PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test
A private PCOS blood test checking the 12 markers used to investigate polycystic ovary syndrome: testosterone and SHBG for raised androgens, LH and FSH, thyroid function (TSH and free T4), and a full cholesterol profile. From £89 with a finger-prick kit at home, £129 at one of 250+ Goodbody clinics, or £149 with a nurse home visit. Results emailed in 3 to 5 working days with a GP report included.... Read more
A private PCOS blood test checking the 12 markers used to investigate polycystic ovary syndrome: testosterone and SHBG for raised androgens, LH and FSH, thyroid function (TSH and free T4), and a full cholesterol profile. From £89 with a finger-prick kit at home, £129 at one of 250+ Goodbody clinics, or £149 with a nurse home visit. Results emailed in 3 to 5 working days with a GP report included.
Key facts
- Price: £89 home finger-prick kit, £129 in clinic, £149 nurse home visit
- Measures: 12 markers: testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), TSH, free T4, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, non-HDL, cholesterol to HDL ratio and triglycerides
- Three ways to take it: a finger-prick test kit posted to your home; a venous blood draw at one of 250+ UK clinics; or a nurse who visits your home
- Results: 3 to 5 working days from your sample reaching the laboratory
- Timing: if your periods are regular, take the sample on day 2 to 5 of your cycle; if they are irregular or absent, any day is fine. Fast for 8 to 12 hours if you can, for the cholesterol markers
- You receive: your 12 results with reference ranges and a GP report explaining what they mean and whether the pattern suggests PCOS
Your questions answered
How do you test for PCOS?
PCOS is diagnosed when two of three features are present: irregular or absent periods, signs of raised male hormones (androgens) either in blood tests or as excess hair growth and acne, and polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound scan. A blood test covers the hormone part and rules out conditions that mimic PCOS, such as thyroid problems. This test measures the hormones NICE recommends checking, so the results can be taken to your GP as the blood half of the diagnosis.
Can a blood test detect PCOS?
A blood test can show the hormone pattern of PCOS but cannot diagnose it alone. Raised testosterone or a raised free androgen index (calculated from testosterone and SHBG), often with a high LH to FSH ratio, supports the diagnosis when combined with irregular periods or an ultrasound. Some women with PCOS have normal hormone results, and some with raised androgens do not have PCOS. Your GP report sets the results against the diagnostic criteria and says whether referral is warranted.
What do blood tests show for PCOS?
| Marker | What it shows in PCOS |
|---|---|
| Testosterone | Often raised; the main androgen behind excess hair and acne |
| SHBG | Often low, which increases the amount of free, active testosterone |
| LH and FSH | LH is often higher than FSH; a ratio above 2 to 1 is common but not required |
| TSH and free T4 | Checked to rule out thyroid disease, which causes similar symptoms |
| Cholesterol profile | PCOS raises the long-term risk of heart disease and diabetes, so lipids are checked at diagnosis |
Which hormone is too high in PCOS?
Testosterone, or more precisely the free androgen index, which is the proportion of testosterone not bound to SHBG and therefore active. Many women with PCOS also have a raised LH relative to FSH. Insulin is frequently high as well, because insulin resistance drives much of the syndrome; it is not part of this test but your GP may check HbA1c or glucose if PCOS is confirmed.
When in my cycle should I take a PCOS blood test?
If your periods are reasonably regular, take the sample between day 2 and day 5 of your cycle, counting the first day of bleeding as day 1. That is when LH and FSH are most informative. If your periods are irregular or absent, which is common in PCOS, take the test on any day.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Irregular, infrequent or absent periods; difficulty getting pregnant; excess hair on the face, chest or back; thinning hair on the scalp; oily skin and acne; and weight gain, especially around the middle. Many women also notice low mood or tiredness. Symptoms vary a great deal, and it is common to have PCOS with only one or two of them.
Can I test for PCOS at home?
Yes. The home kit takes a small finger-prick sample that you post back to the laboratory in the packaging provided. It measures the same 12 markers as the clinic test and comes with the same GP report. Fast beforehand if you can, and take the sample in the morning. If you would rather not take your own sample, choose a clinic or nurse visit at checkout.
How long do PCOS blood test results take?
Results are emailed within 3 to 5 working days of your sample reaching the laboratory, with a GP report explaining each marker and whether the pattern points towards PCOS. Taking the sample takes about five minutes.
How much does a PCOS blood test cost?
A private PCOS blood test costs from £89 at Goodbody Clinic. The home finger-prick kit is £89, a blood draw at one of our clinics is £129 and a nurse home visit is £149. Every option includes laboratory analysis of all 12 markers and a GP report.
Where can I get a PCOS test near me?
Order the home kit, book a blood draw at one of Goodbody's 250+ partner clinics across the UK, or arrange a nurse home visit. No GP referral is needed. Find your nearest clinic.
What happens if my results suggest PCOS?
Take your GP report to your GP. They can arrange an ultrasound scan to complete the diagnosis, check HbA1c or glucose for insulin resistance, and discuss treatment for whichever symptoms matter most to you: regulating periods, managing hair and skin, supporting fertility or reducing long-term risk of diabetes and heart disease. Because those risks are raised in PCOS, the cholesterol results in this test are worth keeping as a baseline.
What happens next
Your results and GP report are emailed to you within 3 to 5 working days of your sample reaching the laboratory. The report explains each marker in plain language, flags anything outside the reference range and says what to do next, including when to take the result to your own GP. All samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
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Book online, receive your kit and take to your local Goodbody clinic.
Send it back…
Send your sample in the post to be analysed at an accredited laboratory.
Get results.
Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory, with guidance from our support team.
Available testing locations for PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test
Aberdeen Clinic GCI Advanced Aesthetics
Abergavenny Clinic Amatsu Centre
Airdrie Clinic Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy
Aldershot Clinic Wellington Pharmacy
Alton Clinic Four Marks Pharmacy
Andover Clinic Dr Malaika Clinics
Anniesland Clinic Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy
Arlesey Clinic Waterloo Farm Wellness
Armadale Clinic Dears Pharmacy
Ascot Clinic Ascot Pharmacy
AshbyDeLaZouch Clinic Aeternum Aesthetics
Ashford Clinic Breakspear Pharmacy
Aveley Clinic Doctor B Aesthetics
Aylesbury Clinic Aura Body Clinic
Aylesbury Clinic Pearlfect Care Pharmacy
Aylsham Clinic North Norfolk Ear & Skin Care
Ballingry Clinic
Barnet Clinic Co Wellbeing
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More Information
How our blood tests work
Have your blood taken in-clinic by one of our skilled phlebotomists and check multiple biomarkers in one go. Many of our tests can also be done in the comfort of your own home with one of our easy-to-use test kits.
Testing
Take a test, either in the comfort of your own home, with a nurse visit, or at one of our clinics nationwide.
Analysis
Your sample is analysed in the clinic, laboratory or using your home test equipment.
Results
Get your comprehensive detailed results report from the laboratory.
Not sure if this test
is right for you?
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Experts you can trust
Meet our Goodbody Experts
Our team of professionals has decades of experience so you can be sure you’re getting the best tests and support to understand and improve your health.
Get in touch with Our Team
Dr Lebeth Jacob
BSc (Hons) MBChB
Registered GP & Lead Medical Advisor
Dr Alexandre Akoulitchev
MA, PhD, FRSM
Clinical Support Advisor
Dr Cheng Boon
MBCHB, MRCP, FRCR
Consultant Oncologist
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