E2
Estradiol
Estradiol is the principal circulating estrogen during the reproductive years. Its concentration varies across the menstrual cycle and changes substantially during the transition to menopause.
Hormone Testing
Hormone testing can help investigate menstrual changes, ovulation, androgen concerns and suspected hormone deficiency. Testing can be arranged without a family doctor requisition, with a blood-test panel tailored to your symptoms, history and priorities.
A personalized approach
Testing begins with your symptoms and history
Fatigue, mood changes, weight changes and low libido can have several possible causes. Dr. MacLeod reviews your symptoms, reproductive history, medications, previous results and testing goals before recommending a thorough hormone panel.
- 1
Understand your needs
Your symptoms, menstrual or reproductive history, medications, previous results and the hormones you want assessed are reviewed together.
- 2
Select and time the tests
Dr. MacLeod recommends the blood tests and collection timing, then reviews any additional markers you would like considered.
- 3
Interpret the pattern
Results are interpreted together and may require confirmation or additional assessment before a diagnosis can be made.
Common blood tests
What reproductive hormone tests measure
Each hormone provides different information. Your panel can combine the markers most relevant to your needs, along with additional tests you want to discuss.
P4
Progesterone
Progesterone rises after ovulation. A correctly timed serum measurement can provide evidence that ovulation recently occurred, but a single value cannot assess the overall quality of the luteal phase.
T
Testosterone and SHBG
Total testosterone is usually the initial measurement. Sex hormone-binding globulin and calculated or measured free testosterone may add information when binding-protein changes affect interpretation.
FSH/LH
Gonadotropins
Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are produced by the pituitary gland. Their interpretation depends on sex hormones, menstrual status, age and symptoms.
PRL
Prolactin
Prolactin can be relevant to absent or irregular periods, infertility, unexpected breast milk production and some testosterone concerns. Stress, exercise and medications can affect the result.
DHEA-S
DHEA sulfate
DHEA-S is an androgen produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It may be included when assessing androgen excess or specific adrenal conditions, but it is not a general measure of vitality or biological ageing.
Collection and interpretation
Timing can materially change the result
Hormones vary with normal physiology. The date, time and circumstances of collection need to match the reason the test was ordered.
Menstrual-cycle timing
Estradiol, LH, FSH and progesterone change across the cycle. If progesterone is being used to assess recent ovulation, collection is generally timed about one week before the expected next period rather than assigned to cycle day 21 for everyone.
Time of day and confirmation
Testosterone in men is generally measured in the morning. A low result should be confirmed on a separate morning sample and interpreted together with compatible symptoms and signs.
Medication and health status
Hormonal contraception, menopausal hormone therapy, testosterone, corticosteroids and several other medications can alter results. Acute illness, pregnancy and postpartum status also change interpretation.
Selecting tests
When hormone testing may be considered
These are common reasons to consider hormone blood work. The scope can be focused or broad depending on your history, previous results and testing priorities.
- Absent, infrequent or irregular menstrual periods that require assessment
- Possible ovulatory dysfunction or a fertility evaluation
- Clinical signs of androgen excess, such as new hirsutism or persistent acne
- Symptoms and signs compatible with testosterone deficiency in men
- A previous hormone result that was abnormal or requires confirmation
- Monitoring prescribed hormone treatment when laboratory follow-up is indicated
Private testing in Nova Scotia
How the testing process works
A family doctor or specialist referral is not required. Dr. MacLeod helps you build the panel, plan the timing and review costs before collection.
- 1
Consultation and planning
Your symptoms, reproductive history, medications, previous results and testing priorities are reviewed.
- 2
Requisition and collection
A private blood-test requisition is provided. Costs and timing instructions are confirmed in advance.
- 3
Results and follow-up
Results are reviewed with their limitations. Abnormal findings may require confirmation or referral for medical evaluation.
Laboratory testing ordered through a naturopathic doctor is not covered by MSI. Some extended health plans may cover naturopathic appointments, but laboratory coverage varies.
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Related Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
When should hormone testing be done in my menstrual cycle?
Timing depends on which hormones are being measured. Progesterone is generally collected about one week before the expected next period when assessing whether ovulation recently occurred, rather than automatically on days 19–21. FSH, LH and estradiol may be collected at a different point in the cycle. Clear timing instructions are provided before testing.
Can I request a comprehensive hormone panel?
Yes. I will recommend a panel based on your symptoms, health history, medications and previous results, and we can discuss any additional hormone tests you would like included. Collection timing is planned so the results are as informative as possible.
How is low testosterone assessed in men?
A diagnosis requires compatible symptoms or signs together with consistently low testosterone concentrations. Testing generally begins with a morning total testosterone measurement, and a low result is confirmed on a separate morning sample. Additional blood tests may be needed to investigate the cause.
Do I need a referral for hormone testing?
No. You do not need a family doctor or specialist referral. I can provide a private laboratory requisition after reviewing your symptoms, health history and previous results. The cost of each test is discussed before anything is ordered.
Plan Your Hormone Testing
Book an initial consultation to review your concerns, previous results and the hormone blood tests you would like to complete.
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