Blood Test: Female Hormone Imbalance

The 4 main female hormones are progesterone, oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). They play a wide role within the body affecting fertility, mood, energy and reproductive health.

They work together to regulate and manage your reproductive health. Testosterone is also important for women, as it’s used to produce oestrogen. These hormones naturally fluctuate during your menstrual cycle with levels of oestrogen and progesterone declining during perimenopause and menopause.

The cause of hormone imbalance can be wide-ranging – from stress to thyroid disorders. So our female hormone test checks your key fertility hormones, along with thyroid function to help identify causes of your symptoms.

Our female hormones blood test can help you test for and identify an imbalance in your hormones.

The test is a simple at-home, finger prick blood test. That means you only need to collect a small amount of blood from your fingertip, using the lancets included in the kit. You post it back to our labs, and we’ll send you the results within 2 working days after receiving it.

We’ll check the 4 key female hormones, as well as a range of other biomarkers related to a healthy hormone network.

Hormone imbalances can impact various bodily functions, including metabolism, appetite, and fat distribution, which can have a knock-on effect on weight.

During menopause, when oestrogen levels decline, women may experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Imbalances in progesterone levels can sometimes be associated with water retention and bloating, which might temporarily impact weight, although this is usually not a significant contributor to long-term weight changes.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, primarily: oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)

Follicular Phase

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, called the follicular phase, FSH is released by the pituitary gland. It stimulates growth of follicles in the ovaries, each containing an immature egg (oocyte).

As the follicles grow, they start producing oestrogen. Rising levels of oestrogen stimulate the thickening of the womb lining (endometrium) in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

Ovulation

A sudden surge in LH levels, triggered by the high levels of oestrogen, starts around the middle of the menstrual cycle. This surge triggers the release of the matured egg from the ovary (ovulation).

Luteal Phase

Progesterone levels rise and peak during the luteal phase. It helps maintain the thickened womb lining, preparing it for possible implantation of a fertilised egg. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop.

Menstruation

The decrease in both oestrogen and progesterone levels triggers the shedding of the womb lining, marking the start of a new menstrual cycle.

This hormonal interplay is a delicately balanced process that typically spans about 28 days but can vary from person to person. 

The first thing to consider is whether or not the imbalance needs ‘fixing’ or if it’s a natural fluctuation, such as during your menstrual cycle or during perimenopause.

There are treatments available to help manage the symptoms related to hormonal changes during perimenopause, such as HRT.

But you can also make lifestyle changes throughout your life to help manage the impact of hormone fluctuations. Your diet, how much you exercise and sleep, and whether or not you smoke/drink can all have an impact on your hormonal balance.

A blood test can help you keep track of your hormone levels, making it easier to monitor the impact of changes and live a healthy and happy life.

We have partnered with Forth to offer insightful, doctor-reviewed at-home blood tests, analysed in NHS-accredited labs. After purchase, your test kit will be sent to you within 3–5 working days. Each kit includes a 'Lab Request Form' with an activation link and unique code. Log on to the website to activate your account, where you can provide relevant information about your health.

Providing as much detail as you feel comfortable is highly recommended, as it enables specialist doctors to deliver personalised and comprehensive analysis. For example, sharing whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing specific health conditions allows the doctors to tailor their insights to your circumstances.

Once you collect your sample, we strongly encourage you to activate your account before sending your blood samples and ensure they are sent back to the lab as soon as possible and within 24 hours, especially for the Menopause Blood Test. This helps guarantee the most accurate results. You will be notified as soon as your results are ready by email or text.

All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 3-5 working days.

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

The blood tests offered through Rheia Health London are provided by Forth, an independent third-party service. These tests are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult a healthcare professional before making decisions based on your test results.

Rheia Health London facilitates access to blood tests provided by Forth. We do not process, analyse, or store any personal health information related to these tests. All sample collection, analysis, and results are handled solely by Forth, who operates under their own policies and procedures.

All personal data associated with these blood tests is managed exclusively by Forth in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws. For more details, please refer to Forth’s privacy policy here.

Test results are reviewed by qualified medical professionals provided by Forth. These results should be interpreted in conjunction with advice from your healthcare provider. Rheia Health London does not provide medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment based on these results. Clients are responsible for consulting their healthcare provider for any medical decisions or follow-up care.

The results provided by Forth are based on the samples submitted and the testing methods used. Variations in results may occur due to factors such as sample quality, handling, or biological differences. For questions about the accuracy or interpretation of your results, please contact Forth.

Blood tests are available for clients aged 18 and over. Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before purchasing. Certain tests may not be suitable for individuals who are pregnant or have specific health conditions. Please consult with your healthcare provider before purchasing to ensure the test is suitable for your needs.

Sample collection kits are provided by Forth and must be returned promptly within the specified time frame to ensure accurate results. For questions about sample collection or kit delivery, please contact us or Forth directly.

These blood tests are not suitable for urgent or emergency medical situations. If you have immediate health concerns, please contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.

Rheia Health London accepts no liability for any adverse outcomes resulting from the use of blood tests provided by Forth or the interpretation of test results by clients. The responsibility for any health decisions made based on test results lies solely with the client in consultation with their healthcare provider.

Refunds for unused or incomplete tests are subject to Rheia Health London’s refund policy and may also depend on Forth’s terms and conditions. Please contact us for further assistance regarding refunds.

Blood testing services are currently available only in United Kingdom. Clients are responsible for ensuring the availability of services in their location before purchase.

Test results are typically provided within the stated number of days after the sample is received by Forth. Delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Samples provided for testing are managed by Forth and are retained or disposed of in accordance with their internal policies. For further details, please contact Forth.

By purchasing a blood test through Rheia Health London, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these terms. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure the suitability of the test for their needs and to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.