular point in your cycle so that the results can be interpreted in context.

      Your assessment and testing plan will depend on your symptoms, examination findings, and medical history.

    • Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms, your test results, and your individual health needs. Some changes in hormone levels do not need treatment.

      Your care plan may include:

      • Monitoring your hormone levels over time
      • Medicine to treat a hormone-related condition
      • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when appropriate
      • Treatment for a thyroid disorder or another endocrine condition
      • Recommendations to support your general health
      • Referral to another specialist if you need further investigation

      Your consultant will explain what your results mean and discuss whether treatment, monitoring, or further tests may help. Any recommendations will take account of your symptoms, health history, and personal goals.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you can expect a consultant-led assessment of symptoms that may be related to hormone changes.

      Our approach includes:

      • Endocrinology specialists experienced in assessing hormone-related conditions
      • A thorough review of your symptoms, medical history, and overall health
      • Access to appropriate hormone blood tests, when needed
      • Ongoing monitoring and support, when appropriate

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to providing thorough assessment and high-quality, patient-centred care.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a private assessment

    If you have symptoms that may be related to changes in your hormone levels, our endocrinology specialists can assess your concerns and recommend appropriate testing.

    Your consultant will explain your results, investigate possible causes, and discuss any treatment or follow-up that may be appropriate.

    Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

     

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Vanderpump, Consultant Endocrinologist