Monitoring your hormone levels can provide vital insights into your overall health. Hormonal imbalances can impact everything from your menstrual cycle and fertility to menopause and general well-being. Here are five key hormone tests that everyone, especially women, should be aware of:
1. Thyroid Function Test
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism and maintaining body temperature. It produces several hormones, including TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) from the pituitary gland, T3 (triiodothyronine), and T4 (thyroxine). Testing your thyroid levels is important because thyroid disorders can occur at any age, though they are more common in women.
2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Panel
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder caused by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in women. Common symptoms include irregular periods, acne, excessive facial or body hair, and difficulty conceiving. A comprehensive PCOS test panel typically measures:
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Estrogen
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Testosterone
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FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
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LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
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TSH
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Prolactin
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hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
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17-hydroxyprogesterone
3. Fertility Test
This test is recommended for those who have been trying to conceive for over a year without success. If you have underlying medical issues that may affect fertility, your doctor might suggest this test sooner. Fertility hormone testing can help identify any hormonal imbalance that could be interfering with ovulation or reproductive health.
4. Menopause Test
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, while perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to it, typically lasting between two to eight years. A menopause test helps determine whether you are entering or have reached menopause by checking hormone levels such as FSH and estradiol.
5. Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test detects the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced by the placenta to support fetal development. This test can be performed using urine or blood samples, though blood tests offer greater accuracy.
Healthcare professionals recommend hormone tests based on your medical history, symptoms, and overall health condition. While many of these tests are performed using blood samples at diagnostic centers, booking through Thyrocare allows you to enjoy the convenience of free home sample collection on most test packages — making it easier to prioritize your health from the comfort of your home.
