Female Hormones test package

Check the levels of key hormones essential for women’s health. Have a package of 8 tests performed from a single blood sample. Get tested if you are 18 years of age or over and:

• your overall physical condition has worsened,
• you experience menstrual irregularities, weight changes not related to diet or lifestyle, sleep or skin problems, mood swings or chronic fatigue,
• you have difficulty conceiving,
• you feel that your stress levels are increasing,
• or you are approaching menopause or are currently experiencing it.

Gain confidence that your hormonal system is functioning properly, or the opportunity for diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment.

Tests included in the package are cheaper than when performed individually – by up to PLN 210.

Scope of the package

The FEMALE HORMONES package includes 8 tests.

1. Prolactin – affects immunity, metabolism and ovulation.
   Too low: may occur in pituitary insufficiency.
   Too high: causes ovulation disorders, absence of menstruation, reduced libido, galactorrhoea outside pregnancy and lactation, and loss of bone mass. Levels may increase when taking certain medications, e.g. antidepressants.
2. Oestradiol
   • regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive function,
   • influences bone density, lipid and glucose metabolism, skin elasticity, mood, cognitive function and libido.
     Too low: ovulation disorders, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, mood swings, osteopenia.
     Too high: may be associated with obesity, ovarian cysts or excessive ovarian stimulation.
3. Progesterone – responsible for:
   • stabilisation of the menstrual cycle,
   • inhibition of excessive endometrial (uterine lining) growth under the influence of oestrogens and preparation of the endometrium for embryo implantation,
   • maintenance of early pregnancy.
     Too low: may cause anovulation, spotting and difficulty maintaining pregnancy.
     Too high: persistently elevated levels may suggest a corpus luteum cyst.
4. FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) – stimulates maturation of ovarian follicles and production of oestradiol (the main female sex hormone).
   Too low: associated with disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary, leading to secondary ovarian insufficiency and, consequently, fertility disorders, irregular menstrual cycles, delayed sexual maturation and reduced libido. Low FSH levels may also result from severe chronic stress, restrictive diets or intense physical exercise.
   Too high: may be associated with menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
5. LH (luteinising hormone, lutropin) – responsible for triggering ovulation and stimulating the corpus luteum to produce progesterone.
   Too low: may result from hypothalamic or pituitary damage, severe stress, malnutrition or ovulation disorders.
   Too high: occurs in menopause or in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
6. Testosteron – odpowiada m.in. za:
   • muscle strength and bone density,
   • red blood cell production,
   • energy levels and overall well-being,
   • libido.
     Too low: may cause reduced libido, impaired sexual function (e.g. difficulty achieving orgasm) and decreased muscle mass.
     Too high: may lead to oily skin, greasy hair, androgenetic alopecia, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, ovulation disorders and menstrual cycle disturbances (cycle lengthening), and may be associated with PCOS.
7. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) regulates:
   • thyroid function by stimulating the production of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine),
   • indirectly, metabolism.
     Too low: may indicate hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease.
     Too high: may indicate hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormones).
8. Free thyroxine (fT4):
   • regulates metabolic rate (affecting how the body uses energy and burns calories),
   • affects heart function and the nervous system,
   • participates in thermoregulation,
   • supports normal growth and development.
     Too low: may indicate hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease.
     Too high: may indicate hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormones).

When should the tests be performed?

Hormonal testing in women should be adjusted to the phase of the menstrual cycle, as the levels of many hormones change throughout the cycle. If you menstruate, have the tests performed at the beginning of the cycle. If you do not menstruate, 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.

What does the test involve?

The test involves collecting a blood sample.

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.

Have the tests performed as part of the FEMALE HORMONES package if you are 18 years of age or over.

You will find out what is happening in your body. You will receive a clear answer as to whether your hormonal system is functioning properly. Instead of guessing: “Maybe it’s stress?”, “Or perhaps PMS?”, “Maybe the thyroid?” – you will get specific results and the opportunity to identify the cause of your symptoms.

Your benefits

• Early diagnostics – enables rapid detection of hormonal disorders (e.g. of the thyroid, ovaries or pituitary) before adverse consequences develop
• Assessment of cycle regularity and fertility – hormone measurements allow the doctor to determine whether disorders that make it difficult to conceive are present (e.g. hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinaemia, premature ovarian insufficiency), which is important if you are planning pregnancy
• Explanation of symptoms – tests help determine whether chronic fatigue, low mood, weight, skin or libido problems are caused by hormonal imbalance or by other factors.
• Thyroid function monitoring – TSH and fT4 measurements allow assessment of proper thyroid function, which affects metabolism, energy levels and wellbeing.
• Prevention – regular testing makes it possible to monitor hormonal balance and prevent the consequences of hormonal disorders (e.g. osteoporosis, metabolic disorders).
• Support for treatment – test results form the basis for selecting appropriate therapy by a physician.
• Savings – with a complete set of results, you receive a diagnosis faster, avoid additional appointments and costs, and save time and money.

Have the tests performed if you are over 40, when perimenopause may begin, and between the ages of 45 and 55, when menopause typically occurs. You will find out whether your symptoms are already related to menopause or to something entirely different.

During the perimenopausal period, hormonal changes may cause symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, weight gain or reduced physical condition. Hormonal testing helps distinguish whether menopause is the cause or whether other disorders are responsible (e.g. thyroid disease, hyperprolactinaemia).

Test results will show which part of the hormonal system requires support and which aspects need further diagnostic evaluation.

The FEMALE HORMONES test package enables:

• Assessment of hormonal balance – levels of oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, FSH and LH indicate whether the reproductive system is functioning properly.
• Thyroid function monitoring – TSH and fT4 measurements allow detection of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may cause symptoms similar to menopause.
• Differentiation of symptom causes – tests help determine whether fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood swings and weight gain result from hormonal imbalance or other factors.
• Support for decisions on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – results provide the physician with data needed to assess indications for treatment and its safety.
• Prevention of metabolic and bone health disorders – although the tests themselves do not diagnose osteoporosis or insulin resistance, they may indicate a risk of conditions requiring further diagnostic evaluation (e.g. bone densitometry, glucose or insulin concentration levels testing).

How to purchase and use the package?

1. Select your city and the Medicover medical centre where you would like to use the test package.
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 at the selected medical centre – come on an empty stomach. If you menstruate, have your blood collected at the beginning of your cycle.
6. You will receive your results within 3 working days at the collection point (or check them in the Medicover Online app, if you have access).

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.
• Avoid drinks containing caffeine and tea for at least 12 hours before blood collection.
• Do not engage in intense physical activity on the day before the test.
• 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.