Understanding the Female Hormone Cycle
Your hormones shift dramatically over the course of your monthly cycle, influencing everything from mood and energy to fertility and skin health.
Understanding this cycle can help explain symptoms like:
- Irregular periods
- PMS or PMDD
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving
- Weight changes or cravings
- Mood swings or anxiety
It also helps determine when the best time is to test your hormones accurately.
Understand Female Hormone Cycle with Our Female Hormones Panel
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
Your cycle is typically split into four key stages. Here’s how hormone levels shift across each one:
1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1–5)
This is when your period begins. Both oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.
Best time to test:
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- Oestradiol
- AMH (Ovarian reserve)
At Marylebone, we recommend testing during this window for accurate baseline results — especially for fertility concerns.
2. Follicular Phase (Day 1–13)
Your body prepares to release an egg. Oestrogen begins to rise, stimulating the growth of the uterine lining and supporting egg development.
You may feel more energetic, focused, and upbeat during this phase.
3. Ovulation (Day 14)
LH surges dramatically, triggering ovulation (egg release). Oestrogen peaks and progesterone starts rising.
Some women feel a mild cramp or increased libido — this is your most fertile window.
Luteal Phase (Day 15–28)
Progesterone dominates, preparing the body for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone and oestrogen levels drop, triggering your period.
Symptoms in this phase may include:
- Irritability
- Bloating
- Food cravings
- Fatigue or sleep changes
If symptoms are extreme, it could signal hormonal imbalance, such as low progesterone or thyroid dysfunction.
Understand Female Hormone Cycle with Our Female Hormones Panel
When Should You Test?
It depends on your symptoms and what you’re testing for:
| Hormone | Best Time to Test | Purpose |
| FSH, LH, Oestradiol | Day 2–5 | Fertility, ovarian function |
| Progesterone | Day 21 (or 7 days before next period) | Ovulation tracking, luteal phase support |
| Thyroid (TSH, T4) | Anytime | Energy, metabolism, menstrual health |
| AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) | Anytime | Ovarian reserve, menopause prediction |
| Vitamin D, B12, Folate | Anytime | General wellness, fatigue, immunity |
Our clinic team will guide you to book the right test at the right time for the most accurate results.
Private Hormone Testing at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
We offer discreet, rapid hormone testing from our central London location on Baker Street, with easy access from:
- Harley Street
- Mayfair
- Kings Cross
- Euston
- Paddington
You do not need a GP referral. Many patients book same-day appointments for:
- Fertility testing
- Irregular periods
- PMS, PCOS, and menopause concerns
- General fatigue, skin issues, or mood changes
“I kept getting mood swings and irregular cycles. Marylebone ran a full hormone panel, and I finally got clarity. They even explained which day to test next month to track progress.”
— Nina, 32, Kings Cross
FAQs – Female Hormone Testing
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