This panel measures critical hormones and metabolic indicators associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgens, and insulin resistance:

• TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) - Thyroid disorders may be associated with irregular menstrual cycles, hair changes, weight fluctuations, and other symptoms that may mimic or overlap with PCOS, making it important to rule out underlying thyroid imbalance.¹
• Total and Free Testosterone - Elevated testosterone levels are common in PCOS and are associated with symptoms such as acne, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and irregular menstrual cycles. Free testosterone is the biologically active portion of testosterone that often correlates more closely with clinical symptoms in PCOS.²
• SHBG - Levels may be reduced in individuals with PCOS concerns due to insulin resistance, resulting in higher levels of free (biologically active) testosterone and contributing to symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and irregular cycles. Measuring SHBG helps provide a more accurate assessment of testosterone activity and metabolic influence on hormone balance.³
• Prolactin - Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that influences menstrual regulation. Elevated prolactin levels can disrupt ovulation and cause irregular or absent cycles, so testing helps exclude non-PCOS hyperprolactinemia as a cause of menstrual abnormalities.⁴
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) - AMH levels are often elevated in individuals with PCOS. Measuring AMH can help assess PCOS concerns by providing insight into ovarian follicle activity, follicle reserve, and overall ovarian function.⁵
• Estradiol - Estradiol is the primary form of estrogen in premenopausal women. Measuring estradiol helps evaluate ovarian hormone production and provides insight into menstrual irregularities associated with PCOS.⁵
• Insulin - Elevated fasting insulin levels are common in individuals with PCOS. Identifying abnormal insulin levels is important because excess insulin may stimulate increased androgen production and worsen PCOS symptoms.⁶
• Hemoglobin A1c - Hemoglobin A1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the last three months. Testing helps assess long-term average glucose control and identify poor glucose management and insulin resistance associated with PCOS.⁶
• Glucose - Since insulin resistance is common in PCOS, evaluating glucose alongside insulin and Hemoglobin A1c provides a more complete picture of glucose management and insulin sensitivity.⁶
• Magnesium - Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, and hormone balance. Suboptimal magnesium levels may contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders, making it an important marker for assessing metabolic health in PCOS.⁷

Instructions

This panel is intended for use by female test subjects only.

An 8-12 hour fast is required for this test. However, drink plenty of water and take your medications as prescribed. If you are supplementing with any hormones, we suggest taking them approximately 2 hours prior to having your blood drawn to see peak levels. Hormones are best drawn between 8-10 AM. Hormonal contraceptives can interfere with estrogen results.