FF-Product-06

PCOS Home Blood Test

£99.00

SKU: FFH4 Category:

Description

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Home Blood Test offers a simple, at-home blood test that can indicate the presence of PCOS. This is the consequence of hormonal imbalance and, while it affects roughly 5-10% of women of reproductive age, it is renowned for going undiagnosed for extended periods of time. The test is recommended for those who have irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, insulin resistance or stubborn acne.

 

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How it works

- After purchasing your Blood Test we will deliver it for free.
- When we receive your test kit, please allow 5 days for us to process the results.
- You will receive an email letting you know when your results are ready.
- Your results will be available to download from your personal downloads folder.

 
IMPORTANT: Post your blood sample on the same day as testing to prevent your blood from being heamolysed which will result in re-testing.
 

 
 

Biomarker Profiles

(4 BIOMARKERS)

 

Hormones: Hormones govern every activity of your body, from growth and metabolism to reproduction and your sleep cycle. Even a small imbalance in your hormone levels can have a significant impact on your health, affecting your mood and energy levels as well as fertility and libido. Hormones are known as chemical messengers which are manufactured in your glands and released into your bloodstream. They instruct your body in everything it does – regulating appetite, growth, mood and reproduction. Generally they keep the body functioning and in balance. Hormone disorders are common and can often be put right through hormone replacement therapy or lifestyle changes. Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and also, for women, through the reproductive cycle.

LH
LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It plays an essential role in male and female fertility. In women, levels of LH peak before ovulation
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it helps to regulate sex drive and has a role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone is produced in the testicles of men and, in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, although lower than normal levels can occur at any age and can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass and lack of energy. Although women have much lower amounts of testosterone than men, it is important for much the same reasons, playing a role in libido, the distribution of muscle and fat and the formation of red blood cells. All laboratories will slightly differ in the reference ranges they apply because they are based on the population they are testing. The normal range is set so that 95% of men will fall into it. Levels below 12 nmol/L could also be considered low, especially in men who also report symptoms of low testosterone or who have low levels of free testosterone.
FSH
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is produced in the pituitary gland and is important for women in the production of eggs by the ovaries and for men in the production of sperm. In the first half of the menstrual cycle in women, FSH stimulates the enlargement of follicles within the ovaries. Each of these follicles will help to increase oestradiol levels. One follicle will become dominant and will be released by the ovary (ovulation), after which follicle stimulating hormone levels drop during the second half of the menstrual cycle. In men, FSH acts on the seminiferous tubules of the testicles where they stimulate immature sperm cells to develop into mature sperm.
Free Androgen Index
The free androgen index (FAI) is a calculation used to determine the amount of testosterone which is free (unbound) in the bloodstream. Most testosterone is bound to proteins sex hormone binding globulin and albumin and is not available to interact with the body’s cells. The FAI is a calculation based on the ratio of testosterone and SHBG and is a measure of the amount of testosterone that is available to act on the body’s tissues. The free androgen index is used in women to assess the likelihood of polycystic ovarian syndrome. In men, free testosterone gives a better indication of testosterone status.

 

Why take this test?

- You are experiencing irregular periods and you think that polycystic ovaries might be the cause
- You are having difficulty getting pregnant and want to rule out or confirm polycystic ovary syndrome
- You have symptoms such as acne, weight gain, and hirsuitism (excess hair) and want to investigate your male hormone levels

 

Special Instructions

Prepare for your Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test by following these instructions. Please take your sample before 10am. Take this test 2 to 5 days after the start of your period, ideally on day 3. It can be taken any time if you do not have periods. Hormonal contraception can affect the results of this test.

Taking a break from this and waiting for your periods to restart before your blood test will give more accurate results. Avoid taking your sample from a finger used to apply hormone gels/pessaries/patches in the past 4 weeks. Use gloves to apply these. Do not take biotin supplements for 2 days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.