When during my menstrual cycle should I take this test?

For the most accurate baseline hormone assessment, this test should ideally be taken on days 2, 3, or 4 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of your period). At this time, reproductive hormones are at their baseline levels and easier to interpret. If you have irregular cycles or are postmenopausal, the test can be taken at any time.

Will birth control pills affect my hormone test results?

Yes, hormonal contraceptives significantly suppress natural hormone production and can affect the accuracy of results. For the most accurate assessment of your natural hormone levels, many healthcare providers recommend discontinuing hormonal birth control for at least 2-3 months before testing, though you should consult with a provider before making changes to your contraception.

Can this test diagnose PCOS or other hormone disorders?

While this comprehensive panel measures hormones commonly associated with PCOS (elevated testosterone, altered LH/FSH ratios) and other hormone disorders, it cannot definitively diagnose these conditions on its own. PCOS diagnosis requires clinical evaluation including symptoms, physical examination, and sometimes additional testing like pelvic ultrasounds. However, abnormal hormone levels can provide valuable information to discuss with a healthcare provider.

What should I do if my thyroid antibodies (TPO) are elevated?

Elevated TPO antibodies may indicate autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can affect overall hormonal balance and menstrual regularity. While this doesn't necessarily mean you have a thyroid disorder, it's important to discuss these results with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms, additional thyroid function tests, and determine if treatment or monitoring is needed.

How do I know if my hormone levels are causing my symptoms?

Hormone-related symptoms can be complex and overlap with other conditions. Common signs of hormonal imbalance include irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, mood swings, fatigue, hair loss or excess hair growth, acne, and fertility issues. Your test results, combined with your symptom pattern and timing, can help you and a healthcare provider determine if hormones are contributing to your concerns and what treatment options might be appropriate.

Can I use this test to monitor hormone replacement therapy?

This panel can be useful for monitoring certain aspects of hormone replacement therapy, particularly thyroid function and overall hormonal balance. However, if you're on HRT, the synthetic hormones may not be measured the same way as natural hormones, and your healthcare provider may recommend specific monitoring protocols. It's best to discuss with your prescribing provider about appropriate testing schedules and interpretation while on hormone therapy.

Hormones

Women's Hormone Panel: Expanded

Comprehensive assessment of key reproductive and metabolic hormones including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, LH, DHEA, thyroid markers, and prolactin to evaluate menstrual cycle irregularities, fertility concerns, and hormone-related symptoms.

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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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What this test measures

This expanded panel evaluates eleven hormones and antibodies spanning reproductive function, thyroid regulation, and adrenal activity. It includes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, total testosterone, unconjugated DHEA, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, free T3, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, and prolactin.

By covering the reproductive, thyroid, and adrenal axes in a single panel, the test captures the interplay between systems that frequently influence one another. Thyroid dysfunction, for example, can disrupt menstrual regularity and mimic symptoms of reproductive hormone imbalance. Elevated DHEA may point to adrenal overactivity or contribute to androgen-related symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. Prolactin abnormalities can suppress ovulation. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may affect an estimated 5 to 10 percent of premenopausal women with a large proportion of cases going undiagnosed, often involve disruptions across multiple hormonal axes simultaneously. This panel provides the breadth needed to evaluate those overlapping patterns.

What's included

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Estradiol (E2)

Progesterone

Total Testosterone

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)

Free T4 (Thyroxine)

Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies

Prolactin

Who should consider this test

You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:

Individuals experiencing irregular menstrual periods or missed periods who want to understand potential hormonal causes
Those with fertility concerns or difficulty conceiving who need comprehensive hormone evaluation
Individuals with symptoms suggestive of PCOS, such as excess hair growth, acne, weight gain, or irregular cycles
Those experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, or night sweats
Individuals with unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or weight fluctuations that may be hormone-related
Those with family history of thyroid disorders or hormone-related conditions seeking proactive screening
Individuals monitoring hormone replacement therapy or other hormonal treatments

What to expect

Preparation

For individuals with regular menstrual cycles, it is best to have the sample collected on cycle days 2, 3, or 4 (cycle day 1 is the first day of the period), when hormone levels are considered at baseline. No fasting is required for this test. Those taking biotin supplements should discontinue them at least 72 hours before testing to ensure accurate results. Hormonal contraceptives may affect certain hormone levels, so timing should be discussed with a healthcare provider if relevant.

Sample Type

Blood sample collected through a simple blood draw from a vein in the arm

Collection

Visit any Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp patient service center for sample collection. The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes and is performed by trained phlebotomists. No doctor visit required.

Turnaround

Results are typically available within 1-3 business days and will be accessible through a secure online portal

Understanding your results

Female hormone levels fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and interact with one another in ways that can make isolated readings difficult to interpret. Cycle day at the time of the blood draw is essential context for accurate assessment. Reference ranges differ by laboratory methodology, age, and cycle phase, and the lab report will specify the applicable ranges. Healthcare providers evaluate the full panel as a connected set, since an abnormality in one hormone (such as elevated TSH) can cascade into apparent abnormalities in others (such as disrupted estradiol or progesterone). Results are interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, and clinical goals.

Population	Reference Range	Notes
Premenopausal Women (Follicular Phase)	FSH: 3-9 mIU/mL, LH: 2-10 mIU/mL, Estradiol: 27-161 pg/mL, Progesterone: <1 ng/mL	Values measured during days 2-5 of menstrual cycle when hormones are at baseline
Premenopausal Women (Luteal Phase)	Progesterone: 5-20 ng/mL, Estradiol: 70-300 pg/mL	Values measured approximately 7 days after ovulation
Postmenopausal Women	Estradiol: <15 pg/mL, Progesterone: <1 ng/mL	FSH and LH levels typically elevated after menopause
Adult Women (General)	Total Testosterone: 6.0-86 ng/dL (15-70 ng/dL typical), Prolactin: 0-20 ng/mL (non-pregnant)	Testosterone levels are much lower in women than men but still play important roles

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 estrogen levels typically occur naturally after menopause, but may also happen with genetic disorders, extreme exercise, anorexia, nutrient deficiencies, or treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Low progesterone is common during perimenopause and menopause, and may also indicate fertility problems in younger women. Low testosterone can be caused by menopause, surgery to remove ovaries, conditions like Addison's disease, premature ovarian insufficiency, malnutrition, or stress, and has been linked to decreases in mood, well-being, and libido. Low DHEA typically happens during periods of great stress and can throw off sex hormone balance, causing depression and fatigue.

What does a “High” result mean?

Elevated FSH levels often signal menopause or diminished ovarian reserve, while low levels may indicate pituitary dysfunction. High LH levels early in the cycle may suggest PCOS, while elevated levels can also indicate menopause or primary ovarian failure. High testosterone levels could indicate problems with fertility and/or PCOS, as women with PCOS often have increased levels of both total and free testosterone. High progesterone may be caused by pregnancy, an adrenal imbalance, or certain forms of cancer. Elevated prolactin levels may indicate a pituitary tumor or dysfunction.

Privacy & confidentiality

All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. At LevelPanel, we understand that hormone testing is deeply personal, and we're committed to protecting your privacy at every step. Your test results are completely confidential and not reported to your doctor unless you choose to share them. The results are not part of your medical records and will not appear on insurance statements or explanations of benefits (EOB), ensuring complete discretion. We use secure, encrypted systems to protect your health information, and results are only accessible through your private online account with multi-factor authentication. Your employer, insurance company, or government agencies cannot access your results without your explicit consent. This privacy protection allows you to explore your hormonal health on your own terms, whether you're investigating unexplained symptoms, monitoring your reproductive health, or simply taking a proactive approach to wellness. Many individuals prefer the convenience and privacy of direct-access testing, especially for hormone panels that can reveal sensitive information about fertility, menopause, or conditions like PCOS. With no doctor visit required, you can get comprehensive hormone insights quickly and privately, then decide how and when to share results with healthcare providers if you choose to pursue treatment options.

Frequently asked questions

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Last reviewed: April 2026

CPT Code: 82670, 84144, 84402, 83001, 83002, 84443, 80050

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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View at Quest View at LabCorp

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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