Complete Female Hormone Test Panel (Expanded) | Quest®

About the Test

This hormone panel for women measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, total testosterone, unconjugated DHEA, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, free T3, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, and prolactin levels in the blood. Your hormone levels are always fluctuating and can affect your menstrual cycle, mood, metabolism, fertility, and sleep and body processes. Imbalances in these hormones may be a reason for irregular periods, problems with ovulation, fertility issues, and other underlying conditions, like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, but many women don’t know they have it. It affects about 8-13% of women, and an estimated 70% of females with PCOS remain undiagnosed. Understanding your hormone levels may help you and your healthcare provider to identify next steps for handling any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Buy an expanded female hormone panel test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit required – simply purchase, and access hormone testing at a nearby location.

This test may be right for you if any the following are true:

You want to better understand your current hormone levels
You are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance disorders or reproductive endocrine disorders (listed below in the Signs & Symptoms section)
You have irregular menstrual cycles
You are planning for a family and want information to help evaluate your fertility (though this test does not diagnose infertility)

This test may NOT be right for you if any of the following are true:

You are pregnant
You are taking hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy

Hormone imbalances can only be diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms and history. By getting tested, you and your healthcare provider can better understand the cause of your symptoms and identify next steps.

This women’s hormone panel measures hormone levels in your blood that are commonly evaluated by healthcare providers to diagnose PCOS and other similar hormone problems. Each test in this panel helps you and your healthcare provider assess: ovulatory dysfunction, androgen excess, and differential diagnosis.

Ovulatory dysfunction
Ovulatory dysfunction is when a woman’s menstrual cycle doesn’t follow the typical pattern, or if her period is missing completely (known as amenorrhea). In ovulatory dysfunction, reproductive hormone problems are less common than other causes of irregular cycles, which should be ruled out by your healthcare provider (eg menopause). Below is a list of how the biomarkers measured on this panel generally function in individuals who are assigned female at birth (AFAB).

FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs, and it also controls the menstrual cycle. With aging, estrogen levels decrease and FSH levels increase. This test measures the level of FSH in your blood. High levels can indicate that you have begun the menopause transition.

Luteinizing hormone is another sex hormone produced by the pituitary gland that helps to control the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation. Levels outside of typical range may cause irregular periods. As estrogen levels decrease with aging, LH levels increase. High levels of LH may indicate the beginning of menopause or can indicate a problem where your hypothalamus causes your period to stop, commonly due to excessive exercise, stress, or undereating (hypothalamic amenorrhea).

Estradiol is the primary and most potent form of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is first produced at puberty. Estradiol levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle during your reproductive years but begin to decline during the menopause transition. A low level of estradiol may indicate the start of the menopause transition or can indicate a problem where your hypothalamus causes your period to stop, commonly due to excessive exercise, stress, or undereating (hypothalamic amenorrhea).

Progesterone is a hormone that not only supports menstruation but also the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone is mostly made in the ovaries, but the adrenal glands and placenta (during pregnancy) also produce it. Each month, progesterone prepares your uterus for pregnancy. It’s responsible for thickening the lining of the uterus so that a fertilized egg can attach and grow. If conception occurs, progesterone levels remain high to support the pregnancy. If conception doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, and the lining of the uterus sheds during menstruation.

Too much progesterone can cause heavy periods, bloating, mood changes, or weight gain. Too little progesterone can cause irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty getting pregnant, and early pregnancy loss. It can also cause side effects similar to menopause, like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, or missed periods.

Androgen excess
Androgens are sex hormones that signal the body to have “male” characteristics. Hyperandrogenism is when there is too much of an androgen in the body and can cause issues like extra facial and body hair growth for women. Testing for excess androgens helps identify hormone issues when the other signs aren't clear or present.

Testosterone is an androgen steroid hormone associated with the development of sex characteristics, bone health, and sex drive. Higher than normal levels of total testosterone in females can lead to hyperandrogenism and can be related to PCOS.

DHEA is a hormone, produced in the adrenal gland, that helps make other hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and levels usually peak in early adulthood and slowly fall with age. Testing DHEA levels helps healthcare providers determine the source of androgens in hyperandrogenic conditions like PCOS when testosterone levels are normal.

Differential diagnosis (other causes of menstrual irregularities)
Other health conditions share many of the same signs and symptoms with hormone issues and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The following hormones are included in this panel to help identify other possible causes of irregular periods:

The Thyroid Function Test measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the blood to evaluate thyroid function, which is critical for regulating weight, energy, body temperature, mood, and overall health. If your TSH levels are abnormally high or low, this may indicate that your thyroid is either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism). During menopause, TSH levels can also rise as estrogen decreases. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are like those experienced during menopause, so it is important to screen for thyroid disease when discussing irregular periods. If you have severe symptoms, it may be an indication of an underactive thyroid.

T4 (thyroxine) is a thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland and is the main form of thyroid hormone in the blood. Free T4 is not bound to proteins and can enter bodily tissue. Measuring free T4 helps to diagnose hypo- and hyperthyroidism and monitor treatment.

T3 (triiodothyronine) is a thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Free T3 is not bound to proteins and can enter bodily tissue. Measuring free T3 helps to diagnose and monitor treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are a type of antibody produced when someone has hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Measuring TPO antibodies can help you and your healthcare provider understand the cause of a thyroid problem, like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for the development of certain breast tissues, as well as lactation after giving birth. Levels are high in women who are pregnant or have recently given birth and are normally low all other times. High levels can also indicate the presence of a prolactinoma, a benign (noncancerous) tumor in the pituitary gland that can cause irregular periods and hot flashes. Therefore, testing these levels can help your healthcare provider determine if you may have other health issues or are in menopause.

The following signs and symptoms may indicate a hormone imbalance in women:

Irregular menstrual cycles
Weight gain or bloating
Insomnia or sleep disturbance
Fatigue
Infertility
Acne, dry skin, or other skin issues
Hot flashes/flushes or night sweats
Mood changes, like anxiousness or irritability
Depression
Headaches
Muscle weakness and/or joint pain
Hirsutism (growing face or body hair in unusually large amounts)
Androgenic alopecia (thinning hair or hair loss)
Enlarged polycystic ovaries
Breast tenderness or pain

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

If you have a period during your cycle, it is best to have your sample collected on cycle days 2, 3, or 4 (cycle day 1 is the first day of your period). If you do not get your period, the test can be performed at any time. Overnight fasting is required for this panel (10-12 hours without food). Because testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to have your sample collected early in the day. If you are taking supplements or medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test.

After the Test:
After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

Treatment Options:
Included with your purchase, you have the option to discuss your results with an independent physician who may be able to prescribe hypothyroidism specific treatment, depending on your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

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No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

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In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Compare Tests

And find the right tests for you.

Test For	Women's Hormone Test Panel — Expanded	Women's Hormone Test Panel — Basic
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Estradiol
Testosterone, Total
DHEA, Unconjugated
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Prolactin
Progesterone
Free T4
Free T3
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies
	$289.00	$225.00 Learn More

Women's Hormone Test Panel — Expanded	Women's Hormone Test Panel — Basic
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Estradiol
Testosterone, Total
DHEA, Unconjugated
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Prolactin
Progesterone
Free T4
Free T3
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies
$289.00	$225.00 Learn More

Testosterone is often thought of as only a male sex hormone, but females have (and need) testosterone too, just in much smaller amounts. Read our article to learn more about essential hormones and how they affect women's menstrual cycles.

FAQs

Can I still get pregnant if I have irregular periods or problems with ovulation caused by reproductive hormones, like PCOS?

Yes, it is still possible to get pregnant. Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and treatment are important for your overall health, including your fertility. You can use this test to kickstart an informative conversation with your healthcare provider to identify next steps.

What is PCOS and can it be cured?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common endocrine (hormone) disorder that affects about 8-13% of women of reproductive age. Common signs and symptoms include androgen excess (abnormal hair growth and acne), menstrual irregularity, and metabolic dysfunction (obesity, insulin resistance, etc.) It is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 6-12% (as many as 5 million) of reproductive-age women in the United States. There are currently no exact causes or known cures for PCOS, but with the help of your healthcare provider, there are lifestyle changes and potential treatment options to help manage the condition.

If I have a thyroid condition, how do I obtain treatment for it?

Initial testing for the evaluation of thyroid function should include TSH with reflex to serum T4 when TSH is abnormal. If treatment is started, recommended testing includes TSH and free T4 to be measured 6 weeks after initiation of treatment or if the dose is changed. Once steady state, or when the drug concentration in the body reaches a stable level, is achieved, annual monitoring of TSH is recommended or as needed if a patient develops new or worsening symptoms.

If treatment is not started, but retesting or monitoring is warranted, it is recommended to test TSH and/or T4.

Testing TPO antibodies is recommended for subclinical hypothyroidism, painless (silent) thyroiditis, Hashimoto disease, or postpartum thyroiditis, to predict the likelihood of progression to permanent overt hypothyroidism. TPO antibody can also be measured in the presence of a goiter in patients with normal TSH. The Thyroid Disorder Monitoring — Initial panel does test for TPO. The Thyroid Disorder Monitoring — Ongoing panel does not test for TPO.

If thyroid (TSH) is abnormal, T4 is also performed on the sample you have already provided.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you will receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator to initially review results, get educational information, and schedule a consult with a PWN physician. During this consult, you may discuss the results and talk about next steps, which may include treatment options. The PWN physician may be able to prescribe medication, if appropriate.

Can I use this panel, which includes progesterone, to determine if and when I am ovulating?

Most female hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle and many are most accurately tested between days 2 and 4 of your cycle (day 1 is the day that your menstrual period begins). It is beneficial to test progesterone during this timeframe to get a baseline understanding of your level. However, if you would like to understand whether you are successfully ovulating, it is recommended to purchase the Progesterone Test separately and have your sample drawn on day 21 of your cycle (of a 28-day cycle).

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

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Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Women's Hormone Test Panel — Expanded