Female hormone profile

Female hormone profile with FSH, LH, oestradiol, pooled prolactin, TSH and free T4. It is the initial assessment for irregular or absent periods, and helps tell an ovarian pattern apart from prolactin or thyroid disorders that can cause similar symptoms.

No prescription or appointment needed

Results in 1-2 working days

Includes: TSH · Free T4 · Pooled prolactin · FSH · LH · Oestradiol. See what each one measures

What it is for

It looks at three possible sources of a menstrual disturbance. First, how the ovary responds to FSH and LH. Second, whether a raised prolactin may be holding back the cycle. And third, whether there is hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

It is an initial profile. On its own it does not diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it does not assess ovarian reserve through AMH, and it does not confirm whether ovulation has taken place, because progesterone has to be measured at a specific later phase of the cycle.

When it is recommended

Irregular, widely spaced or absent periods
The cycle not returning after stopping hormonal contraception
Suspected prolactin or thyroid disorder related to the cycle
Initial hormone assessment for difficulty getting pregnant with irregular periods
Bleeding between periods or very heavy periods also require a gynaecological assessment, because the blood test does not look at structural causes

Clinical comment

FSH, LH and oestradiol change a great deal during the cycle. That is why, when there are periods, they are usually measured between days 2 and 5 to obtain a comparable baseline value. If there are no periods they can be measured on any day, but interpretation depends on how long periods have been absent and on the context.

We have chosen pooled prolactin to reduce transient rises caused by the stress of venepuncture. A high result may still require confirmation and a review of medicines, pregnancy, macroprolactin and other causes before the pituitary gland is investigated.

Thyroid function is included because both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt the cycle. If there is also persistent acne, excess hair or metabolic findings, the specific polycystic ovary syndrome blood test is a better fit for that aim.

Dr. Antonio Mas

What is tested

TSH: The first test for identifying a thyroid disorder that could affect the menstrual cycle.
Free T4: Completes the thyroid assessment and makes it possible to interpret an abnormal TSH.
Pooled prolactin: Averages several samples taken at rest to reduce the effect of the stress of the blood draw.
FSH: A signal from the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovary and gives information about ovarian function.
LH: Involved in ovulation and interpreted together with FSH and oestradiol.
Oestradiol: The main oestrogen produced by the ovary, which changes throughout the cycle.

How to prepare

If you have periods, have the sample taken between days 2 and 5 of the cycle, counting the first day of bleeding as day 1. If you are not menstruating, it can be done on any day. Come in the morning, fasting, and with time to rest before the prolactin samples.

Contraceptives and other hormonal treatments change the results. Do not stop them on your own; say which one you use and since when.

You can add

Without another needle. It is offered when you order, so you do not have to decide now.

General blood testA general blood test with full blood count, glucose, cholesterol and kidney and liver function: the basic parameters included in any general check-up.+€59.00
General + nutritional blood testEverything in the general blood test (anaemia, kidneys, liver, cholesterol and glucose) plus iron stores, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folic acid. It is the broadest add-on: it covers the general and the nutritional in one go.+€129.00
Female androgen profileBrings together the androgens and ovarian hormones used to investigate problems such as irregular cycles, acne or excess hair.+€59.00
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)Gives an indication of ovarian reserve, that is, the number of follicles available, and helps anticipate how the ovaries will respond in fertility treatment.+€79.00

Related blood tests

We have other profiles in Women with more or fewer tests:

The most comprehensive is not always the most useful. If you are not sure, the one we recommend to start with is Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) blood test.

What it is based on

Endocrine Society · J Clin Endocrinol Metab 102(5):1413-1439
Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
The initial hormone assessment this guideline recommends for absent or very irregular periods is almost exactly this panel: TSH, free T4, prolactin, LH, FSH and oestradiol. It also agrees on the order of reading, because it insists on assessing the thyroid and prolactin before putting an altered cycle down to the ovarian hormones. Two clarifications: progesterone is not on that list and is not included here either, and before any blood test the guideline places a step that is not a laboratory test, checking that there is no pregnancy.

Protocol designed by Dr. Antonio Mas, specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition, Spanish medical licence no. 080846289, and reviewed in September 2026.

This blood test is a standardised protocol and does not replace a medical consultation. If you have symptoms, a known condition or a complex clinical situation, speak to your doctor.