Description

Identify Hormonal and Health Factors Affecting Your Cycle

This panel is designed to uncover the underlying causes of irregular menstrual cycles, such as missed periods, heavy bleeding, prolonged cycles, or painful menstruation. It includes key blood tests to assess hormonal balance, reproductive function, and general health.

Common Causes of Irregular Periods

  • Hormonal Imbalances (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, thyroid)
  • Pregnancy
  • Stress or Lifestyle Factors
  • Extreme Weight Changes
  • Birth Control Side Effects
  • Medical Conditions (e.g., PCOS, thyroid disease, diabetes)

Typical Symptoms of Irregular Menstruation

  • Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
  • Missed periods
  • Heavy, light, or prolonged bleeding (over 7 days)
  • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

Tests Included in the Panel

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • Purpose: Screens for anemia, infection, and overall blood health
  • Why it matters: Heavy bleeding may lead to anemia, contributing to fatigue and weakness

2. Estrogen

  • Purpose: Evaluates levels of a key reproductive hormone
  • Why it matters: Low estrogen can cause skipped periods; high estrogen may indicate PCOS or hormonal imbalance

3. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

  • Purpose: Confirms or rules out pregnancy
  • Why it matters: Pregnancy is a common cause of missed periods

4. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

  • Purpose: Assesses ovarian reserve and function
  • Why it matters: Abnormal FSH levels may point to perimenopause, ovarian dysfunction, or hypothalamic issues

5. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

  • Purpose: Supports ovulation
  • Why it matters: LH/FSH imbalance is common in PCOS and can indicate ovulatory dysfunction

6. Prolactin

  • Purpose: Regulates lactation and can influence menstrual regularity
  • Why it matters: Elevated levels can disrupt the cycle and suggest pituitary issues or stress-related changes

7. Testosterone

  • Purpose: Evaluates androgen levels
  • Why it matters: High testosterone may indicate PCOS and be associated with irregular periods, acne, or excess hair growth

Fasting Requirements

  • Not required — blood can be drawn at any time of the day

Who Should Consider This Test?

  • Women experiencing irregular, missed, or painful periods
  • Those with symptoms of PCOS, thyroid disorders, or fertility issues
  • Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their menstrual and hormonal health