Female Hormones Premium test package

Find out the levels of hormones essential for your health. Have a package of 14 laboratory tests performed from one blood sample. Get tested if you are 18 years of age or over and:

• you have irregular periods, sleep or skin problems, or excessive hair growth,
• you have gained or lost weight without knowing the cause,
• you notice mood swings,
• you are unable to conceive,
• you experience increased stress,

as well as if you have early symptoms of menopause or are currently going through it.

Be confident that your hormonal system is functioning properly, or gain a basis for further diagnosis and treatment.

Tests included in the package are cheaper than when performed individually – by up to PLN 605.

Scope of the package

The FEMALE HORMONES PREMIUM package includes 14 tests measuring the levels of 14 hormones.

1. Prolactin – affects, among other functions, metabolism, immunity and fertility.
   • Too low: may occur in disorders of pituitary function.
   • Elevated levels, which may be observed for example when taking antidepressants, can cause ovulation disorders, absence of menstruation, reduced libido, galactorrhoea outside the lactation period, and decreased bone density.
2. Oestradiol – regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive function; it also affects bone density, lipid and glucose metabolism, skin elasticity, mood, cognitive function and libido.
   • Low levels: may cause ovulation disorders, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, mood swings and osteopenia.
   • Elevated levels: may be associated with obesity, ovarian cysts or excessive ovarian stimulation.
3. Progesterone – responsible for stabilising the menstrual cycle, limiting excessive endometrial growth under the influence of oestrogens, preparing the uterine lining for embryo implantation, and maintaining early pregnancy.
   • Deficiency: may lead to anovulation, worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), irregular periods and spotting, and difficulty maintaining pregnancy.
   • Persistently high levels: may indicate the presence of a corpus luteum cyst (elevated progesterone in the second phase of the cycle most often results from normal ovulation and proper corpus luteum function).
4. FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) – stimulates maturation of ovarian follicles and the production of oestradiol.
   • Too low: leads to secondary ovarian insufficiency (related to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction), fertility problems, irregular cycles and reduced libido. Low levels may also result from intense physical exercise, restrictive dieting or chronic stress.
   • Elevated levels: may occur during menopause or in premature ovarian insufficiency.
5. LH (luteinising hormone) – responsible for triggering ovulation and stimulating the corpus luteum to produce progesterone.
   • Low levels: may result from damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, severe stress, malnutrition or ovulation disorders.
   • High levels: occur, among other conditions, in menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
6. Testosterone – affects energy levels and overall wellbeing, muscle strength, bone density, red blood cell production and libido.
   • Too low: may lead to reduced libido, impaired sexual function and decreased muscle mass.
   • Elevated levels: may cause acne, oily skin and hair, androgenetic alopecia, hirsutism, ovulation disorders and irregular cycles, and may be associated with PCOS.
7. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) – regulates thyroid function by stimulating the production of T3 and T4 and indirectly affects metabolism.
   • Low levels: may indicate pituitary dysfunction or hyperthyroidism.
   • Elevated levels: may suggest hypothyroidism.
8. FT4 (free thyroxine) – affects metabolic rate, heart function and the nervous system, participates in thermoregulation and supports normal growth and development.
   • Low levels: may be associated with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease.
   • Elevated levels: may indicate hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormones).
9. SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) – responsible for transporting testosterone and oestradiol in the blood and regulating their biological activity.
   • Too low: may lead to acne, excessive hair growth, menstrual cycle disturbances and PCOS, as low SHBG increases the level of free testosterone.
   • Too high: may be associated, among other conditions, with hyperthyroidism, low body weight or hormonal disorders leading to reduced libido, as it can lower the availability of free hormones responsible for these symptoms.
10. DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) – a precursor of other sex hormones; it has low intrinsic hormonal activity but serves as a substrate for the synthesis of other hormones.
    • Too low: may indicate reduced adrenal function and be associated with chronic fatigue, decreased immunity and reduced libido.
    • Too high: may indicate excessive androgen production, presenting with acne, hirsutism and cycle disturbances, and may be associated with PCOS or adrenal tumours.
11. Free triiodothyronine (fT3) – affects the rate of metabolic processes and nervous system function.
    • Too low: may cause slowed metabolism, drowsiness, feeling cold and concentration problems.
    • Too high: may indicate hyperthyroidism and present with symptoms such as palpitations, weight loss, hyperexcitability and heat intolerance.
12. 17-OH progesterone – a product of cortisol and androgen synthesis in the adrenal glands.
    • Elevated levels: may suggest congenital adrenal hyperplasia and can lead to androgen excess, menstrual cycle disturbances and fertility problems; abnormal values may also aid in the diagnosis of PCOS.
    • Low levels: may occur in adrenal insufficiency.
13. Cortisol (serum) – regulates the body’s response to stress, glucose metabolism, blood pressure and immune system function.
    • Too low: may indicate adrenal insufficiency and present with weakness, low blood pressure and impaired stress tolerance.
    • Too high: may be associated with chronic stress, sleep disturbances, weight gain, insulin resistance or Cushing’s syndrome.
14. Androstenedione – a precursor of testosterone and oestradiol.
    • Elevated levels: may result in symptoms of hyperandrogenism such as acne, excessive hair growth, ovulation disorders and menstrual cycle disturbances; they occur, among other conditions, in PCOS. Abnormal values help differentiate the causes of hormonal disorders and fertility problems.
    • Low levels: may occur in adrenal insufficiency and be associated with ovulation disorders.

When should the tests be performed?

Hormonal tests in women should be performed at a specific phase of the menstrual cycle, as the levels of many hormones change during the cycle. If you menstruate, have the tests performed at the beginning of the cycle. If you do not menstruate (regardless of the reason), the tests can be performed on any day.

Blood collection should take place between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., as the levels of certain hormones change throughout the day.

Have the tests performed as part of the FEMALE HORMONES PREMIUM package if you are 18 years of age or over. The tests will show how your body is functioning and whether your hormonal system is working properly. Instead of guessing whether your wellbeing is affected by everyday stress, PMS or thyroid function, you will receive results that may help identify the cause of your symptoms

Your benefits

• Early diagnosis – detection of hormonal disorders (e.g. of the thyroid, ovaries or adrenal glands).
• Assessment of cycle regularity and fertility – hormonal tests help determine whether the menstrual cycle is normal and whether disorders that may hinder conception are present (e.g. hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinaemia, premature ovarian insufficiency). This is particularly important if you are planning pregnancy.
• Explanation of symptoms – tests help establish whether chronic fatigue, low mood, difficulties maintaining a healthy body weight, skin problems or reduced libido are hormonally driven or have other causes.
• Thyroid function monitoring – TSH and fT4 measurements allow assessment of proper thyroid function, which is essential for metabolism, energy levels and overall wellbeing.
• Prevention – regular testing enables monitoring of hormonal balance and prevention of complications such as osteoporosis or metabolic disorders.
• Support for treatment – test results provide the basis for selecting appropriate treatment.
• Savings – with a complete set of results, you receive a diagnosis faster, avoid additional appointments… and expenses, and save time and money.

It is worth having the tests performed after the age of 40, when perimenopause may begin, and between the ages of 45 and 55, when menopause most commonly occurs. The tests help determine whether symptoms are due to menopausal changes or other hormonal disorders. The results indicate which areas require further diagnostic evaluation or treatment.

How to purchase and use the package?

1. Select your city and a Medicover medical centre.
2. Add the package to your basket and choose a payment method.
3. Enter your personal details.
4. Pay for your order – you have 3 months to use the package.
5. Attend the blood collection appointment on an empty stomach (if you menstruate, attend at the beginning of your cycle).
6. You can pick up your results at the collection point or in the Medicover OnLine app within 3 working days

What does the test involve?

The test involves taking a blood sample.

How to prepare for the test

• Attend the test between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.
• Do not drink alcohol for 2-3 days before the test.
• Do not engage in intense physical activity on the day before the test.
• Avoid drinks containing caffeine and tea for at least 12 hours before blood collection.
• If possible, avoid stress.

On the day of the test:

• Attend on an empty stomach – do not eat for 8-12 hours before blood collection.
• In the morning, you may drink a small amount of water (up to one glass).
• If possible, have the test performed before taking your morning dose of medication, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• If you take any medication, consult your doctor in advance, as some medicines may affect the test results.

Note

An abnormal hormone level does not always indicate a single specific disease. Most often, it is an indication for further diagnostic evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the changes. Test results should be assessed by a physician, and the diagnosis should not be based on a single test alone.