
Women’s Hormones – Why Test at Different Life Stages
At BloodTekUK, we know that women experience significant hormonal changes throughout life—from puberty and menstrual cycles to pregnancy and menopause. These hormonal shifts can affect mood, energy, weight, fertility, and more. Blood tests are a key tool for understanding and managing these changes. Here's why hormone testing is important at various life stages:
Reproductive Health and Irregular Cycles
For younger women experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, acne, or excess hair growth, blood tests for Progesterone, Prolactin, Oestradiol, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are essential. These tests can help diagnose conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. If you're struggling with symptoms, testing can confirm whether PCOS is the cause, allowing for proper treatment.
Sources:
- WHO on PCOS: https: //www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#: ~: text=,and%20how%20it%20affects%20people
Fertility and Family Planning
If you're trying to conceive, blood tests like Progesterone on a certain day of a cycle can confirm if you're ovulating. Other tests, like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), check ovarian reserve. Thyroid function tests are also commonly ordered since thyroid disorders can impact fertility. These tests provide valuable insights into your reproductive health, guiding you towards the next steps.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Hormones
During pregnancy, hormone levels like Oestradiol, Progesterone, and hCG increase dramatically. After childbirth, some women experience hormonal shifts that may lead to conditions like thyroiditis or postnatal depression. Blood tests for TSH or Cortisol can help identify these changes, ensuring your health is well managed.
Sources:
- NHS on Overview - Postnatal depression: https: //www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/
Perimenopause and Menopause
As women approach their 40s and 50s, hormone levels change. A blood test for FSH can confirm whether you're in perimenopause or menopause, especially if you're under 45 with symptoms. Knowing your menopausal status through testing can guide you towards treatments like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to manage symptoms.
Sources:
- NICE - Menopause: identification and management: https: //www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations#: ~: text=Consider%20using%20the%20person%27s%20serum,level%20to%20confirm%20menopause%20only
Post-Menopausal Health
Even after menopause, hormone testing remains important. Blood tests for Oestradiol can help tailor HRT dosing. Women over 60 are at a higher risk for thyroid issues, so regular tests for TSH can help manage thyroid health.
Sources:
- Age UK - Menopause symptoms and finding support: https: //www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/menopause-symptoms-and-support/#: ~: text=Menopause%20is%20the%20result%20of,of%20surgery%20or%20medical%20treatments
Empowering Women with Hormonal Insights
Blood testing empowers you to understand your hormonal health at every life stage. Whether you’re managing reproductive health, planning a family, or navigating menopause, knowing your hormone levels is key to taking the right actions. At BloodTekUK, we’re here to help guide you with easy, accessible, and affordable blood tests.
Take Control of Your Hormonal Health Today
Are you experiencing symptoms like irregular periods or mood swings? Book your blood test with BloodTekUK today, and take the first step toward understanding your hormonal health. Whether you visit our clinic or use our At-Home Blood Testing Kit, we make it easy to get the insights you need.
Sources:
- WHO on PCOS: https: //www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#: ~: text=,and%20how%20it%20affects%20people
- NHS on Overview - Postnatal depression: https: //www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/
- NICE - Menopause: identification and management: https: //www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/recommendations#: ~: text=Consider%20using%20the%20person%27s%20serum,level%20to%20confirm%20menopause%20only
- Age UK - Menopause symptoms and finding support: https: //www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/menopause-symptoms-and-support/#: ~: text=Menopause%20is%20the%20result%20of,of%20surgery%20or%20medical%20treatments