Female Hormone Blood Test: What It Shows, When to Take It & What It Costs
Which hormones are measured, the right day of your cycle to test, and what results can and can't tell you.
In short: a female hormone blood test measures hormones such as oestradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH and testosterone from a blood sample. Timing matters, because levels change across your cycle: NHS guidance places baseline hormones between day 2 and day 5, and progesterone about a week before your next period (day 21 of a 28-day cycle). At Boost & Glow the Female Hormone Profile Blood Test is £146.99.
What a female hormone blood test shows
A female hormone blood test checks the levels of several hormones that control your cycle, ovulation, mood, energy and sexual health. The hormones most often included are:
| Hormone | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Oestradiol | The main oestrogen. Helps assess ovarian function and where you are in your cycle. |
| Progesterone | Used to check whether ovulation has happened. Levels rise after ovulation. |
| FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) | Signals the ovaries. Used in assessing ovarian function and ovulatory problems. |
| LH (luteinising hormone) | Triggers ovulation. Often read alongside FSH. |
| Testosterone | Checked when signs of raised androgens are suspected, such as in PCOS. Often interpreted with SHBG. |
| Prolactin | Raised levels can disrupt ovulation and periods. |
| Thyroid hormones (TSH) | An under- or overactive thyroid can mimic or worsen hormonal symptoms. |
Not every test includes every hormone. The exact list of markers in the Boost & Glow Female Hormone Profile is shown on its product page, so check it matches what you want to investigate.
Symptoms people investigate
Hormone testing is commonly considered when someone notices:
- Irregular, heavy or missing periods
- Mood changes that follow a pattern through the month
- Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Low libido
- Poor sleep, night sweats or hot flushes
- Acne, excess hair growth or hair thinning
- Difficulty conceiving
These symptoms have many possible causes, including thyroid problems, low iron, low vitamin D, stress and sleep. A hormone test is one piece of the picture, which is why it is often combined with other bloods.
Searches for cycle-phase symptoms have risen sharply in the UK: Bupa's 2026 trends report found searches for early luteal phase symptoms up around nine-fold, with luteal phase mood and early follicular phase searches roughly doubling.
The best day of your cycle to take a female hormone blood test
Hormone levels move through your cycle, so when you test changes what the result means. Day 1 is the first day of full bleeding.
| Hormone(s) | Typical timing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| FSH, LH, oestradiol (baseline) | Day 2 to day 5 | NHS fertility guidance uses this window for baseline levels. |
| Progesterone | About 7 days before your next expected period (day 21 of a 28-day cycle) | Used to confirm whether ovulation occurred. |
| Thyroid, iron and vitamin markers | Any time | These are not tied to a particular cycle day. |
If your cycle is longer or shorter than 28 days, or irregular, progesterone timing is counted back from your expected next period rather than fixed at day 21. Always follow the specific instructions for the test you book.
Can a blood test diagnose perimenopause?
Usually not on its own, and this is worth knowing before you pay for a test. NICE guidance says that in otherwise healthy women over 45 with typical symptoms, perimenopause and menopause should be diagnosed without laboratory tests, because FSH fluctuates considerably during the transition.
- Over 45: diagnosis is based on symptoms, not blood tests.
- 40 to 45: FSH testing may be considered if symptoms include a change in the menstrual cycle.
- Under 40: testing is used when menopause is suspected, with raised FSH on two samples taken 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- On the combined contraceptive pill: FSH testing is not used to diagnose menopause.
What results can and can't tell you
They can show whether your hormone levels sit within expected ranges for the day of your cycle you tested, whether ovulation appears to have occurred, and whether further investigation is worth discussing with a clinician.
They can't diagnose a condition by themselves, predict fertility, or replace a clinical assessment of your symptoms and history. A single reading is a snapshot. Hormonal contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding and some medicines all change results, so tell whoever is arranging your test.
Seek medical advice promptly for very heavy bleeding, bleeding after menopause, severe pelvic pain, or symptoms that are sudden or worrying. A blood test is not a substitute for urgent care.
Cost and how it works at Boost & Glow
| Test | Price |
|---|---|
| Female Hormone Profile Blood Test | £146.99 |
| Thyroid Profile (TSH, T3, T4 & antibodies) | £124.99 |
| Iron Studies Panel | £129.99 |
| Vitamin & Nutrient Deficiency Panel | £198.00 |
| Well Woman Health MOT (59 biomarkers) | £320.00 |
Because fatigue, low mood and brain fog overlap with thyroid, iron and vitamin problems, many people add one of these panels or choose the Well Woman Health MOT for a broader view. Boost & Glow is based in Epping, Essex.
FAQ
Book a Female Hormone Profile Blood Test — £146.99, Boost & Glow, Epping, Essex.
View tests at boostandglow.co.ukSources
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust: Explaining basic fertility investigations
- North Bristol NHS Trust: Endocrine problems in females
- NICE guideline NG23: Menopause, diagnosis and management
- Bupa: 2026 health and wellness trends
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your health, speak to a doctor or other qualified clinician.
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