Women's Hormone Panel: Basic
A comprehensive blood test that measures five essential reproductive hormones to assess menstrual health, fertility, and hormonal balance in women.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This panel measures five reproductive hormones that work together to regulate menstrual cycles, ovulation, and overall hormonal equilibrium: estradiol (the primary active estrogen), progesterone (essential for menstrual regulation and pregnancy support), testosterone (which influences energy, mood, and libido in women as well as men), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones operate as part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, a feedback system that coordinates ovarian function and reproductive timing.
Hormonal imbalances in women are common; research suggests that a substantial majority of women experience a clinically meaningful hormone shift at some point during their lives. Abnormal levels of these five markers may be associated with conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular or absent menstrual periods, premature ovarian changes, fertility difficulties, and perimenopausal symptoms. The panel serves as a practical starting point for women experiencing irregular cycles, unexplained fatigue, mood fluctuations, weight changes, or concerns about fertility.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Women experiencing irregular menstrual cycles or missed periods
- Those trying to conceive or having difficulty getting pregnant
- Individuals with symptoms of PCOS such as excess hair growth, acne, or weight gain
- Women approaching menopause or experiencing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes
- Those with unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or weight fluctuations
- Women seeking to understand their baseline hormone levels for optimal health
What to expect
Preparation
For most accurate results, individuals with regular menstrual cycles should schedule testing on cycle day 2, 3, or 4 (cycle day 1 is the first day of the period). No fasting is required for this hormone panel, though certain medications like hormone therapy, birth control pills, or steroids may affect results. Patients should consult with healthcare providers about temporarily discontinuing medications if appropriate.
Sample Type
Blood sample collected through a simple blood draw from a vein in the arm (venipuncture)
Collection
A trained phlebotomist will collect the blood sample at any Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp Patient Service Center. The collection process typically takes just a few minutes and no doctor visit required.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 3-4 business days, though processing may take longer based on weather, holidays, or laboratory delays
Understanding your results
Reproductive hormone levels fluctuate substantially throughout the menstrual cycle, so the timing of the blood draw relative to cycle day significantly affects interpretation. Reference ranges are established for specific cycle phases (follicular, ovulatory, luteal) as well as for postmenopausal status, and the lab report will indicate which ranges apply. A result outside the expected range does not necessarily signal a disorder, since natural hormonal variation is wide. Healthcare providers interpret results in the context of symptoms, cycle timing, age, and overall health to determine whether further evaluation is warranted.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Premenopausal Women (Follicular Phase) | FSH: 3-9 mIU/ml, LH: 2-10 mIU/ml | Early cycle levels when hormones are at baseline |
| Premenopausal Women (General) | Estradiol: 27-161 pg/ml (ideally <50 pg/ml), Progesterone: 5-20 ng/ml (day 21) | Estradiol varies throughout cycle; progesterone measured mid-luteal phase |
| Adult Women | Total Testosterone: 6.0-86 ng/dl, Free Testosterone: 0.7-3.6 pg/ml | Testosterone levels are approximately one-tenth of male levels |
| Postmenopausal Women | FSH: >13 mIU/ml typically indicates menopause | Elevated FSH levels reflect decreased ovarian function |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Low hormone levels may suggest different underlying causes that warrant further evaluation. Low estradiol levels may indicate the start of menopause transition or hypothalamic amenorrhea commonly caused by excessive exercise, stress, or undereating. Low progesterone can cause irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty getting pregnant, early pregnancy loss, and symptoms similar to menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. Low testosterone may be caused by menopause, ovarian surgery, certain medical conditions like Addison's disease, malnutrition, and chronic stress. Low FSH or LH levels may indicate pituitary dysfunction or severe nutritional deficiencies.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated hormone levels may indicate various conditions depending on which hormones are affected. High FSH levels can indicate the beginning of menopause transition, while elevated LH may suggest menopause onset or hypothalamic amenorrhea due to excessive exercise, stress, or undereating. Higher than normal testosterone levels in females can lead to hyperandrogenism and may be related to PCOS, causing issues like excess facial and body hair growth. High progesterone levels are typically associated with successful ovulation or early pregnancy, though excessive levels may sometimes cause bloating or mood changes.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Your hormone test results are completely confidential and protected by strict privacy measures. Unlike tests ordered by your personal physician, these results are <u>not sent to your doctor</u> unless you specifically choose to share them. The test results are <u>not added to your medical records</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits (EOB), ensuring complete discretion about your health testing decisions. Your personal health information is never shared with employers, insurance companies, or third parties without your explicit consent. All results are securely delivered through an encrypted online portal accessible only with your unique login credentials. This direct-to-consumer approach gives you complete control over your health information, allowing you to seek hormone testing without concerns about privacy or unwanted disclosure to others who might have access to your medical records.
Frequently asked questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 82670, 84144, 84402, 83001, 83002
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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