What does a hormone profile blood test actually check?
A hormone profile blood test measures the key hormones that control your menstrual cycle, fertility, libido, mood and energy. Boost & Glow's Hormone Profile Blood Test checks 8 markers in one panel: FSH, LH, the LH/FSH ratio, Oestradiol (Oestrogen), Progesterone, Prolactin, SHBG and Total Testosterone. Together these markers give a full picture of how your reproductive and hormonal system is functioning — not just one piece of it.
What do FSH and LH actually tell you?
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinising Hormone) are the two signals your brain sends to your ovaries or testes to drive egg development, ovulation and testosterone production. When these are out of range, or when the LH/FSH ratio is skewed, it can point to conditions like PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve, or an underlying issue with the pituitary gland — which is why the panel measures both, plus the ratio between them, rather than either one alone.
What can low progesterone cause?
Low progesterone is commonly linked to irregular or heavy periods, spotting before your period, anxiety, poor sleep and difficulty conceiving. Progesterone rises after ovulation to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy, so low levels can be an early sign that ovulation isn't happening consistently — something this test can help identify.
Why does the test need to be taken on Day 3 of your cycle?
For women who are still menstruating, this test should be taken on Day 3 of your menstrual cycle, counting Day 1 as the first day of full bleeding. Hormone levels — particularly FSH, LH and Oestradiol — shift significantly across the cycle, so testing on Day 3 gives a consistent, clinically meaningful baseline reading. If Day 3 falls on a weekend, test the following Monday instead. Post-menopausal women and men can take the test on any day, as their hormone levels don't follow the same monthly pattern.
Can men take a hormone profile test too?
Yes. While the panel is often associated with women's health, several of its markers — particularly Total Testosterone, SHBG, LH and FSH — are directly relevant to men experiencing low libido, fatigue, mood changes or symptoms of low testosterone. The same 8-marker panel applies, and men can test on any day since their hormone levels don't follow a monthly cycle.
Who should get a hormone profile test?
This test is worth considering if you're experiencing irregular or heavy periods, have been diagnosed with (or suspect) PCOS, think you might be entering perimenopause or menopause, are investigating fertility, are experiencing low libido, fatigue or mood changes, or have recently come off hormonal contraception and want a clear baseline. Men noticing symptoms of low testosterone are also a good fit for this panel.
What happens after I get my results?
Your results come with a full expert review explaining what each of the 8 markers means for you individually — not just whether you fall inside a standard reference range. From there, we can build a personalised plan, whether that's further investigation, a supplement and lifestyle protocol, or a referral for specialist input.
Ready to understand your hormones properly? The Hormone Profile Blood Test (£146.99) is available as a private venous blood draw — book your appointment with Boost & Glow today.
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