Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw at certified lab
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-4 few business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive screening — 16 essential biomarkers including estradiol, FSH, LH, testosterone, and thyroid panel
- Direct access — No doctor's visit required for ordering
- Confidential results — Secure online portal with optional physician review
- Early detection — Identifies hormone imbalances before symptoms worsen
- Cost-effective — Eliminates unnecessary gatekeeping and medical appointments
- Actionable insights — Supports personalized health management and treatment decisions
Who Is This Test For?
- Women experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance (hot flashes, irregular periods, fatigue)
- Those approaching or going through menopause (typically 40s-50s)
- Women with unexplained weight changes or mood swings
- Anyone seeking baseline assessment of reproductive and endocrine health
- Those with family history of hormone-related conditions
- Women monitoring chronic thyroid or adrenal conditions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Purchase directly without doctor referral and schedule lab appointment
- Visit lab — Quick blood draw at certified laboratory near you
- Get results — Access confidential results online within few business days
FAQ
What hormones does this test measure? Estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, FSH, LH, total and free testosterone, DHEA sulfate, complete thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, T3 Uptake, Total T4), and IGF-1.
Do I need to fast before this test? No, fasting is not generally required unless specifically noted for your situation.
When in my cycle should I take this test? For menstrual cycle-related hormones, day 3 of your cycle is often recommended for FSH, LH, and estradiol levels.
Can medications affect my results? Yes, hormone therapy and steroids may impact results. Consult your provider about temporary discontinuation before testing.
How accurate are the results? Clinical lab methods provide high diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity and specificity typically exceeding 95% (Mayo Clinic 2024).
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management recommendations.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel screens for and monitors hormone imbalances related to menopause, fertility, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal health in women. The test measures 16 essential biomarkers that provide insights into reproductive health, metabolic function, and overall endocrine system performance. It's particularly valuable for detecting early signs of perimenopause, menopause, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal conditions that can significantly impact quality of life.
Who would benefit from this test?
Women experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance benefit most from this comprehensive screening. This includes those with hot flashes, night sweats, irregular menstrual cycles, unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or difficulty sleeping. The test is especially relevant for women in their 40s and 50s approaching menopause, as well as those with family history of thyroid disease or other endocrine disorders. Health-conscious women seeking proactive monitoring of their hormonal health also find this panel valuable for establishing baseline levels and tracking changes over time.
When should I order a Hormone #2 Essential Blood Test Panel, Women?
Order this test if you're experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, approaching menopause, or want to proactively assess your reproductive and endocrine health. Timing may matter for certain hormones - for menstrual cycle-related markers like FSH, LH, and estradiol, day 3 of your cycle is often recommended. Consider testing if you have irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, mood swings, or sleep disturbances that could indicate hormonal issues.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are compared to age- and phase-specific reference ranges provided with your lab report. Normal ranges vary based on factors like age, menstrual phase, and menopausal status. Here's a general interpretation guide:
Within normal range
- What it means: Hormone levels are appropriate for your age or phase of life
- Typical action: Continue monitoring as needed
Elevated levels
- What it means: May indicate overactive glands or effects from hormone therapy
- Typical action: Discuss with your healthcare provider
Low levels
- What it means: May suggest underactive glands or approaching menopause
- Typical action: Consider treatment options with your provider
Borderline results
- What it means: Values are close to normal limits
- Typical action: Repeat testing in 3–6 months
Up to 80% of women experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance during perimenopause and menopause, making early detection crucial (ACOG 2023).
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
No fasting is required for this hormone panel. However, certain medications like hormone therapy, birth control pills, or steroids may affect results - consult your healthcare provider about temporary discontinuation if appropriate. For the most accurate results of cycle-dependent hormones, women who still menstruate should consider timing the test for day 3 of their cycle. Avoid extreme stress, illness, or intense exercise immediately before testing, as these can temporarily alter hormone levels.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and health goals:
- Baseline screening (healthy women): Every 2–3 years after age 40
- Monitoring hormone therapy: Every 3–6 months initially, then annually
- Tracking perimenopause symptoms: Every 6–12 months
- Managing thyroid conditions: Every 6 months or as recommended
- Following abnormal results: 3–6 months or as directed by your provider
Why early detection matters
Early detection of hormone imbalances can significantly improve quality of life and prevent serious health complications. Research shows that timely identification and management of hormonal issues can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome by up to 30% (Endocrine Society 2023). Approximately 1.3 million women enter menopause each year in the U.S., and thyroid disorders affect about 1 in 8 women during their lifetime (North American Menopause Society 2023, American Thyroid Association 2024). Early intervention allows for better symptom management and preventive care strategies.
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) assesses liver, kidney, and electrolyte status for broader metabolic insights.
Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Test is crucial for bone health, especially important for postmenopausal women.
Lipid Panel evaluates cardiovascular risk, which increases after menopause due to hormonal changes.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) can identify anemia or other blood-related issues that may contribute to fatigue symptoms.
