Quick Facts
- Sample: Dried blood spot from fingerstick; mailed in prepaid envelope
- Fasting: No fasting required; morning collection recommended
- Turn-around: Results typically within 3-7 business days after lab receipt. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Assess sex hormone balance and bioavailable hormone levels at home
- Identify hormone patterns linked to cycles, menopause, and sexual function
- Gold-standard LC-MS/MS accuracy without a doctor's office visit
- SHBG measurement reveals free versus bound hormone activity
- Privacy and confidentiality through secure online result portal
- Clear data to guide conversations with your healthcare provider
- Convenient timing—collect when hormone levels are most stable
Who Is This Test For?
- Women with irregular, heavy, or painful menstrual cycles
- Anyone experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms
- Individuals with low libido, erectile dysfunction, or sexual concerns
- People suspected of having low or high testosterone
- Those with PCOS, thyroid issues, or metabolic concerns affecting hormones
- Anyone on hormone therapy monitoring their treatment response
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order and Prepare – Order your kit online, review the included instructions, and choose an optimal collection time (morning is ideal). If you're a premenopausal woman, collect during your mid-luteal phase for most meaningful results.
- Collect Your Sample – Wash your hands, warm your fingertip, prick with the provided lancet, and let drops fall onto the collection card circles until saturated. Air-dry completely on a flat surface away from heat and sunlight for the time specified.
- Mail and Receive Results – Seal your dried card in the protective pouch, complete the requisition form, and mail it in the prepaid envelope. Log into your secure portal to view results within 3-7 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Together, these markers assess sex hormone balance, estimate free hormone activity, and help explain symptoms tied to cycles, menopause, libido, and mood.
How is dried blood spot testing as accurate as a traditional lab draw? Dried blood spot samples collected using LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) correlate well with standard serum testing for steroid hormones (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic). LC-MS/MS is considered gold-standard in hormone testing, with high sensitivity and specificity, especially at low hormone concentrations.
Is this test a substitute for seeing a doctor? No. While this test provides high-quality hormone data, results should enhance, not replace, care from a qualified healthcare professional. Abnormal results warrant medical evaluation, and any medication changes must be made with your clinician's guidance.
When should I get retested? Timing depends on your situation. For monitoring hormone therapy, your provider may recheck 3-6 months after medication changes. Stable patients not on therapy may test less frequently. Your clinician will recommend intervals based on your needs.
What if my results are outside the normal range? Reference ranges vary by age, sex, and menopausal status. A single abnormal value doesn't automatically indicate disease. Your healthcare provider will interpret results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam to determine clinical significance.
Can I collect during any part of my cycle? Premenopausal women are often advised to collect during the mid-luteal phase (about 5-7 days after ovulation) when both estradiol and progesterone levels are most meaningful. Follow the timing guidance in your kit or ask your healthcare provider.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This panel measures four key sex hormones to assess your hormone balance and estimate bioavailable (free) hormone levels. These markers reflect your sexual health, menstrual function, menopausal transition, libido, mood stability, and metabolic wellness. By including SHBG, the test provides deeper insight into which hormones are active in your body versus bound to proteins, offering more clinically relevant information than total hormone levels alone.
What biomarkers are measured in this test?
- Estradiol (E2)
- Progesterone (Pg)
- Testosterone (T)
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Who would benefit from this test?
Women with menstrual irregularities, perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, low libido, or mood changes; men with suspected low testosterone or sexual dysfunction; and anyone with conditions affecting SHBG such as obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid disorders, or liver disease. Results are most useful when reviewed with a healthcare provider who can correlate lab findings with your symptoms and medical history.
When should I order this test?
Order when you notice persistent symptoms suggestive of hormone imbalance, before starting or adjusting hormone therapy, or for periodic monitoring of known conditions like PCOS or hypogonadism. Premenopausal women typically benefit from testing during the mid-luteal phase of their cycle. Discuss timing with your clinician if you're already taking hormones or supplements.
How do I interpret the results?
- Each hormone result is shown with reference ranges adjusted for your age and sex.
- Results should be reviewed together with your symptoms, medications, and health history.
- SHBG (sex hormone–binding globulin) helps estimate free hormone levels:
- Low SHBG = more active (free) hormone
- High SHBG = less active (free) hormone
Abnormal results warrant discussion with a clinician; a single home test should never be the sole basis for starting or stopping medication.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
- Collect your sample in the morning when hormone levels are most stable.
- Premenopausal women: collect during the mid-luteal phase (about 5–7 days after ovulation).
- Stay well hydrated but avoid excessive alcohol or strenuous exercise right before collection.
- Do not stop or change medications without talking to your clinician.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before pricking your finger.
How often should I get tested?
- Hormone therapy monitoring: Retest 3–6 months after medication changes
- Baseline or symptom check: Test once, then follow your clinician’s guidance
- Ongoing wellness: Testing schedule varies based on your health and goals
Why early detection matters
Detecting hormone imbalances early allows you to address symptoms before they significantly impact quality of life. Untreated low testosterone and severe menopausal symptoms are linked to increased bone loss, fractures, cardiovascular risk, and reduced work productivity (Endocrine Society, Mayo Clinic). Early identification and management with appropriate therapy can reduce long-term health costs and improve overall wellness and life satisfaction.
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