Blood test home kit UK
Female Hormone Blood Test Home Kit UK
A focused five marker panel for pituitary reproductive hormones and androgen context, without the additional metabolic markers found in a broader women’s health screen.
The panel is intentionally narrow. It is most useful when the main question concerns LH, FSH or androgens and the sample is collected with accurate cycle information.
When the test may be useful
Begin with the question you are trying to answer
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Acne or unwanted hair growth with cycle symptoms
- A previous LH, FSH or androgen result requiring context
- A focused panel before a wider clinical assessment
Choose a clinical route instead when
- Confirming menopause in every age group
- Diagnosing PCOS or infertility
- Interpreting values without cycle day, contraception or HRT information
The panel at a glance
How the included markers are organised
Timing is part of the result
How menstrual cycle context changes interpretation
Colour coded, clinically cautious
What the result indicators mean
Colours help you scan the report. They do not decide the diagnosis. Reference intervals vary with the laboratory, method, age, sex, cycle stage and clinical circumstances.
Marker by marker
Indicators and what they may mean
Open a marker to view a concise explanation, the colour scale and the supplier derived interpretation bands.
Luteinising hormone
Luteinising hormone, known as LH, is produced by the pituitary gland. In women it helps regulate the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation. LH changes substantially through the cycle and reaches a natural surge around ovulation. It should be interpreted with the recorded cycle day, FSH, symptoms, age and medicines.
A lower result can be normal at some cycle stages. It can also occur with reduced pituitary stimulation, low energy availability, significant weight change, chronic illness or some medicines.
Review the finding with a doctor in the context of cycle day and symptoms.The result falls within the reference interval for the recorded cycle stage or postmenopausal status.
A value in range does not exclude every cause of irregular cycles or other symptoms.A raised result can represent the normal midcycle surge. Outside that context it may occur after menopause, with reduced ovarian function or in some people with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Review the finding with a clinician before drawing conclusions.Free androgen index
Free androgen index, known as FAI, is a calculated value based on total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin. It can provide useful context where symptoms suggest androgen excess, such as acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning or irregular cycles. It does not diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome by itself.
A lower result can reflect lower testosterone, higher SHBG, hormone treatment, pregnancy, thyroid or liver factors, or normal variation.
Discuss persistent symptoms with your GP.The calculated value sits inside the reporting laboratory’s reference interval.
A value in range does not exclude every cause of symptoms.The calculation could not be produced or interpreted reliably, often because testosterone or SHBG was outside the analytical range.
Follow the laboratory recommendation and discuss repeat testing with a clinician.A raised result can reflect higher testosterone, lower SHBG or both. It can occur with polycystic ovary syndrome, some medicines, hormone use or less common ovarian or adrenal conditions.
See your GP for clinical assessment before making treatment decisions.Sex hormone binding globulin
Sex hormone binding globulin, known as SHBG, is a protein produced mainly by the liver. It binds testosterone and oestradiol and influences how much hormone is available to tissues. SHBG is used with total testosterone to calculate FAI. It may be influenced by thyroid function, liver health, body weight, insulin resistance, pregnancy and hormone medicines.
A lower SHBG value can be seen with insulin resistance, higher body weight, an underactive thyroid, androgen exposure or some medicines. It can increase calculated FAI.
Review the finding with your GP in the context of symptoms and other results.The value sits inside the interval expected by the reporting laboratory and supports interpretation of testosterone and FAI.
A value in range does not exclude every hormone related condition.A raised SHBG value can be seen with pregnancy, an overactive thyroid, liver conditions or oestrogen containing treatment. It can reduce calculated FAI.
Discuss an unexpected result with your GP.Total testosterone
Testosterone is present in women as well as men. In women it is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands and contributes to sexual function, muscle, bone and other physiological processes. Total testosterone should be interpreted with SHBG, FAI, symptoms, cycle information and medicines.
A lower result can occur with ovarian or adrenal factors, illness, some medicines, hormone treatment or normal individual variation.
Discuss persistent symptoms with your GP.The laboratory has placed the value inside its stated reference interval.
A value in range does not exclude every cause of acne, hair changes, irregular cycles or low libido.A raised result can occur with polycystic ovary syndrome, anabolic steroid or testosterone exposure, some medicines or less common ovarian or adrenal conditions.
See your GP for clinical assessment and possible further testing.Follicle stimulating hormone
Follicle stimulating hormone, known as FSH, is produced by the pituitary gland. In women it supports the growth of ovarian follicles and changes throughout the menstrual cycle and reproductive life. FSH may provide context when reviewing cycle irregularity, ovarian function, pituitary signalling or suspected premature ovarian insufficiency. It should not be used alone to assess fertility or diagnose menopause.
A lower result can be normal at some cycle stages. It can also occur with reduced pituitary stimulation, low energy availability, significant weight change, chronic illness or some medicines.
Review the finding with a doctor in the context of cycle day and symptoms.The result falls within the reference interval for the recorded cycle stage or postmenopausal status.
Interpret it with LH, symptoms and medical history.A raised result can occur as ovarian function declines, including around menopause. It can also occur after ovarian treatment or with other ovarian conditions.
Review the finding with your GP, particularly if cycles are irregular or absent.From order to report
How the home test pathway works
Choose with purpose
Review the exact markers, the collection method and the important limitations before ordering.
Receive and register
The kit is dispatched with the required equipment and registration instructions for the relevant laboratory pathway.
Prepare correctly
Follow the product specific timing, fasting, medicine and supplement guidance. Preparation affects interpretation.
Collect at home
Collect the finger prick capillary blood sample exactly as instructed. Insufficient or incorrectly labelled samples may not be suitable for analysis.
Return promptly
Use the supplied return materials and remain within the stated sample stability window.
View results securely
The report is delivered through the secure digital results pathway once laboratory processing and quality checks are complete.
Fact checked and medically reviewed
Clinical and editorial oversight
This page was prepared using the supplier specification and the UK medical, regulatory and professional sources listed below. Medical review is attributed to Dr Snieguole Geige, Veronika Matutyte, Dr Laura Geige. The wider clinic advisory team is shown in a compact format to preserve readability.
Dr Laura Geige Medical Director, Senior Practitioner and Skin Expert Page reviewer
Dr Giedre Narkiene Medical Doctor, Board Certified Dermatologist and Advisory Board Member Advisory contributor
Veronika Matutyte Medical Doctor, Healthcare Management Expert and Advisory Board Member Page reviewer
Dr Snieguole Geige Aesthetic Dentist, Medical Doctor and Advisory Board Member Page reviewer
Dr Rimas Geiga Medical Doctor, Nutritional Sciences Adviser and Advisory Board Member Advisory contributorIt’s Me & You Clinic, Kingston upon Thames
Private health information with a doctor led perspective
Patients from Kingston, Norbiton, Surbiton and Richmond can reach Siddeley House without travelling into central London. The clinic’s emphasis is on careful interpretation and responsible boundaries rather than testing for reassurance alone.
Find the clinic
Office 7, Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Road
Kingston upon Thames KT2 6LX
Questions, without the heavy boxes
Common questions
How is this different from the female hormone and metabolic panel?
This focused test contains five reproductive and androgen related markers. It does not include HbA1c or vitamin D.
Can FSH confirm perimenopause?
FSH can fluctuate and is not always required to identify perimenopause in people over forty five. Age, symptoms and guidance determine whether testing is useful.
Why are testosterone and SHBG measured together?
SHBG affects how much testosterone is bound. Their relationship is used to calculate the free androgen index.
Can stress affect the result?
Stress, acute illness, sleep and changes in energy intake can influence parts of the reproductive hormone system.
What if my cycle is irregular?
Record the best available menstrual information and discuss whether repeat or differently timed testing is more appropriate.
UK medical and laboratory sources
Evidence used for this page
Home testing provides laboratory information, not a diagnosis. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for a kit or result. Call 999 for a medical emergency. Use NHS 111 or an appropriate clinician when symptoms are urgent but not immediately life threatening. Do not start, stop or alter prescribed treatment solely because of a home result
