Our Female Hormone Panel Explained
What are the tests in the Female Hormone Panel?
This panel was designed by our partner Femmflo, a platform dedicated to empowering women through personalised health insights. These tests are critical to evaluating key hormonal levels in women, offering insights into reproductive health, menstrual cycle regulation, and overall hormonal balance. It typically measures hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and others, helping identify imbalances that could affect fertility, mood, energy, and physical well-being. This panel is useful for women experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, or other signs of hormonal fluctuation.
Full package: R1 611
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH stimulates ovarian follicles, which is essential for egg production. Imbalances in FSH can signal reproductive health issues like menopause or ovarian dysfunction, which are associated with mood swings and depression
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation. High LH levels can be related to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which often includes mood-related symptoms such as anxiety or depression
Oestradiol (E2)
This is the most potent form of estrogen. Low levels of oestradiol are often linked to symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depression, especially in post-menopausal women. Monitoring these levels helps in managing estrogen imbalances that may affect mental well-being
Progesterone
This hormone plays a key role in stabilizing mood. Low progesterone levels, often found in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or postnatal depression, can exacerbate anxiety and mood disorders
Prolactin
Elevated prolactin levels can indicate stress or thyroid issues. High prolactin has been associated with depression and anxiety, particularly in postpartum women or those experiencing fertility issues.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG regulates the amount of free testosterone and estrogen in the body. Lower SHBG levels can contribute to elevated testosterone, which is sometimes linked to irritability or mood disorders.
Testosterone
While testosterone is usually considered a male hormone, it is crucial for women’s mental health as well. Both low and high levels of testosterone can cause mood changes, irritability, and depression.
Free Androgen Index (FAI)
The FAI helps determine the ratio of free testosterone to SHBG. A higher FAI can be a sign of PCOS or other androgen excess conditions, which often correlate with anxiety, irritability, and depressive symptoms.
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For 20 years Epicentre has been studying wellness in South Africa. We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
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