Hormone Profile Blood Test: Normal Ranges, Causes & What Your Results Mean

What Is a Hormone Profile?

A hormone profile is a comprehensive blood test that measures the levels of key hormones circulating in your body. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands — including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, ovaries, and testes — that regulate virtually every physiological process, from metabolism and growth to mood, reproduction, and sleep.

A standard hormone profile typically includes a combination of the following hormones, depending on the clinical question and the individual's sex and age:

• Thyroid hormones: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and sometimes free triiodothyronine (FT3)
• Sex hormones: Testosterone, oestradiol (oestrogen), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinising hormone (LH)
• Adrenal hormones: Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S)
• Metabolic hormones: Insulin, prolactin
• Growth-related: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)

Hormonal imbalances can cause a wide range of symptoms that are often non-specific — fatigue, weight changes, mood disturbances, skin problems, hair loss, and changes in libido — making a blood test essential for accurate diagnosis. Because hormones exist in a tightly regulated feedback system, an abnormality in one often affects others, which is why a comprehensive profile is more informative than testing a single hormone in isolation.

Why Is a Hormone Profile Tested?

Hormone testing is one of the most frequently requested blood panels, ordered for a wide variety of reasons:

• Fatigue and low energy: Persistent tiredness is one of the most common reasons for hormone testing. Thyroid disorders (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), low testosterone, cortisol imbalances, and insulin resistance can all contribute to fatigue.
• Menstrual irregularities: Irregular, absent, or heavy periods may indicate hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency, thyroid disorders, or hyperprolactinaemia.
• Fertility concerns: For both men and women, hormone testing is a fundamental part of fertility investigation. FSH, LH, oestradiol, testosterone, prolactin, and thyroid function all play roles in reproductive health.
• Menopausal symptoms: Hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbance may be assessed with oestradiol, FSH, and LH levels, though NICE notes that diagnosis of menopause in women over 45 is usually clinical.
• Low libido or sexual dysfunction: Testosterone (in both men and women), SHBG, oestradiol, and prolactin are key markers investigated when sexual function is impaired.
• Weight management difficulties: Unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight may be linked to thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, cortisol excess, or testosterone deficiency.
• Mood disturbances: Anxiety, depression, and irritability can have hormonal underpinnings, particularly involving thyroid hormones, cortisol, and sex hormones.
• Hair loss or excess hair growth: Androgenic alopecia, hirsutism, and acne are often driven by hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated androgens or thyroid dysfunction.

Normal Ranges

Hormone reference ranges vary by sex, age, menstrual cycle phase, and time of day. The following tables show typical UK adult reference ranges:

Thyroid Hormones

Hormone	Normal Range	Units
TSH	0.27 – 4.20	mIU/L
Free T4 (FT4)	12.0 – 22.0	pmol/L
Free T3 (FT3)	3.1 – 6.8	pmol/L

Sex Hormones — Males

Hormone	Normal Range	Units
Total testosterone	8.64 – 29.0	nmol/L
Free testosterone	0.2 – 0.62	nmol/L
SHBG	18.3 – 54.1	nmol/L
Oestradiol	41 – 159	pmol/L
FSH	1.5 – 12.4	IU/L
LH	1.7 – 8.6	IU/L

Sex Hormones — Females (Follicular Phase)

Hormone	Normal Range	Units
Total testosterone	0.29 – 1.67	nmol/L
SHBG	32.4 – 128	nmol/L
Oestradiol	46 – 607	pmol/L
FSH	3.5 – 12.5	IU/L
LH	2.4 – 12.6	IU/L
Progesterone (mid-luteal)	> 16	nmol/L

Other Hormones

Hormone	Normal Range	Units	Notes
Cortisol (morning, 9am)	166 – 507	nmol/L	Time-dependent; highest in early morning
DHEA-S (female)	0.96 – 6.95	µmol/L	Declines with age
DHEA-S (male)	1.00 – 11.7	µmol/L	Declines with age
Prolactin	86 – 324	mIU/L	Can be elevated by stress, medications

Reference ranges vary between laboratories. Always interpret your results against the specific ranges on your lab report and in clinical context. Hormones fluctuate throughout the day, menstrual cycle, and in response to stress, sleep, and diet, so sample timing is important.

What Do High Hormone Levels Mean?

Elevated hormone levels can indicate a range of conditions depending on which hormones are affected:

• High TSH: Typically indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The pituitary gland produces more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid. Common causes include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, and thyroid surgery.
• High testosterone (in women): May indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian tumours, or adrenal tumours. Symptoms include acne, hirsutism, hair thinning, and menstrual irregularity.
• High oestradiol: In men, may be caused by obesity (aromatase activity in fat tissue converts testosterone to oestrogen), liver disease, or oestrogen-producing tumours. In women, high oestrogen may relate to ovarian cysts, obesity, or exogenous oestrogen use.
• High cortisol: Persistently elevated cortisol may indicate Cushing's syndrome (caused by a pituitary adenoma, adrenal tumour, or exogenous corticosteroid use). Symptoms include weight gain (especially central), thin skin, easy bruising, and elevated blood sugar.
• High prolactin: Hyperprolactinaemia can be caused by prolactinomas (pituitary tumours), medications (antipsychotics, metoclopramide), hypothyroidism, or stress. It can suppress ovulation in women and reduce testosterone in men.
• High FSH/LH: In women, elevated FSH and LH may indicate primary ovarian insufficiency (premature menopause) or the perimenopause/menopause transition. In men, elevated FSH suggests primary testicular failure.

What Do Low Hormone Levels Mean?

Low hormone levels also have significant clinical implications:

• Low TSH: Usually indicates an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), where excess thyroid hormone suppresses TSH production. Common causes include Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goitre, and thyroiditis.
• Low testosterone (in men): Hypogonadism can cause fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, mood disturbances, and reduced bone density. Causes include ageing, obesity, pituitary disorders, testicular damage, and certain medications (opioids, corticosteroids).
• Low oestradiol (in women): Associated with menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, hypothalamic amenorrhoea (from excessive exercise, stress, or low body weight), and certain medications. Symptoms include hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
• Low cortisol: May indicate adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) or secondary adrenal insufficiency from pituitary disease or abrupt withdrawal of long-term corticosteroid therapy. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin darkening.
• Low progesterone: In the luteal phase, low progesterone may indicate anovulation or luteal phase deficiency, which can contribute to infertility and early miscarriage.
• Low DHEA-S: Declines naturally with age but very low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism.
• Low FSH/LH: Suggests a pituitary or hypothalamic cause for hormonal deficiency (secondary hypogonadism), as opposed to primary gland failure.

How to Improve Your Hormone Levels

Optimising hormone health involves a combination of lifestyle factors and, when necessary, medical treatment:

Diet and Nutrition

• Eat adequate protein: Protein provides amino acids needed for hormone synthesis. Include lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and tofu at each meal.
• Include healthy fats: Hormones (particularly steroid hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen, and cortisol) are synthesised from cholesterol. Olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish provide essential fatty acids.
• Optimise micronutrient intake: Zinc (crucial for testosterone production), selenium and iodine (essential for thyroid function), vitamin D (linked to testosterone and insulin sensitivity), and magnesium (supports cortisol regulation and sleep) are particularly important.
• Manage blood sugar: Reducing refined carbohydrates and sugar helps maintain stable insulin levels, which in turn supports healthy sex hormone balance. Insulin resistance is a key driver of PCOS and low testosterone in obese men.
• Limit alcohol: Excess alcohol disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, reduces testosterone, and impairs liver metabolism of oestrogen.

Exercise

• Resistance training: Weight lifting and strength training are among the most effective ways to naturally boost testosterone and improve insulin sensitivity. Aim for 2-4 sessions per week.
• Moderate aerobic exercise: Regular cardiovascular activity supports thyroid function, reduces cortisol, and helps maintain a healthy weight. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Avoid overtraining: Excessive exercise (particularly endurance training at high volumes) can suppress reproductive hormones, leading to amenorrhoea in women and low testosterone in men.

Sleep and Stress

• Prioritise sleep: Testosterone, growth hormone, and cortisol all follow circadian rhythms. Sleep deprivation significantly reduces testosterone levels and disrupts cortisol patterns. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
• Manage chronic stress: Prolonged stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress thyroid function, reduce sex hormones, and promote insulin resistance. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and time in nature can all help.

Medical Interventions

• Thyroid hormone replacement: Levothyroxine is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism in the UK, with dosing guided by TSH levels.
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): For men with confirmed hypogonadism, TRT (gels, injections, or patches) can restore testosterone levels. This requires specialist assessment and ongoing monitoring.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): For women experiencing menopausal symptoms, HRT can effectively replace oestrogen and progesterone. NICE recommends discussing the benefits and risks with your GP.

When Should You Get Tested?

Consider a hormone profile test if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Low mood, anxiety, or irritability without a clear cause
• Reduced libido or sexual dysfunction
• Irregular, absent, or heavy menstrual periods
• Difficulty conceiving after 12 months of trying (or 6 months if over 35)
• Hot flushes, night sweats, or other menopausal symptoms
• Hair loss, thinning hair, or excess body or facial hair
• Acne that does not respond to standard treatments
• Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia

For the most accurate results, hormone tests are ideally performed in the morning (before 10am for cortisol and testosterone). Women of reproductive age should discuss optimal timing with their healthcare provider, as many hormones vary throughout the menstrual cycle — FSH and oestradiol are typically tested on days 2-5, whilst progesterone is tested 7 days before the expected period (day 21 of a 28-day cycle).

Which Lola Health Tests Include a Hormone Profile?

Lola Health offers detailed hormone testing as part of our comprehensive blood panels:

• Peak Insights — Our most extensive health assessment, including a full hormone panel covering thyroid, sex hormones, cortisol, and metabolic markers for the most complete picture of your hormonal health.
• Vital Check — A detailed wellness assessment that includes key hormonal markers alongside other essential biomarkers.
• Core Health — An essential health check including thyroid function and other foundational hormonal markers.

All Lola Health tests use venous blood draws performed by qualified phlebotomists for medical-grade accuracy. Results are reviewed by GP-certified professionals and delivered with personalised health recommendations tailored to your individual profile.