About the test
Measures hormones often affected by POS
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormone disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and infertility.
This lab-based screening measures eight hormones associated with PCOS: Cortisol, DHEA, Estradiol, HbA1c, hs-CRP, Progesterone, Testosterone, and TSH. Together, they can give you a better understanding of your hormonal balance and a possible explanation for symptoms you may have been experiencing.
Please keep in mind that this is not a diagnostic test, and PCOS is not the only cause of hormonal imbalances. Additionally, this test does not rule out PCOS, as symptoms among women with PCOS vary widely, and not all women with PCOS will have the same hormonal imbalances.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands and released in response to stressors like illness and exercise. While it’s often called the “stress hormone,” cortisol regulates various vital body processes. Stress and high cortisol levels can exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
DHEA
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is an androgen primarily produced by the adrenal glands. Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of DHEA, which can contribute to symptoms like acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
Estradiol
Estradiol (E12) is the strongest of the three naturally occurring estrogens. Although it’s the primary female hormone, estradiol is found in all sexes. The ovaries produce estradiol. As one of the primary sex hormones responsible for ovulation, it is vital for reproductive health and pregnancy. In PCOS, the normal menstrual cycle is disturbed. There’s often a lack of ovulation, which can result in persistently high estradiol levels.
Free Testosterone
Testosterone, often regarded as the male sex hormone, is essential for libido, bone density, body fat distribution, and muscle mass support across all sexes. In women, testosterone is produced in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands. High testosterone levels are a key feature of PCOS and contribute to symptoms like acne, hirsutism, and irregular periods.
HbA1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a measure of blood sugar control over the past two to three months. It’s used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
hs-CRP
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated hs-CRP levels have been found more often in women with PCOS than women without the condition.
Progesterone
In women, progesterone is most commonly known for its role in maintaining regular menstrual cycles and early stages of pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone can cause abnormal cycles and problems with conception. Low progesterone can also result in higher estrogen levels, which can decrease sex drive and cause weight gain. On the contrary, high progesterone levels can lead to symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness. Progesterone levels are often lower in women with PCOS because they don’t ovulate regularly.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It regulates the production of thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in metabolism, growth, and development. While there is no direct relationship between TSH and PCOS, thyroid disorders can be more common in women with PCOS. Furthermore, hypothyroidism, characterized by elevated TSH levels and low thyroid hormone levels, can exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
Related symptoms
Experiencing symptoms related to hormonal balance?
The following symptoms are related to PCOS.
Body
- Acne
- Excessive hair growth in unwanted places
- Darkened or excess skin on the neck or armpits
- Weight gain, particularly in the midsection
- Thinning hair and hair loss from the head
Mind
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems like sleep apnea
Reproductive
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Infertility
Melissa (verified owner) –
I was diagnosed with PCOS last year. I’ve been working with a naturopathic doctor to get my hormones balanced. I’ve made a lot of changes to my diet and lifestyle, and for the most part, I seem to be in a much better place than I was before my diagnosis. My doctor recommended I get this test to see how much progress I’ve made. So far, I’ve had a great experience. Collecting my sample was a little tricky, but other than that, no problem. My test results showed that my cortisol levels are still a little high, but other than that, the rest of my hormone levels are normal. I will definitely be repurchasing.
Erin (verified owner) –
Super easy! Would recommend!
Lisa (verified owner) –
Easy and get customer service!
Rachel (verified owner) –
The at-home PCOS hormone test gave me the answers I was looking for. The test was really easy and I got my results fast.
Mya (verified owner) –
A little nervous but excited to see my results. Fingers crossed i get answers.
Amber (verified owner) –
Thank you!
Taylor (verified owner) –
I decided to get the at-home PCOS hormone test because I was experiencing the typical symptoms of PCOS. My biggest concerns were acne and high blood sugar. I eat fairly healthy, and I’m not overweight, so I knew something had to be wrong. The test was easy to perform, and the results were super helpful. It confirmed that I had high testosterone and HbA1c was high (which I already knew). My doctor said my results weren’t enough for a diagnosis. She sent me to get more lab work done and said those results would tell her if I need an ultrasound. Even though this test doesn’t tell you it’s still helpful because it tells you what’s going on in your body. I told my doctor about my symptoms before and she never mentioned that it could be PCOS. I found out about it after doing my own research. When I showed her my results, she agreed that PCOS could be a possibility.
Maria (verified owner) –
Haven’t taken it yet
Amy (verified owner) –
I got my test results back a few days ago, and my hormones were all over the place (I have PCOS). My doctor recommended inositol to help balance them out. I’m going to order another test in a few months to see if it’s working.