• IMULAB Perimenopause Step Two Blood Test, hormone changes during perimenopause. Doctor-reviewed, fast UK lab results.
  • IMULAB Perimenopause Step Two Blood Test – assess hormone changes during perimenopause. Doctor-reviewed, fast UK lab results.
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IMULAB

PCOS Optimum

PCOS Optimum

£227.50 GBP
£275.00 GBP £227.50 GBP
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How do you want to take your sample?

Please choose one option below

  • Collect your own sample at home  Free

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

  • Sample collection 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.

  • Sample collection at home with a nurse  +£59.00

    Book an appointment for one of our nurses to visit your home and take your blood sample from a vein your arm. 

  • Sample collection with your own 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

Check for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and related health concerns with our Comprehensive PCOS Profile Blood Test. This detailed test provides a holistic view of your health, examining key markers linked to PCOS and overall well-being.

What’s Included in This Test?

Our PCOS profile measures:

  • Hormone levels: Including testosterone, FSH, LH, and SHBG
  • Diabetes risk markers
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Thyroid function markers
  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Provides insight into ovarian reserve, helpful for women planning to start a family

Why Choose This Test?

  • You suspect you may have PCOS or have already been diagnosed
  • You want a clearer picture of hormonal imbalances and associated health risks
  • You’re planning to start a family and want to understand your fertility status

This test offers valuable insights into your reproductive health, metabolic function, and overall well-being, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health journey.

Convenient Testing Options:

  • At-Home Finger-Prick Sample: Quick and easy to perform yourself.
  • Superdrug Partner Clinics: Accessible 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 charge of your health and fertility—order your Comprehensive PCOS Profile 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

Oestradiol

Oestradiol is a steroid hormone that is primarily produced in the ovaries of women and to a lesser extent in the testes of men. It is one of three types of estrogen and has important functions in regulating the female reproductive system, as well as promoting breast tissue growth and maintaining bone density. Oestradiol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking at ovulation in pre-menopausal women. As women age, their oestradiol levels decrease and eventually stop altogether with menopause. Low levels of oestradiol can lead to symptoms commonly associated with menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings. Additionally, low levels of oestradiol can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the ovaries in women and can be used to indicate the ovarian reserve, which is the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. AMH is produced by the follicles that contain the eggs within the ovary, and levels can indicate how high or low a woman's ovarian reserve is. However, AMH is not routinely measured in men, and it may only be used by specialist fertility clinics to assess sperm production.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone that is synthesized in the pituitary gland and is involved in the regulation of reproductive functions. Its main function is to stimulate lactation after delivery, and it is common for prolactin levels to increase substantially during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women.

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 testosterone - calculation

The majority of testosterone present in the bloodstream is bound to proteins, predominantly SHBG and albumin, with only a small amount (2-3%) existing in an unbound or free state, and thus available for use by cells. The test in question employs a formula to determine the level of free or unbound testosterone based on the total testosterone level, as well as levels of SHBG and albumin.

Proteins

Total protein

Total Protein is the total amount of protein in the blood, which includes both albumin and globulin. These proteins have several functions such as maintaining blood volume, transporting nutrients, and protecting the body against infection. Abnormal levels of total protein can suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein produced mainly by the liver that helps to maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood, keeping water inside the vessels. It also aids in the transport of nutrients, medications, and other substances throughout the body, and is important for tissue growth and repair. Additionally, albumin carries hormones in the blood, and measuring its levels can provide information about the amount of hormone available to the tissues.

Globulin

Globulin is a group of proteins synthesized by the liver and the immune system. They have different functions such as binding with haemoglobin, transporting metals like iron, and fighting infections. Immunoglobulins, a type of globulin, are antibodies that play a critical role in the immune system's response to infections.

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.

Thyroid hormone

TSH

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. TSH levels increase when thyroid hormone levels are low, and decrease when thyroid hormone levels are high. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate problems with the thyroid gland, such as under or overproduction of thyroid hormones. It can also be a result of pituitary gland disorders.

Diabetes

HbA1c

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), also known as glycated haemoglobin, provides a measure of average glucose levels in the blood over a longer period than a simple blood glucose test. When glucose attaches to the haemoglobin in red blood cells, it forms glycated haemoglobin, which can be used to estimate the average level of sugar in the blood over the preceding 2-3 months, as red blood cells have a lifespan of around 12-16 weeks.

Cholesterol status

Total cholesterol

Cholesterol is a crucial lipid or fat present in the body. Despite its infamous reputation, it serves significant functions such as building cell membranes and synthesizing crucial hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol. The liver is responsible for manufacturing cholesterol, but it also originates from the food we consume. Although various types of cholesterol exist, the two primary elements of total cholesterol are HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is defensive against heart disease, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which can contribute to cardiovascular disease when present in high levels. A total cholesterol result on its own has limited value in assessing the risk of heart disease. High levels of HDL cholesterol can cause an elevated total cholesterol result, yet may provide protection against heart disease. Conversely, an individual can have a normal total cholesterol level but have low levels of protective HDL cholesterol. The most significant factors are the levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, and the proportion of total cholesterol that comprises protective HDL cholesterol. The cholesterol profile presents a detailed breakdown of the components of total cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a compound comprising lipids and proteins that conveys cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to different tissues in the body. When there is an excess of LDL cholesterol, which is also known as "bad cholesterol", it can result in the accumulation of fatty deposits within the walls of arteries, potentially causing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Non - HDL cholesterol

The breakdown of your total cholesterol comprises two primary constituents, namely HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, harmful cholesterol types in your blood extend beyond LDL and encompass VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins that are believed to be even more detrimental than LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is obtained by deducting your HDL cholesterol value from the total cholesterol value. Consequently, it incorporates all the non-protective and potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood, not just LDL. Thus, it is considered a better indicator of cardiovascular risk compared to total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The recommended non-HDL cholesterol level is below 4 mmol/L.

HDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a substance present in the body that eliminates cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver, where it is broken down and then removed from the body via bile. HDL cholesterol is usually referred to as "good cholesterol."

Total cholesterol: HDL

The Total Cholesterol to HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) ratio is a measure used to assess cardiovascular health. Total cholesterol represents the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood, while HDL cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries. By calculating the ratio between the two, it provides insights into the balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol levels. A lower ratio indicates a healthier cardiovascular profile, as it suggests a higher proportion of HDL cholesterol relative to total cholesterol. Monitoring and maintaining an optimal Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio is essential for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of lipid or fat that are present in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any extra calories, whether from carbohydrates or fat, into triglycerides, which are then carried to cells to be stored as fat. Triglycerides are later released by the body when they are needed for energy.

Sampling special instructions

Prepare for your Advanced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blood Test by following the instructions within your test kit. It is also important to take your sample before 10am, avoiding the consumption of fatty foods for eight hours prior to the test. Fasting is not required. If you have regular periods, it is recommended to schedule the test between two to five days after the start of your period, ideally on day three. However, if you do not have periods, the test can be taken at any time. Please be aware that hormonal contraception can impact the test results.

For more accurate results, it is recommended to take a break from hormonal contraception and use barrier contraception instead. If you are using hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, it is strongly advised to choose a venous sample collection method to minimise the potential contamination associated with finger-prick tests. In the event that you need to administer hormone supplements, ensure that you use gloves and that your fingers have not been in contact with hormone supplements for at least four weeks prior to the test.

It is important to note that hormones can be absorbed deeply into the skin, even with minimal contact, and can persist for weeks despite thorough handwashing. Lastly, refrain from taking biotin supplements for two days before the test. If you have been prescribed biotin supplements, please discuss this with your doctor. These instructions will help ensure accurate and reliable results for the assessment of PCOS.