Hormone tests, and how to read them

What each test measures, when it helps, when it misleads and how to prepare, so your numbers lead to the right decisions.

Written and reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD

Sex hormones (4)

Thyroid (2)

Bone & safety (2)

4 GUIDES

Sex hormones

Useful for early menopause and missed periods. Rarely needed to diagnose perimenopause after 45.

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Sex hormones

A marker of how many small follicles remain. Useful for IVF planning and PCOS, not a fertility verdict.

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Sex hormones

How to test testosterone properly: morning, fasting, repeated, and interpreted with SHBG.

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Sex hormones

Pituitary tests that explain why hormones are low, and spot a common, treatable cause.

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2 GUIDES

The core thyroid tests, how to read them, and when the numbers can mislead.

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Thyroid

Antibodies explain why the thyroid is failing or overactive, and help guide pregnancy care.

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2 GUIDES

A low-dose scan that diagnoses osteoporosis and, with FRAX, estimates fracture risk.

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Bone & safety

The two safety labs every man on testosterone needs, and what the thresholds mean.

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