Ulta Lab Tests

Reproductive Hormone Tests 

Reproductive hormones coordinate ovulation, menstrual cycles, sperm production, libido, pregnancy, and menopause/andropause transitions. Reproductive hormone testing helps clarify irregular periods, acne or unwanted hair growth, low libido, hot flashes, infertility, and other concerns. Because these symptoms often overlap with thyroid problems, iron deficiency, insulin resistance, and medication effects, labs provide the objective data to build a smart plan with your clinician.

 

A proactive approach starts with core markers—FSH/LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone (total/free), prolactin, AMH (ovarian reserve), and hCG (pregnancy when cycles continue)—plus context labs (e.g., TSH, A1c/glucose, lipids, CBC/iron) when indicated. Tests support screening, diagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, imaging (pelvic ultrasound, pituitary MRI when needed), semen analysis, or urgent care for severe symptoms.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Cycle & ovulation: irregular, absent, heavy, or painful periods; unpredictable bleeding; perimenopause timing.

  • Fertility & pregnancy: difficulty conceiving, miscarriage work-ups, confirming ovulation, early pregnancy questions.

  • Androgen-related: acne, hirsutism (chin/upper lip/abdomen), scalp hair thinning, gynecomastia (men).

  • Low-T / hypogonadism (men): low libido/erections, fatigue, reduced muscle, infertility.

  • Menopause/perimenopause: hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes, mood shifts, brain fog, vaginal dryness.

  • Hyperprolactinemia clues: nipple discharge, headaches, vision changes, irregular cycles/ED.

  • Medication & conditions: hormonal contraception, exogenous testosterone, antipsychotics/metoclopramide (raise prolactin), thyroid disease, significant weight change.
    Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding with lightheadedness, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, or severe headache/vision changes.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Clarify status (ovulation, ovarian reserve, menopause/perimenopause; testicular vs pituitary causes of low testosterone).

  • Differentiate causes (PCOS-type hyperandrogenism vs thyroid or prolactin disorders; rule out pregnancy).

  • Guide monitoring when you and your clinician begin or adjust therapy (e.g., HRT, fertility plans).

What testing cannot do

  • Provide a diagnosis from one result or set medication doses by numbers alone.

  • Replace pelvic ultrasound, semen analysis, or specialist procedures when indicated.

  • Stand in for clinical judgment—results must be interpreted in context.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • FSH & LH: pituitary signals that drive ovarian/testicular function; day-3 levels help baseline ovarian status; high after menopause.

  • Estradiol (E2): main estrogen; low after menopause; useful for status or persistent symptoms on therapy. Low-level assay methods matter post-menopause.

  • Progesterone (P4): confirms ovulation when drawn ~7 days before the expected period (mid-luteal).

  • Total & Free Testosterone: core androgens for men and women; free T needs SHBG/albumin for calculation. LC/MS preferred for low female levels.

  • SHBG (Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin): alters free hormone availability; affected by age, weight, insulin resistance, thyroid, and estrogen use.

  • DHEA-S ± Androstenedione: adrenal/ovarian androgen sources; very high values need prompt review.

  • Prolactin: high levels disrupt cycles/libido; repeat if borderline and control for stress/meds.

  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): ovarian reserve context; higher in PCOS, lower with diminished reserve. Not diagnostic for PCOS by itself.

  • hCG (pregnancy test): consider in perimenopause or irregular cycles before treatment decisions.

  • Rule-out/context labs: TSH (± Free T4), A1c/Glucose, Lipids, CBC/Iron, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (screen for nonclassic CAH when indicated).

Collection tips: Test testosterone in the morning; time day-3 (FSH/LH/E2) and mid-luteal progesterone if cycling. Biotin supplements can interfere with some immunoassays—follow hold instructions on your order.

Quick Build Guide

Clinical goal Start with Add if needed
Irregular or absent periods FSH/LH • Estradiol • TSH • Prolactin • hCG Progesterone (mid-luteal) • Testosterone/SHBG • DHEA-S
PCOS-type symptoms (acne/hirsutism) Total & Free T • SHBG • DHEA-S • TSH • Prolactin 17-OHP • LH/FSH • A1c/Lipids
Ovulation confirmation Progesterone (mid-luteal) LH/FSH • Estradiol (day-3)
Fertility/ovarian reserve context AMH • Day-3 FSH/LH/E2 • TSH • Prolactin A1c/Lipids • CBC/Iron (general health)
Men’s hypogonadism screen Total T (×2 AM) • SHBG/Free T • LH/FSH • Prolactin • TSH A1c/Lipids • CBC/CMP
Perimenopause/menopause status FSH/LH • Estradiol • TSH • Lipids • A1c Vitamin D • CBC/Iron (fatigue/bleeding)

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose your starting panel based on goals (see Quick Build).

  2. Prepare for accuracy: follow timing guidance (day-3 or mid-luteal for cycling women; morning for testosterone). List all meds—hormonal contraception, estrogens, testosterone, antipsychotics, thyroid meds, biotin. Do notstop prescriptions without clinician guidance.

  3. Get your draw/collection: blood tests (± urine hCG) at a nearby patient service center; results post securely.

  4. Review with your clinician: align labs with symptoms, exam, and—when appropriate—ultrasound, semen analysis, or pituitary imaging.

  5. Plan follow-up: repeat selected markers to track trends, especially when starting or adjusting therapy.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • High FSH with low estradiol supports menopause; fluctuating values are common in perimenopause.

  • Low testosterone + low/normal LH/FSH (men) suggests secondary hypogonadism; high LH/FSH suggests primary.

  • Elevated prolactin can suppress gonadal function—recheck and review medications/stress.

  • Ovulation is supported by a mid-luteal progesterone rise; consistently low values suggest anovulation.

  • Androgen elevations support hyperandrogenism; free T is most informative when SHBG is abnormal.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional; patterns and trends matter more than any single value.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Foundational set (most adults): FSH/LH • Estradiol or Testosterone (with SHBG) • Prolactin • TSH • hCG (if cycles continue)

  • Fertility focus: AMH • Day-3 FSH/LH/E2 • Progesterone (mid-luteal) (plus thyroid/prolactin)

  • PCOS evaluation: Total/Free T • SHBG • DHEA-S • TSH • Prolactin (± 17-OHP)

  • Men’s low-T: Total T ×2 AM • SHBG/Free T • LH/FSH • Prolactin

  • Monitoring: repeat the same methods over time for consistent comparisons.

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
Not for most hormone tests. Fasting may be requested for glucose/A1c and lipids—follow your order.

When should I time my blood draw?
Day-3 for FSH/LH/E2; mid-luteal for progesterone; morning for testosterone. If amenorrheic, timing is less critical.

Does birth control affect results?
Yes. Combined hormonal methods can raise SHBG and lower androgens. Don’t stop on your own—ask your clinician.

Is AMH a PCOS test?
AMH is often higher in PCOS but is not diagnostic by itself; use as ovarian-reserve context.

Why measure free testosterone?
SHBG changes can make total T misleading; free T better reflects bioavailable hormone.

What if my prolactin is slightly high?
Repeat under calm conditions; review medications. Persistent elevation may need imaging.

Do these tests replace ultrasound or semen analysis?
No. Labs guide evaluation, but imaging and semen analysis remain important when indicated.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Hormone Tests Hub

  • Hormone Tests for Women • Hormone Tests for Men • PCOS Tests • Menopause Tests • Thyroid Testing • Fertility & Preconception

  • Key Tests: FSH • LH • Estradiol (E2) • Progesterone (P4) • Total & Free Testosterone • SHBG • DHEA-S • Androstenedione • Prolactin • AMH • hCG • TSH (± Free T4) • 17-Hydroxyprogesterone • A1c/Glucose • Lipid Panel • CBC/Iron

References

  • Endocrine Society — Clinical practice guidelines on hypogonadism, menopause, hyperprolactinemia, and PCOS.
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Menstrual irregularities, PCOS, and perimenopause guidance.
  • Androgen Excess & PCOS Society — Hyperandrogenism assessment recommendations.
  • American Thyroid Association — Thyroid testing in reproductive-age adults.
  • International PCOS Guideline (2023) — Diagnosis and risk assessment.
  • North American Menopause Society — Midlife assessment and hormone therapy monitoring.
  • Laboratory best practices on LC/MS for low-level sex steroids and biotin assay interference.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Reproductive Hormone Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to select cycle-timed reproductive hormones, androgen panels, ovarian reserve (AMH), pregnancy testing (hCG), and context labs (TSH, A1c/glucose, lipids, CBC/iron) as needed. Follow timing instructions and review results with your clinician to personalize next steps and monitoring.

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The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) Test measures levels of 17-OHP, a hormone made by the adrenal glands, to help diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and other adrenal disorders. Elevated levels may indicate enzyme deficiencies affecting cortisol production, while low levels can suggest adrenal insufficiency. Doctors order this test for infants with ambiguous genitalia or adults with irregular periods, infertility, or abnormal androgen symptoms.

Blood
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Also Known As: 17-OHP Test, 17-OH Progesterone Test
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The ACTH Test measures adrenocorticotropic hormone in blood to evaluate pituitary and adrenal gland function. Abnormal ACTH levels may indicate Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, adrenal tumors, or pituitary disorders. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, weakness, or high blood pressure. Results provide vital insight into endocrine health, cortisol regulation, and adrenal-pituitary balance.

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Also Known As: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Test, Corticotropin Test
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The Aldosterone 24 Hour Urine Test evaluates adrenal hormone output across 24 hours, offering information about blood pressure regulation, fluid balance, and electrolyte control. Elevated or low levels may suggest primary aldosteronism, adrenal tumors, or secondary hypertension. This test supports assessment of kidney function, cardiovascular health, and endocrine disorders linked to aldosterone imbalance.

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The Aldosterone Test measures levels of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure, sodium, and potassium balance. Abnormal levels may indicate primary aldosteronism, adrenal tumors, kidney disease, or secondary hypertension. Doctors use this blood test to investigate high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or suspected adrenal disorders, helping guide diagnosis, treatment, and long-term patient management.

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Also Known As: Aldosterone Plasma Test
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The Aldosterone and Plasma Renin Activity Ratio Test measures levels of aldosterone and renin to assess adrenal and kidney function. An elevated ratio may indicate primary aldosteronism, a common cause of secondary hypertension. Doctors use this test to evaluate patients with high blood pressure, low potassium, or suspected adrenal disorders. Results help diagnose conditions like Conn’s syndrome, guide treatment, and reduce cardiovascular risks from uncontrolled hypertension.

Also Known As: Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio Test, Aldosterone and Renin Activity Test
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The Androstenedione Test measures levels of this steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries or testes, which converts into testosterone and estrogen. Abnormal results may indicate PCOS, adrenal tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or ovarian/testicular disorders. Doctors order this test for irregular periods, infertility, excess hair growth, or early puberty. Results provide key insight into hormone balance, adrenal function, and reproductive health.

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Also Known As: AD Test
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The Cortisol AM Test measures morning cortisol levels in blood to evaluate adrenal gland function and stress response. Cortisol peaks in the morning, making this test critical for detecting adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), Cushing’s syndrome, or other hormone imbalances. Doctors also use it to investigate fatigue, weight changes, or high blood pressure. This test provides important insight into endocrine health, metabolism, and long-term stress regulation.

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Also Known As: Morning Cortisol Test
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The Deoxycorticosterone Test evaluates adrenal gland function by measuring this mineralocorticoid precursor that influences salt retention and blood pressure. Abnormal levels may reflect congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or enzyme deficiencies impacting hormone synthesis. Results help providers investigate hypertension, electrolyte imbalance, and suspected adrenal endocrine disorders.

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The DHEA Unconjugated Test measures levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, an adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Abnormal levels may indicate adrenal tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or hormone imbalance. Doctors order this test to evaluate infertility, irregular cycles, excess hair growth, or early puberty. Results provide insight into adrenal gland function, reproductive health, and endocrine disorders.

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Also Known As: Dehydroepiandrosterone Test
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The DHEA Sulfate (DHEA-S) Test measures levels of DHEA-S, a hormone made by the adrenal glands, to evaluate adrenal function and hormone balance. It helps detect adrenal tumors, hyperplasia, or insufficiency and assess abnormal hair growth, infertility, or early/late puberty. Doctors also use it to investigate irregular menstrual cycles, monitor androgen disorders, and evaluate symptoms of hormone imbalance affecting reproductive and metabolic health.

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Also Known As: DHEA Sulfate Test, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Test
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The Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Test measures levels of DHT, a potent androgen derived from testosterone, to evaluate hormone balance. Abnormal results may indicate hair loss, prostate disorders, infertility, or hormonal imbalance. Doctors order this test for men and women with symptoms such as hair thinning, acne, irregular periods, or low libido. It is also used to monitor treatment for prostate disease or hormone therapy, providing insight into reproductive and endocrine health.

Blood
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Also Known As: DHT Test
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The Dopamine Urine Test evaluates urinary dopamine levels to help identify abnormalities in catecholamine metabolism. Measuring dopamine excretion supports detection of adrenal gland disorders, neuroendocrine tumors such as pheochromocytomas, and conditions affecting nervous system regulation. This test offers key information about neurotransmitter activity, aiding in the assessment of dopamine-related disorders and underlying metabolic or endocrine imbalances.

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The Erythropoietin (EPO) Test measures levels of erythropoietin, a hormone made by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production. Abnormal levels may indicate anemia, chronic kidney disease, or bone marrow disorders. Elevated EPO can also occur with low oxygen levels or tumors. Doctors order this test for patients with unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or abnormal blood counts. Results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of anemia-related conditions.

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Also Known As: Erythropoietin Test
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The Estradiol (E2) Test measures levels of estradiol, the primary form of estrogen, to evaluate reproductive and hormonal health. It helps assess menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, menopause status, and estrogen-producing disorders. In men, it aids in diagnosing hormonal imbalances. Doctors use the estradiol test to monitor hormone therapy, ovarian function, and conditions affecting puberty, bone health, and overall endocrine balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: E2 Test, Estrogen 2 Test
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 The Estradiol and Testosterone Total Test is a diagnostic blood test that measures the levels of two key hormones in the body: estradiol and total testosterone. These hormones play crucial roles in various physiological processes, particularly in reproductive and sexual health, making this test important for assessing hormone balance.
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The Estradiol Free Test measures unbound estradiol, the biologically active form of estrogen, to evaluate hormonal balance. Free estradiol plays a critical role in reproductive health, menstrual regulation, bone strength, and cardiovascular function. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions such as infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, menopausal transition, or estrogen-related endocrine disorders, aiding diagnostic and treatment decisions.

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What Is a Reproductive Hormone Imbalance & What Are the Lab Tests to Diagnose it?

Did you know that your reproductive hormones affect more than your fertility? Did you know that they can cause balding, abnormal hair growth, mood swings, and more?

If you're experiencing odd symptoms like these, you may need to get a reproductive hormone lab test to test the levels of your reproductive hormones. Getting tests for reproductive hormones can help you determine if you need to go on hormone replacement. Even if you aren't looking to conceive anytime soon, it's important to make sure that you have the right balance of hormones in your body.

To learn more about reproductive hormones and how they affect your body, keep reading. It may be time for you to get a reproductive hormone test.

What Is a Reproductive Hormone Imbalance?

Reproductive hormone imbalance sounds exactly what it's like. It's an imbalance of the reproductive hormones in your body. These include estrogen, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and more.

There are many different kinds of reproductive hormone imbalances, and each condition causes different symptoms with different outcomes. However, there are four main kinds of reproductive hormone imbalances that we'll focus on for now:

  1. Ovarian insufficiency
  2. Menopausal symptoms
  3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  4. Low testosterone in men

Hormone imbalances can happen in men and women.

What Are the Risk Factors for a Reproductive Hormone Imbalance?

Since physicians don't know much about the causes of hormone imbalances, it's hard to say what kind of things put people at a greater risk for developing them. However, researchers have noticed a few trends in the population of those with hormone imbalances.

Here are some of the commonalities researchers and physicians found in those with hormone imbalances:

  • Older ages
  • Higher weights
  • Poor diets
  • Little to no exercise
  • High stress
  • Presence of toxins in their diets

We should note that these risk factors do not determine whether someone has a hormone imbalance. These are simply trends in the patient population. So, if you believe that you may have a hormone imbalance, you should talk to your doctor even if these qualities don't describe you.

What Causes a Reproductive Hormone Imbalance?

Since there are different kinds of reproductive hormone imbalances, each kind of imbalance comes about differently. Although, every imbalance starts with the endocrine system. And most causes are unknown.

Some researchers believe that hormone imbalances are autoimmune in nature, while others think that diet and environment affect hormones.

With the current research on the subject, it's hard to pinpoint a specific cause.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Reproductive Hormone Imbalance?

There is a multitude of symptoms that can come from a hormone imbalance. Because the imbalance could lead to too much or too little of a hormone, patients are sitting at both ends of the spectrum when it comes to symptoms.

This means that some patients may have chills while others have hot flashes. Some could be hungry all the time, while others are never hungry. It depends on the condition that they have.

Ovarian insufficiency happens when the ovaries don't develop properly. This could be because of an autoimmune problem or a lack of proper endocrine signaling. Because of the fertility problems that come with this, this condition is also known as premature menopause.

The ovaries can also become damaged due to chemotherapy or radiation. This is why many women who go through this kind of cancer cannot have children after they receive treatments.

The damaged ovaries can cause an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen in the system. This leads to a myriad of symptoms like night sweats, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes.

Menopause is another kind of hormonal imbalance, although it's completely normal to go through this kind of hormonal imbalance. During this time, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body are low.

However, hormone replacement therapy may help some women avoid the symptoms that come with menopause.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that refers to high testosterone production in the female body. The introduction of too many male hormones can cause irregular periods, fatigue, mood swings, abnormal hair growth, and more.

Furthermore, the condition can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Some people believe that PCOS is an autoimmune condition of the endocrine system. However, this has not been proven.

Lastly, low testosterone in men may affect fertility, strength, energy, and metabolism. Over time, the imbalance can lead to low bone density then osteoporosis.

Like hormone imbalances in women, hormone imbalances in men should be caught and treated as soon as possible. 

What Are the Lab Tests to Diagnose a Reproductive Hormone Imbalance?

To determine whether or not you have a hormone imbalance, you have to do some lab work. Luckily, our team here at Ulta Lab Tests offers a wide variety of lab tests to determine whether or not you have enough of each reproductive hormone.

Our reproductive hormone tests look at estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and more. By measuring the levels of each, we can help you determine whether or not you have a hormone imbalance.

If you determine that you do have a hormone imbalance, you can start talking to your doctor about a treatment plan that's right for you. If your lab tests come back normal, you may need to discuss your symptoms with your physician to see if something else is going on.

Testing Your Reproductive Hormones

What are you waiting for? If you're showing signs of unbalanced reproductive hormones, you need to act fast. If left untreated, your hormone levels will only get worse.

Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable so you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee 

Order your hormone lab tests today and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!