When is the best time to test female hormones

Thinking about taking a female hormone test at home? Timing can make a real difference. Hormone levels naturally change throughout the menstrual cycle, across different life stages, and even during the day, which means the same result can have a different meaning depending on when the sample is taken. This article explains, when female hormones are best tested, which factors can affect timing, and how Homed-IQ’s certified home hormone tests can make the process more accessible and convenient.

Table of Contents

• What is hormone testing and why does timing matter?

• What is hormonal imbalance? Common causes

• Tips for choosing the best time to test

• Making sense of your hormone test results

• Frequently asked questions about testing female hormones

What is hormone testing and why does timing matter?

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and help regulate important processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, mood and many more. Common hormones that may be investigated include: Testosterone, Estrogen, Cortisol, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin, Progesterone, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), FT3 (Free Triiodothyronine), FT4 (Free Thyroxine).

Hormone testing measures the levels of specific hormones in your blood, urine, or saliva to help assess whether they fall within an expected range.

Timing matters because reproductive hormones do not remain at a fixed level throughout the month. FSH, LH and estradiol change as follicles develop and ovulation approaches, while progesterone rises mainly after ovulation. For this reason, a result that is completely normal on one cycle day could look unusually high or low if interpreted using a reference range intended for another phase of the cycle.

Source: National Library of Medicine, 2025; Veldema, J., 2023

What is hormonal imbalance? Common causes

A hormonal imbalance happens when your body has too much or too little of one or more hormones. Even small changes can affect how your body functions. Imbalances may be temporary or long-term, and some require treatment.

There is no single answer to what causes hormonal imbalance. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout life and even during the day. However, certain life stages, health conditions and other factors can cause more significant changes.

• Life stages: Major hormonal changes commonly occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

• Health conditions: Hormonal imbalances can result from tumours, adenomas or other growths affecting hormone-producing glands or cells. Damage or injury to an endocrine gland can also affect hormone production and may result from surgery, severe blood loss, infections, radiation therapy or head trauma. Autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease and polyglandular syndromes, can also disrupt hormone production.

• Other causes: Stress, certain medications and steroid use can cause hormone levels to fluctuate.

Note: Always read the instructions for your specific hormone test carefully, as timing, preparation, and suitability can vary between tests. Certain medications or life stages may also affect results. For example, hormonal contraception can alter reproductive hormone levels, so some tests may not be suitable while you are using it. Homed-IQ’s Female Hormone Test, for instance, advises waiting until the third period after stopping hormonal contraception before testing. 

Hormone test results can provide useful insights, but always consult a healthcare professional for a medical diagnosis, interpretation of symptoms, and appropriate treatment.

Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022

Tips for choosing the best time to test

Because hormone levels can be influenced by many different factors, choosing the right time to test is important for getting results that are meaningful and easier to interpret. Here is a list of Homed-IQ’s Hormone tests and their recommended testing times:

The best time to test depends on your life stage (e.g. whether you still menstruate), the time of day, and other factors (such as hormonal contraception or other medications). Always read the instructions for your specific test carefully and ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure about the right timing or preparation.

Making sense of your hormone test results

When you receive hormone test results, avoid viewing a single number in isolation.

Results are normally shown alongside a reference range supplied by the laboratory. Reference ranges are based on results from healthy populations and usually represent the middle 95% of values. Ranges can also vary between laboratories due to different testing methods and may be influenced by factors such as age, sex, pregnancy, and lifestyle. For this reason, test results should always be interpreted in context, alongside symptoms, medical history, and other relevant factors. Speak with a GP or another qualified healthcare professional to understand your test results.

Source: GMDP Academy Editorial Board, 2025

Homed-IQ samples are analysed by ISO-accredited laboratories, with results provided through a secure online account and a downloadable laboratory report that can be shared with your doctor. 

Frequently asked questions about testing female hormones

Can I test my hormones at any point in my cycle?

No. For reproductive investigations, for example, FSH and LH are advised to be measured during the early follicular phase, around days 1-5 of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is usually assessed during the mid-luteal phase, approximately seven days before the next period. In a regular 28-day cycle this is often day 21, but day 21 is not appropriate for everyone (North Bristol NHS Trust, n.d.).

Always check the instructions for the specific hormones you are measuring rather than assuming that one testing day is suitable for every hormone.

Are home hormone tests as accurate as those from a GP?

Certified home hormone tests can provide reliable laboratory measurements when they are properly validated, the sample is collected correctly, and the instructions are followed. With Homed-IQ, a sample is collected at home and analysed by an ISO 15189-accredited laboratory, with results provided securely online.

However, test results should always be interpreted in context. A healthcare professional can consider your symptoms, medical history, medications, or other factors, so home testing should not replace medical advice.