Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test

£76
Link

Struggling with irregular periods, weight changes, or acne? This PCOS blood test helps assess key hormone levels that could indicate polycystic ovary syndrome, a common condition affecting ovulation and metabolism. Understanding your hormone balance can provide clarity on symptoms and help guide further medical advice or lifestyle changes.

  • Results estimated in 4 working days
  • Convenient testing options
  • Bespoke doctor’s report
  • Free delivery

Including hormones, insulin, and markers of inflammation to investigate PCOS symptoms. For a more thorough check, upgrade to our Advanced PCOS Blood Test.

How do you want to take your sample?

  • Collect your own finger-prick blood sample at home  
    Free

    We’ll send you everything you need to collect your blood sample from your finger at home.

  • Book a venous draw at a clinic   Venous
    +£35

  • Book a venous draw at home with a nurse Venous
    +£59

  • Self-arrange a professional sample collection Venous
    Free

18+ only. T&Cs apply.

Find your nearest clinic
Key: You are here Appointment required Walk-in service
Your health, expertly explained

Go beyond the numbers

Get ready to elevate your health understanding with a personalised doctor's report. Go beyond results and tap into expert insights tailored just for you.

  • Actionable advice
  • Expert support
  • Tailored recommendations
Blood testing made easy

How it works

You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.

Take control of your health with Medichecks – order your blood test today!

Our portal, your results

Track, improve, and monitor your health over time.

MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.

If you have periods

Tests with LH, FSH, or oestradiol

If you're taking your test to learn more about your fertility, take your test between days 2 and 5 of your menstrual cycle, or ideally day 3. Otherwise, for a general health check or if you're postmenopausal, you can take your test at any time.

In either case, it's important to log the date of your last period, and any other information regarding your periods or menopause status, in your MyMedichecks account right after taking your sample.

If you don't let us know the date of your last period, we'll interpret your result as though you took your test on day 3.

Supported by a team of specialist and qualified doctors

  • Dr Natasha Fernando
    Medical Director

  • Dr Tina Ghela
    Digital Clinician Lead

  • Dr Susanna Hayter
    Digital Clinician

What's in the test?

Hormones

FSH

Learn more

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.

LH

Learn more

Luteinising Hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and is important for male and female fertility. In women it governs the menstrual cycle, peaking before ovulation. In men it stimulates the production of testosterone.

Testosterone

Learn more

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. For greater consistency, we use the guidance from the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) which advises that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, and that 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.

Free androgen index

Learn more

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.

Proteins

SHBG

Learn more

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is a protein which transports the sex hormones (testosterone, oestrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)) in the blood.Hormones which are bound to SHBG are inactive which means that they are unavailable to your cells. Measuring the level of SHBG in your blood gives important information about your levels of free or unbound hormones which are biologically active and available for use.

How to prepare for your test

Prepare for your Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Check Advanced Blood Test by following these instructions. Take your sample before 10am. Take this test two to five days after the start of your period, ideally on day three. It can be taken any time if you do not have periods. Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 12 hours prior to your test. If you take medication then you are allowed to take it as you would normally. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. 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.

Test limitations

Reviews

    FAQs

    What is a PCOS Blood Test?

    Our Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test includes tests for testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and the free androgen index (FAI) to indicate the number of available androgens circulating in the blood. You can also measure your luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A high LH/FSH ratio of between 2:1 or more may indicate PCOS.

    Who is a PCOS Blood Test for?

    Our PCOS Blood Test is for any woman experiencing PCOS symptoms who wants to investigate further.

    What is PCOS?

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in women that affects the ovaries - resulting in the development of cysts on the ovaries, which can become enlarged. PCOS is a common condition and, in the UK, affects around seven in every 100 women. Initial investigations into PCOS focus on medical history, irregular periods (or none at all), and high levels of male hormones (androgens) in the body.