Quick Facts
- Sample: Venous blood draw
- Fasting: 8–12 hours required
- Turn-around: 2–4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Detect performance-limiting deficiencies — iron, vitamin D, and hormonal imbalances
- Monitor training stress — inflammation markers and liver enzymes reveal overtraining
- Prevent Female Athlete Triad — early detection of low energy availability
- Save time and money — skip doctor visits with direct online ordering
- Access nationwide — 4,000+ draw locations across the US
Who Is This Test For?
- Female athletes in endurance, weight-category, or aesthetic sports
- Women experiencing fatigue, irregular periods, or stress fractures
- Athletes starting new training programs or seasons
- Competitors with heavy menstrual bleeding or low energy
- Women recovering from injuries or illness
- Anyone wanting to optimize athletic performance through data
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Purchase your test panel and receive lab requisition
- Visit lab — Fast 8-12 hours, then get blood drawn at any Labcorp/Quest location
- Get results — Results delivered to secure portal in 2-4 days
FAQ
What biomarkers are included in this panel? This panel includes over 20 biomarkers relevant to female athletes, including a lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, liver and kidney function markers, total testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and vitamin D levels. These tests help assess cardiovascular health, inflammation, energy metabolism, hormone balance, and nutrient status to support peak performance and recovery.
Do I need a doctor's referral? No referral needed. You can order directly online and visit any partnered lab location.
When should I schedule my blood draw? Early morning after 8-12 hour fast. If not on hormonal contraception, day 3 of menstrual cycle is optimal for hormone accuracy.
How much does this test cost? Pricing varies by location and current promotions. Check our website or call for current rates and insurance coverage options.
Can I share results with my coach or doctor? Yes, you receive a downloadable PDF report that you can share with any healthcare provider or coach.
What if my results show abnormal values? Each report includes physician interpretation and recommendations. Consider consulting a sports medicine doctor for personalized treatment plans.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Athlete Biomarker Blood Test Panel for females measures over 20 performance-relevant biomarkers to identify nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and training stress that can impair athletic performance. This comprehensive panel helps detect conditions like iron deficiency, vitamin D insufficiency, and early signs of Female Athlete Triad—allowing you to make data-driven decisions about training, nutrition, and recovery.
The test combines standard health markers with sport-specific indicators like ferritin for iron stores, high-sensitivity CRP for inflammation, and testosterone levels that can affect training adaptations. By providing a complete metabolic picture, this panel enables proactive health management rather than reactive treatment after performance decline.
Who would benefit from this test?
Female athletes across all sports benefit from this comprehensive screening, particularly those in endurance sports, weight-category competitions, or aesthetic sports where energy restriction is common. The test is especially valuable for women experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, frequent injuries, or declining performance despite consistent training.
Iron deficiency affects 30% of young female athletes and up to 70% in endurance populations (Sports Injury Bulletin, 2025). Additionally, 65% of Division-I indoor basketball athletes were vitamin D insufficient (Nutrients, 2020), making routine screening essential for optimal performance and long-term health.
When should I order an Athlete Biomarker Blood Test Panel, Female?
Order this panel at the beginning of each competitive season to establish baseline values and identify any deficiencies before training intensifies. Mid-season testing is recommended if you experience unexplained fatigue, performance decline, or symptoms of overtraining. Additionally, consider testing after significant changes in training volume, diet, or if you're experiencing menstrual irregularities or frequent injuries.
Annual screening is recommended for maintenance, with additional testing 8-12 weeks after implementing interventions like iron or vitamin D supplementation to assess response. Pre-competition testing can help ensure you're optimally prepared and identify any issues that might affect performance.
How do I interpret the results?
Each report flags out-of-range values and includes physician comments explaining clinical significance. Key markers to monitor include ferritin for iron stores, 25-OH vitamin D for bone health, and high-sensitivity CRP for inflammation status.
Ferritin:
- Optimal Range: >40 µg/L
- Typical Action: Iron supplementation if low
25-OH Vitamin D:
- Optimal Range: >30 ng/mL
- Typical Action: Supplementation if deficient
hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein):
- Optimal Range: <3 mg/L
- Typical Action: Reduce training load if elevated
Hemoglobin A1c:
- Optimal Range: <5.7%
- Typical Action: Metabolic assessment if elevated
Iron deficiency can reduce endurance performance by 3-4%, while proper iron repletion may improve performance by 2-20% in deficient athletes.
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
Fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw, drinking only water during this period. Avoid vigorous training the morning of your test as it can temporarily affect certain markers. Schedule your appointment for early morning when possible, and note your current menstrual cycle day and any supplements you're taking.
If you're not using hormonal contraception, consider scheduling on day 3 of your menstrual cycle for most accurate hormone measurements. Bring your lab requisition and photo ID to your appointment.
How often should I get tested?
- Baseline healthy athlete: Test annually
- Iron deficiency treatment: Retest in 8–12 weeks
- Vitamin D supplementation: Retest in 8–12 weeks
- Suspected overtraining: Test every 4–6 weeks
- Female Athlete Triad risk: Test every 6 months
Why early detection matters
Early identification of deficiencies and imbalances prevents minor issues from becoming performance-limiting conditions. Iron deficiency, affecting up to 53% of female adolescent athletes (Israel study, 2023), can significantly impact endurance capacity and training adaptations before clinical anemia develops.
Vitamin D deficiency increases stress fracture risk (University Hospitals, 2025), while early detection of Female Athlete Triad components can prevent serious bone health consequences. Regular monitoring allows for timely interventions that maintain peak performance and long-term health.
Related tests you may consider
Anemia #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel — Targeted monitoring for iron deficiency with serum iron, TIBC, ferritin, transferrin measurements.
Fertility Hormone Blood Test Panel – Measures AMH, FSH, LH, and Estradiol to assess ovarian reserve, menstrual cycle regulation, and overall reproductive hormone balance in women. Helpful for evaluating fertility potential and planning for pregnancy.
Body Builder Blood Test Panel – Designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this panel evaluates hormone levels, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, lipids, and key nutrients to help monitor performance, recovery, and overall health during intense training or supplementation.
