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Let’s be honest, Googling “hormones” can send you down a rabbit hole of confusing and conflicting information. And sometimes, it feels nearly impossible to understand anything you read online. These tiny chemical messengers are powerful, influencing everything from your mood and energy levels to your fertility and menstrual cycle. But it's easy to overlook how much they impact your daily life…until your body starts feeling a little off.
The good news? You can take charge of your hormone health and get answers to your questions.
Consider this your comprehensive guide to your hormones, what they do, and how Labcorp OnDemand’s convenient, science-backed hormone tests make it easier than ever to check your hormone levels — without a doctor’s appointment.
It’s so easy, that after your sample is collected at a Labcorp location, you'll be emailed when your results are ready, and you can check them right in your Labcorp Patient™ account.
Your women's hormone test checklist
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Luteinizing hormone is like your body's reminder that it’s time for ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries). LH is crucial for regulating your menstrual cycle, and understanding your levels can be incredibly helpful if you're trying to conceive or experiencing irregular cycles.
Abnormal LH levels may indicate conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian failure, or pituitary disorders. LH testing can also help check if you’re ovulating and assess your menstrual concerns.
LH testing is typically performed at certain times during your menstrual cycle. When tested regularly and monitored over time, LH testing can help predict a pattern of ovulation. However, factors like age, sex, and medications can influence your levels.
Labcorp OnDemand offers a super-easy-to-use Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test that can be purchased without making a doctor’s appointment, and you’ll be notified by email when your results are ready 1-2 days after your sample arrives at the lab.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Your follicle-stimulating hormone is produced by your pituitary gland, and its job is to stimulate the growth of eggs in the ovaries. FSH levels are a good indicator of your ovarian reserve — essentially, how many eggs you have left. Monitoring your FSH levels can empower you to make informed decisions, whether you’re assessing reproductive health, tracking menopausal transition, or seeking insights into hormonal balance.
High FSH levels can indicate low ovarian reserve, menopause, or other reproductive health issues. On the flip side, low levels may point to pituitary gland problems.
Consider testing FSH if you're experiencing irregular periods, having difficulty conceiving, or suspect you might be entering menopause.
With Labcorp OnDemand's Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test, you can conveniently check your FSH levels on your own without waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
Estradiol (E2)
Estradiol, a form of estrogen, plays a crucial role in regulating the female reproductive system. Understanding your estradiol levels can provide key insights into menstrual cycle issues or hormonal symptoms (such as irregular periods, decreased sex drive or weight fluctuation), menstrual health, and menopausal status.
Low estradiol levels could indicate conditions like PCOS, ovarian failure, or perimenopause - knowing your E2 levels also helps evaluate your overall ovarian function.
If you're experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, or fertility issues, testing your estradiol levels may help provide further insight into your symptoms.
Labcorp OnDemand's Estradiol Test allows you to conveniently check your levels by purchasing a test online. After your sample is collected at a Labcorp location, you'll be emailed when your results are ready, and you can check them right in your Labcorp Patient™ account.
Progesterone
This multitasking hormone is essential for reproductive health. Progesterone helps regulate menstruation, prepare the uterus for a baby, and helps maintain a healthy pregnancy. Testing progesterone levels during the luteal phase can provide insight into whether ovulation occurred, particularly useful information if you're trying to conceive or experiencing irregular periods.
For the most accurate results, if you have a 28 day cycle, you should test your progesterone on day 21. If your cycle is shorter or longer, test your progesterone 7 days before your next period starts. Low levels of progesterone can cause several issues in addition to conceiving - from irregular menstrual cycles, mood changes, trouble sleeping, even bloating or weight gain. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you might consider getting your progesterone checked.
Labcorp OnDemand's Progesterone Test offers a convenient way to check your levels, and you can purchase a test without going to your healthcare provider’s office. The best part? All Labcorp OnDemand results are made with you in mind, helping you make more informed decisions on your health.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
While not a sex hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone is vital to overall metabolism and energy levels. Your thyroid regulates how your body uses energy, so an imbalance in TSH levels can lead to things like weight fluctuations, fatigue, or mood swings.
Low or high TSH levels typically indicate potential problems related to your thyroid function. Abnormal TSH levels suggest an underactive or overactive thyroid, which can affect various aspects of your health.
According to the American Thyroid Association, you should begin screening for thyroid dysfunction at age 35 and take follow-up tests every five years. However, if you notice unexplained changes in your energy, weight, or mood, TSH testing could be helpful.
Labcorp OnDemand's Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test is a great starting point for evaluating thyroid function.
You can take control of your hormone health
Whether you're concerned about fertility, tracking your cycle, or simply wanting to feel your best, hormone testing can help you understand what’s happening in your body and improve your overall health and well-being.
Labcorp OnDemand makes hormone testing super easy to access. With the convenience of purchasing tests yourself and being notified by email when your results are ready as early as one day, you can gain clarity about your hormone health on your own terms.
Remember, your body is unique, always consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your results or experience persistent symptoms. You're taking the right step towards overall wellness by staying informed and on top of your hormone health.
Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. She also writes the Hey Freelancer! newsletter. When she’s not writing, you can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.