Test ID: B-240 | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: LC-MS/MS | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included | Suitable For: Women | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
Are Your Core Sex Hormones in Balance?
Estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone don’t operate in isolation — they interact constantly, and an imbalance in one affects the others. Testing all three alongside SHBG gives you a complete picture of your hormonal ecosystem. If you recognise any of the following, this panel could reveal the root cause:
Symptoms of estradiol (E2) imbalance:
- Bloating and water retention
- Acne or oily skin
- Low libido or vaginal dryness
- Hot flushes or night sweats
- Irritability, mood swings, or depression
- Poor concentration or memory lapses
- Decreased fertility
Symptoms of progesterone imbalance:
- Heavy, painful, or irregular periods
- Mood swings or PMS
- Tender or fibrocystic breasts
- Hot flushes
- Vaginal dryness or urinary issues
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in women:
- Loss of muscle mass or tone
- Persistent fatigue and low stamina
- Low libido or reduced sexual satisfaction
- Anxiety, low mood, or forgetfulness
- Dry skin or reduced body hair
- Fat deposits around the abdomen
Symptoms of SHBG imbalance:
- Excessive body hair or hirsutism (low SHBG)
- Acne, hair thinning, or irregular periods (low SHBG)
- Worsening testosterone deficiency symptoms despite normal total testosterone (high SHBG)
What This Test Measures
Four core sex hormone markers using highly accurate LC-MS/MS technology:
- Estradiol (E2) — the primary reproductive oestrogen; critical for cycle regulation, bone density, mood, and libido
- Progesterone (Pg) — essential for cycle balance and fertility; counteracts oestrogen dominance
- Testosterone (T) — vital for energy, muscle mass, libido, and mood in women
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) — determines how much estradiol and testosterone is biologically available to your tissues; essential for interpreting total hormone levels accurately
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Symptoms of oestrogen dominance — bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, heavy periods
- Perimenopause or menopause — hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low mood
- Low libido, persistent fatigue, or loss of muscle mass
- PMS, irregular cycles, or fertility concerns
- Monitoring hormone levels during or after HRT or contraceptive changes
- Normal standard blood tests but persistent hormonal symptoms
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick dried blood spot; no clinic or GP visit needed
- Post your sample to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Receive
- All four hormone levels displayed clearly in graphics and numbers with sex-specific reference ranges
- Written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your results mean and what to do next
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries. ZRT is qualified for the CDC Hormone Standardization (HoSt) Program for testosterone and estradiol, delivering clinical-grade accuracy from a home-collected dried blood spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When in my cycle should I collect my sample?
For menstruating women, day 19–21 of your cycle (approximately 7 days after ovulation) is optimal for assessing both estradiol and progesterone together. For postmenopausal women or those on HRT, collection can be done at any time. Detailed timing guidance is included with your kit.
Why is SHBG important?
SHBG binds to sex hormones, making them unavailable to your tissues. High SHBG can cause testosterone deficiency symptoms even when total testosterone appears normal. Low SHBG increases free androgen activity, contributing to acne, hair thinning, and irregular periods. It is essential for interpreting hormone results accurately.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. You are only responsible for posting your sample to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.