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IMULAB

PCOS

PCOS

£106.00 GBP
£106.00 GBP
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Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

How do you want to take your sample?

Please choose one option below

  • Collect your own finger prick sample at home  Free

    Self sampling kit containing everything you need to take your own sample at home.

  • Venous blood sample at a Superdrug Clinic  +£35.00

    Visit one of Superdrug's clinics across the UK where a healthcare professional will take your sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.

  • Book at home venous blood sample with a nurse  +£59.00

    Book an appointment for a nurse to visit your home and take your blood sample from a vein your arm. 

  • Arrange own venous sample with a healthcare professional  Free

    Make an appointment with a healthcare professional of your choice to have your venous blood sample taken. You will be responsible for arranging your appointment and any additional fees.

✅ Results expected within 4 working days

If you suspect you may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), our blood test can help identify hormonal imbalances commonly associated with the condition.

Why Choose This Test?

PCOS can present with a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Irregular periods
  • Acne
  • Weight gain
  • Excess hair growth

Our test measures key hormones linked to PCOS, including:

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
  • Testosterone
  • Free Androgen Index (FAI)
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

What This Test Offers:

These markers provide valuable insights into hormonal imbalances that could be contributing to PCOS symptoms, empowering you to take proactive steps towards managing your health and well-being.

Convenient Testing Options:

  • At-Home Finger-Prick Sample: Easy to perform from the comfort of home.
  • Superdrug Partner Clinics: Available across the UK for professional sample collection.
  • Home Nurse Visit: Arrange for a nurse or your healthcare professional to collect a venous sample in the comfort of your home.

Fast & Secure Results:

Your results will be securely delivered via our online patient portal, typically available within two working days from receipt at our laboratory.

Take control of your hormonal health—order your PCOS Blood Test today.

View full details

Hormones

FSH

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a vital role in the reproductive systems of both men and women. In women, FSH helps stimulate the growth and development of follicles in the ovaries during the first half of the menstrual cycle. As follicles grow, they increase the levels of oestradiol, a hormone important for ovulation. One of these follicles eventually becomes dominant and is released during ovulation, after which FSH levels decrease in the second half of the cycle. In men, FSH acts on the seminiferous tubules of the testicles to promote the maturation of immature sperm cells into mature sperm.

LH

Luteinising Hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in male and female fertility. In females, LH levels increase sharply around the middle of the menstrual cycle, causing ovulation to occur. It is also responsible for the formation of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone in the Leydig cells of the testes, which is essential for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone primarily responsible for male characteristics and is produced in the testicles of men, and to a much lesser extent, in the ovaries of women. It regulates sex drive and plays a crucial role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, as well as the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, but lower than normal levels can occur at any age, causing symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass, and lack of energy. Women have much lower levels of testosterone than men, but it is equally important for regulating libido, muscle and fat distribution, and red blood cell formation. The normal reference range for testosterone levels varies slightly depending on the laboratory and population tested, but the British Society for Sexual Medicine recommends that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, or when levels are below 12 nmol/L, especially in men who report symptoms of low testosterone or have low levels of free testosterone.

Free androgen index (FAI)

The free androgen index (FAI) is a calculated value that estimates the level of biologically active or "free" testosterone in the blood. Testosterone is an androgen hormone responsible for male sexual characteristics and is also present, although in smaller amounts, in females.

The FAI is determined by dividing the total testosterone level by the level of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and multiplying the result by 100. SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone and other sex hormones in the bloodstream, limiting their availability for biological activity.

Proteins

SHBG

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is a protein produced by the liver that binds with sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream. When hormones are bound to SHBG, they become inactive and are not available for use by cells. Measuring the level of SHBG in the blood can provide important information about the levels of free or unbound hormones, which are biologically active and available for use.

Sampling special instructions

Prepare for your Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blood Test by following the instructions included within your test kit. It is also recommended to take your sample before 10am. If you have regular periods, the test should be performed two to five days after the start of your period, preferably on day three. However, if you do not have periods, the test can be taken at any time. It is important to note that hormonal contraception can affect the test results. To obtain more accurate results, it is advised to take a break from hormonal contraception and use barrier contraception instead. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, it is highly recommended to select a venous sample to minimise any potential contamination that may occur with finger-prick tests.

If administering hormone supplements, make sure your fingers have not been in contact with them for at least four weeks before taking the test, as hormones can be absorbed deep within the skin and persist for weeks despite thorough hand washing.

Additionally, refrain from taking biotin supplements for two days before the test, and consult with your doctor if you have been prescribed such supplements. These instructions are crucial to ensure accurate and reliable results for the assessment of PCOS.