Women's Hormonal Panel

A nine-marker hormonal panel covering the full female reproductive endocrine axis — pituitary gonadotropins, ovarian hormones, androgens, and adrenal contributors. At PKBH Olomouc, all hormones are measured by immunochemistry on the Abbott Alinity ii or DPC Immulite 2000XPi platforms, both SEKK-accredited. The panel is suitable for investigation of menstrual irregularity, fertility issues, PCOS, perimenopause, or excess androgen symptoms such as acne and hirsutism. No referral is needed for self-pay access.

Hormonal imbalance underpins a wide spectrum of conditions in women — from irregular cycles and infertility to excess hair growth, acne, persistent fatigue, and menopausal symptoms. Because the reproductive endocrine axis involves the pituitary, ovaries, and adrenal glands interacting dynamically, a comprehensive nine-marker panel provides far more clinical information than any single hormone measured in isolation. Markers included: - **FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)** — the pituitary signal that drives follicle development. Elevated FSH indicates reduced ovarian reserve (early perimenopause or premature ovarian insufficiency); low FSH combined with low LH suggests hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. - **LH (luteinising hormone)** — triggers ovulation. The LH:FSH ratio is a key diagnostic criterion for PCOS (typically > 2:1). Persistently elevated LH alongside anovulation suggests ovarian dysfunction. - **Estradiol (E2)** — the dominant oestrogen produced by developing follicles. Low levels during follicular phase indicate ovarian insufficiency; very high levels (outside pregnancy) can reflect ovarian cysts or hormone-producing tumours. - **Progesterone** — rises sharply after ovulation (mid-luteal peak around day 21 of a 28-day cycle). A mid-luteal progesterone below 16–30 nmol/L suggests anovulation — the most common cause of unexplained infertility. - **Prolactin** — secreted by the pituitary. Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia) suppresses FSH and LH, causing irregular or absent periods and can indicate a pituitary microadenoma. Stress and certain medications also elevate prolactin transiently. - **SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)** — a carrier protein produced by the liver that binds and inactivates testosterone. Low SHBG (typical in insulin resistance and PCOS) leaves more free, biologically active testosterone in circulation, driving androgen excess symptoms even when total testosterone appears normal. - **Testosterone (total)** — elevated in PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and androgen-secreting tumours. Interpretation requires SHBG to calculate free testosterone. - **17-OH Progesterone** — an adrenal and ovarian intermediate that is markedly elevated in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), particularly the non-classic form, which presents in adult women with PCOS-like symptoms. - **DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate)** — the primary adrenal androgen. Elevated DHEAS points to adrenal rather than ovarian androgen excess — a critical distinction for guiding treatment. All immunochemistry markers are measured on the Abbott Alinity ii or DPC Immulite 2000XPi, both operating under continuous internal QC and SEKK external quality control. PKBH holds R3 Audit certification. **Timing matters:** For women with regular cycles, progesterone should ideally be measured mid-luteal (day 21 in a 28-day cycle); FSH and LH are most informative on days 2–4. In irregular or absent cycles, timing is less critical. Discuss optimal draw timing with your GP if needed. **Who benefits:** Women with irregular, heavy, or absent periods; those investigating infertility or planning pregnancy; women with PCOS symptoms (acne, hirsutism, irregular cycles); perimenopausal women with hot flushes, sleep disturbance, or cycle changes; women with suspected hyperprolactinaemia (galactorrhoea, headaches). **Preparation:** No fasting required. Timing within the menstrual cycle is relevant for progesterone and FSH/LH — see above. Walk in from 07:00 at any PKBH Olomouc collection site.