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Blood Tests for Irregular Periods: Which Hormones to Check
A structured hormone workup for irregular or missed periods, the same tests clinicians order, available to purchase online.
Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission when you purchase lab tests through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Individual hormone tests from $16.76 with the current promotion; bundled panels from $191.16 (regularly $238.95-$290.95) at time of writing.
At a glance
Blood testing for irregular periods measures the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, LH, FSH, estrogen, prolactin, and TSH, plus androgens like testosterone and DHEA-S that are associated with cycle disruption. It is designed for women whose periods have become irregular, infrequent, or absent and who want objective lab data before or between doctor's visits. An hCG test is included in the menu to rule out pregnancy as the simplest explanation first.
Best suited for
- Women whose periods have become irregular, unusually infrequent, or absent
- Anyone with cycle changes plus acne, excess hair growth, or unexplained weight change
- People who want lab results in hand before a doctor's appointment about cycle concerns
- Those tracking hormone trends over time during therapy or lifestyle changes
- Women comparing fertility-related markers such as LH, FSH, AMH, and prolactin
What's included
hCG Total Qualitative Test
Rules pregnancy in or out as the cause of a missed period
LH Test
Pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation
FSH Test
Pituitary hormone that drives follicle development
Estrogen Panel 1 Baseline Blood Tests
4-test baseline estrogen profile
Prolactin Test
Elevated levels are associated with suppressed ovulation
TSH Test
Thyroid screen, a common factor in cycle changes
Testosterone Free and Total Test
Androgen levels associated with PCOS-pattern irregularity
DHEA-S Test
Adrenal androgen linked to hair and skin symptoms
Androstenedione Test
Androgen precursor from the adrenals and ovaries
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test
Determines how much hormone is biologically active
AMH Test (Female)
Ovarian reserve marker useful in fertility conversations
Cortisol AM Test
Morning adrenal function context
17-Hydroxyprogesterone Test
Adrenal marker used to distinguish look-alike causes
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) Risk Panel
Bundled option: 8 tests, 21 biomarkers
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Screening Panel
Bundled option: 8 tests, 31 biomarkers
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Risk Panel with Lipoprotein Fractionation
Bundled option: 9 tests, 42 biomarkers
Deep-dive the key markers: Total Testosterone, Estradiol, TSH, HbA1c, LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides
Key biomarker ranges
Commonly used adult reference ranges for markers this panel measures, labs vary, so always interpret results against your lab's stated ranges and with your doctor.
Adult male ranges shown; commonly used reference ranges run roughly 300–1,000 ng/dL, with morning draws the standard since levels peak early in the day.
| Zone | Range |
|---|---|
| Low | 0–300 ng/dL |
| Normal range | 300–1000 ng/dL |
| High | 1000–1200 ng/dL |
Adult female follicular-phase ranges shown; estradiol varies widely across the cycle and drops after menopause, so cycle timing is essential to interpretation.
| Zone | Range |
|---|---|
| Low | 0–30 pg/mL |
| Follicular range | 30–150 pg/mL |
| High | 150–250 pg/mL |
Commonly used reference ranges run roughly 0.4–4.0 µIU/mL; TSH moves inversely to thyroid activity, and time of day, illness, and biotin can skew results.
| Zone | Range |
|---|---|
| Low | 0–0.4 µIU/mL |
| Normal range | 0.4–4 µIU/mL |
| Mildly elevated | 4–6 µIU/mL |
| High | 6–10 µIU/mL |
The importance of testing
An irregular cycle is a symptom with many possible hormonal explanations, and blood testing is how those explanations get narrowed down. LH and FSH reflect the pituitary signals that drive ovulation; estrogen shows how the ovaries are responding; and an hCG test quickly establishes whether pregnancy is the cause of a missed period. Testing these together gives your clinician a far more useful picture than any single value.
Several look-alike causes deserve their own markers. TSH screens thyroid function, since thyroid imbalance is a common, treatable factor associated with cycle changes. Prolactin flags a pituitary signal that can suppress ovulation, while cortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone add adrenal context. Androgens, free and total testosterone, DHEA-S, and androstenedione, are the markers most associated with PCOS-pattern cycle irregularity, especially when acne or excess hair growth accompanies it.
Because hormone levels shift across the cycle, single readings matter less than trends measured at consistent timing. Establishing a baseline now, then retesting after lifestyle changes or a care plan agreed with your doctor, turns scattered symptoms into a data series you can actually evaluate together. These tests are not intended to confirm any condition, they give you and your clinician the measurements a proper evaluation is built on.
Promo code
ULTAPCOSSave 20% with code ULTAPCOS, current promotion; confirm final pricing on the partner page.
Ready to get your numbers? Order online, visit a nearby draw site, and receive private results to review with your doctor.
Order NowFrequently asked questions
Which blood tests should I get for irregular periods?
A typical workup measures hCG to rule out pregnancy, LH and FSH for pituitary signaling, estrogen, prolactin, TSH for thyroid function, and androgens such as free and total testosterone and DHEA-S. These can be ordered individually or as bundled panels covering 21 to 42 biomarkers. Your clinician can help you decide which combination fits your symptoms.
Can I order these hormone tests without a doctor's visit?
Yes, the partner page lets you purchase tests directly online without a separate doctor's appointment, then complete a blood draw at a local lab. Results arrive confidentially online, usually within days. Bring them to your own clinician for interpretation and any follow-up.
Is this testing available in all US states?
No, direct-to-consumer lab testing is restricted or prohibited in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, so residents of those states may be blocked at the partner's checkout. Availability is broad across the rest of the US through local lab locations. Confirm current state coverage on the partner site before ordering.
When in my cycle should I test my hormones?
Timing matters: LH, FSH, and estrogen shift across the menstrual cycle, so many clinicians suggest testing in the early follicular phase when cycles allow, and cortisol should be drawn in the morning. If your periods are absent or highly unpredictable, testing can often be done at any time, ask your doctor what timing fits your situation. Whatever you choose, keep timing consistent between tests so your trend line is comparable.
Will these tests tell me why my periods are irregular?
They provide the measurements, not the conclusion, no blood test alone can determine the cause of irregular periods. The results flag which hormone systems are outside reference ranges, such as thyroid markers, prolactin, or androgens associated with PCOS, which narrows the conversation with your clinician considerably. A doctor combines these labs with your history and exam to reach an actual explanation.
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