Blood Tests for PCOS: What to Ask For and What They Mean
If you suspect PCOS, or are managing it already, blood tests are essential for understanding what’s going on beneath the surface. But many women don’t get the full panel they need. Here’s your no-fluff guide to the most important PCOS blood tests.
Hormone Tests to Request:
LH & FSH: The ratio helps assess ovulation function, in PCOS, we often see LH elevated
Testosterone (total and free): Elevated levels are a PCOS hallmark. High levels can explain symptoms like acne, hair loss, or facial hair.
Androstenedione and DHEA-S: Additional androgens often raised in PCOS. Adrenal androgens
Prolactin: To rule out other causes of irregular periods
Oestradiol: Low or erratic levels can impact ovulation.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin): Often low in PCOS, binds to our hormones (androgens and oestrogen) to make them less active
Progesterone (Day 21): Indicates if ovulation occurred
Metabolic Markers:
Fasting Insulin + Glucose: Checks for insulin resistance
HbA1c: Reflects blood sugar levels across the past three months
Lipid Profile: PCOS can raise LDL and lower HDL
Thyroid Panel:
TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and Thyroid Antibodies (Thyroid issues often overlap with PCOS)
Nutrient Panel:
Vitamin D: Often low in women with PCOS, impacting insulin sensitivity, mood, and fertility.
Ferritin: Your iron storage; important for energy, thyroid health, and egg quality. Can be too high or too low in PCOS.
Vitamin B12: Especially important if you’re on Metformin, which can deplete B12.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Essential for fertility and pregnancy, and often recommended alongside B12 for optimal methylation.
Don’t settle for a vague diagnosis. Insist on a full hormone and metabolic panel so you can get a personalised nutrition, supplement, and lifestyle plan that truly works for your body. Not only do I analyse blood tests, helping you to understand what is really going on with your health, but I can request them too! Especially as some of these markers are harder to obtain through your general health care provider. This data, alongside your symptoms, means we can get hyper-personal with our interventions and start seeing the results that you deserve!
Megan Hallett and the content provided are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on meganhallett.com is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor and/ or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, supplement, exercise or other health-related programs.
