Hormone tests measure reproductive, stress and calcium-regulating hormones, including testosterone, FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, cortisol and PTH.
Why is it done?
They are ordered for fertility problems, irregular periods, PCOS, menopause, low libido, excess hair growth, and when calcium or adrenal problems are suspected.
How to prepare
Timing matters: testosterone and cortisol in the morning; FSH, LH and estradiol usually on day 2 to 5 of the cycle; progesterone about 7 days before the next period.
How to read your results
Hormones must be read together and with the timing of the sample. For example, high LH compared with FSH can suggest PCOS; high FSH suggests menopause; low morning cortisol needs prompt review.
Tests in this panel and their normal ranges
| Test | Normal range (adults) |
|---|---|
| Testosterone (Total) | Men 300–1,000 ng/dL (10.4–35 nmol/L) Women 15–70 ng/dL (0.52–2.43 nmol/L) |
| Free Testosterone | Men 9–30 pg/mL (31–104 pmol/L) Women 0.1–3.6 pg/mL (0.35–12.5 pmol/L) |
| SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) | Men 10–57 nmol/L Women 18–144 nmol/L |
| FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) | Men 1.5–12.4 mIU/mL (1.5–12.4 IU/L) Women 3.5–12.5 mIU/mL (3.5–12.5 IU/L) |
| LH (Luteinizing Hormone) | Men 1.7–8.6 mIU/mL (1.7–8.6 IU/L) Women 2.4–12.6 mIU/mL (2.4–12.6 IU/L) |
| Estradiol (E2) | Men 10–40 pg/mL (37–147 pmol/L) Women 12.4–233 pg/mL (46–855 pmol/L) |
| Progesterone | Men 0.1–0.3 ng/mL (0.32–0.95 nmol/L) Women 0.1–28 ng/mL (0.32–89 nmol/L) |
| Prolactin | Men 2–18 ng/mL (42–382 mIU/L) Women 2–29 ng/mL (42–615 mIU/L) |
| Cortisol (Morning) | 6–23 µg/dL (166–635 nmol/L) |
| DHEA-S | Men 80–560 µg/dL (2.17–15.2 µmol/L) Women 35–430 µg/dL (0.95–11.7 µmol/L) |
| Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) | 15–65 pg/mL (1.59–6.9 pmol/L) |
| PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) | Up to 4 ng/mL (up to 4 µg/L) |
Ranges vary slightly between laboratories. The range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.