Female Hormones Check II

This check builds on the core female hormone panel with a deeper look at androgens (often called male hormones, which women also produce) and the adrenal glands. It is particularly useful for investigating symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, scalp hair thinning, and irregular periods, and for exploring conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in more detail. It works best alongside a core hormone check, adding depth where a broader picture is needed.

Androgens

These hormones help pinpoint the source and extent of raised male hormones, a common cause of the symptoms above:

• Free testosterone (calculated): the active, unbound portion of testosterone, often more informative than total testosterone in investigating androgen-related symptoms
• Free androgen index (FAI): a calculated measure of your androgen balance, using testosterone and SHBG together
• Androstenedione: a hormone that acts as a building block for both testosterone and oestrogen, and can be raised in PCOS and some other conditions

Adrenal hormones

The adrenal glands are an important secondary source of androgens, so assessing them helps identify where raised hormones are coming from:

• DHEA-sulphate (DHEA-S): produced almost entirely by the adrenal glands, so a raised level points to an adrenal rather than ovarian source of androgens
• 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP): helps investigate certain adrenal conditions, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, that can mimic PCOS
• Cortisol: the main adrenal stress hormone, giving further insight into adrenal function

An important note on timing

Several of these hormones are affected by the time of day, so a morning sample is usually preferred. As with the core hormone check, results are best interpreted alongside your cycle timing, symptoms, and other hormone levels. Please follow any timing guidance provided so your results are as reliable as possible.

Why it matters

When symptoms point to raised male hormones, this deeper check helps identify the likely source and cause, distinguishing common conditions such as PCOS from rarer adrenal causes. Because these hormones are closely interrelated, results are best understood together and discussed with your GP or a specialist, who can interpret them in context and advise on next steps.