What is a female hormone test for? What tests are included, and how much does it cost?

Female hormones are an important factor that significantly affects both physical and mental health. Hormones in the body can indicate what conditions a woman might be experiencing, such as infertility, cysts, or irregular periods, all of which are related to hormones. Many people may not know what tests are required to check hormone levels, what each hormone indicates, and how much the testing costs.

Female hormone testing is a blood test to check for abnormalities in the hormone system of a woman’s body. The timing of the test depends on the specific hormone being tested. For example, some hormones should be tested during menstruation, while others should be tested when menstruation is absent, or some can be tested at any time. The decision to test hormones should be based on a doctor's recommendation to identify potential health issues that may arise.

Female hormone testing is the assessment of the balance and changes in each hormone to evaluate potential abnormalities or undesirable symptoms that may arise before the onset of disease. It covers metabolism, muscle building, mood control, stress, sexual feelings, and fertility, in order to find ways to restore hormonal balance.

In the reproductive years, if female hormones are imbalanced, it can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as:

• Missed periods

• Acne

• Bloating

• Mood swings

• Easily depressed

• Infertility

For women in menopause, female hormones decrease significantly, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, poor memory, irritability, brittle bones, and dry skin.

For the question about which female hormones need to be tested, as there are various hormones essential for women, the necessary tests typically include:

• Estradiol (E2): This is a female sex hormone produced naturally in the body, part of the estrogen group.

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This hormone is related to reproduction and stimulates ovulation. If there is no LH, pregnancy is not possible. Elevated LH levels may indicate ovarian cysts.

• Progesterone: A hormone related to menstruation and pregnancy.

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This hormone stimulates egg maturation. Lack of FSH can lead to infertility.

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: This test evaluates androgen imbalance. High levels of androgen hormones, typically male hormones, may cause symptoms like excess hair growth or tumors.

• DHEA-Sulphate: This test measures the precursor substances for the production of other hormones, especially sex hormones.

• IGF1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1): Often known as growth hormone, it is associated with metabolism, growth, and cell regeneration in the body.

• IGFBP3: This is tested to check for growth hormone deficiency or excess (Acromegaly).

• Thyroid Function Tests: These commonly measure three important hormones:

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): This is the most sensitive hormone to evaluate thyroid function.

  • T3 (Triiodothyronine Free): Produced by the thyroid gland, T3 is less than T4 but 10 times more active.

  • T4 (Thyroxine Free): Produced by the thyroid gland.

Who should get a female hormone test?

• Those with irregular menstrual cycles

• Those who want to have children or are planning to get pregnant

• Those with mood swings

• Those with health issues or unusual physical conditions, such as fatigue or easy weight gain

1. Irregular Periods
   Normally, women have their period every 28 days. However, if periods come too often or are missed, it indicates an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate menstruation.

2. Insomnia or Difficulty Sleeping
   In addition to melatonin, which helps with sleep, progesterone, produced by the ovaries, also aids in restful sleep. A deficiency in these hormones may affect sleep, including symptoms like hot flashes, chills, or night sweats caused by low estrogen levels.

3. Excessive Acne
   Hormonal acne that appears on the face before menstruation is common, but if acne persists without clearing up, it could be linked to an imbalance in androgen hormones, which affect the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, leading to blockages and breakouts.

4. Frequent Forgetfulness
   Some experts believe that estrogen imbalances can impact brain function and neurotransmitter regulation, leading to difficulties with focus and memory, especially near menopause. This can affect cognitive performance.

5. Abdominal Pain
   Not all abdominal pain is hormone-related, but severe menstrual cramps before or during menstruation may indicate hormonal issues, especially if pain is intense and unrelieved by painkillers.

6. Fatigue and Constant Tiredness
   Low thyroid hormone levels may lead to chronic fatigue and low energy, affecting overall body function and metabolism.

7. Stress and Mood Swings
   Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, irritability, and emotional instability. Estrogen plays a key role in regulating brain function and emotions, so imbalances may affect your emotional state.

8. Weight Gain
   Imbalanced estrogen levels may lead to increased appetite and cravings, leading to overeating and weight gain.

9. Headaches
   Headaches can be triggered by estrogen deficiency, especially during menstruation. If you experience frequent headaches around your period, it could indicate a hormonal imbalance.

10. Vaginal Dryness
    While occasional vaginal dryness is normal, frequent dryness may be a sign of low estrogen levels, which can affect vaginal lubrication during intercourse.

11. Decreased Sexual Desire
    Testosterone, which regulates sexual desire, is crucial for women as well. Low levels of testosterone can lead to a decreased libido.

12. Breast Changes
    Many women notice that their breasts become larger during menstruation due to changes in estrogen and other female hormones. A decrease in breast size could indicate reduced levels of female hormones.

You should get at least 6 hours of rest and sleep before the test.
Health checks are not suitable for women during the 7 days before or after their menstrual period.
You should fast for 8-12 hours before the test (you can drink plain water).
If you have recent health test results, please bring them along with the medical report.
If you have any chronic illnesses or other medical history, please bring your test results or medical reports for reference during the diagnosis.

The steps for female hormone testing are not complicated and are as follows:

1. The nurse will first take your medical history.

2. The nurse will take your weight and measure your blood pressure, then escort you to see the doctor.

3. The doctor will review your medical history, including any chronic illnesses and antibiotics you are taking.

4. A blood sample will be taken for hormone testing to identify any potential abnormalities.

5. Wait for the test results, which typically take about 2 hours.

• Balance the estrogen in the vagina with medications that contain estrogen, such as creams for topical application, vaginal inserts, skin patches, and oral tablets.

• Use hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings, to help balance hormones, regulate menstruation, and possibly help reduce acne and excess hair growth.

• Use anti-androgen medication for women with excessive androgen hormones. The doctor may prescribe anti-androgen drugs to help address issues like hair loss, excessive body hair, or acne.

The cost of female hormone testing at Beyond IVF is approximately 7,000 THB. This price includes testing for all female hormones such as:

• Estradiol (E2)

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

• Progesterone

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

• DHEA – Sulphate

• IGF1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)

• IGFBP3

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

• T3 (Triiodothyronine Free)

• T4 (Thyroxine Free)