PCOS Hormone Testing — Which Hormones, and When to Take Them

PCOS is diagnosed clinically, not by a blood test alone — but hormone testing is a substantial part of the assessment, and knowing which tests are involved and when to take them makes the process considerably less confusing.

Index Path Labs runs the full hormone panel with free home sample collection across Gaur City and Greater Noida West, with reports reviewed by Dr. Ayesha (DNB Pathology).

Timing matters more than almost anything else

Several of these hormones vary substantially across the menstrual cycle. A result taken on the wrong day can be misleading.

Most hormone tests are taken on day 2, 3, 4 or 5 of your cycle, counting day 1 as the first day of proper bleeding. If your cycles are irregular or absent — which is often the reason for testing in the first place — your doctor will advise when to take the sample.

Tell us your cycle day when you book, and we will confirm whether the timing suits the tests requested.

The hormones usually tested, and what each one indicates

  • LH and FSH. Both are pituitary hormones driving the ovaries. In PCOS, LH is often raised relative to FSH. The ratio is suggestive rather than diagnostic — plenty of women with PCOS have a normal ratio.
  • Total and free testosterone. Mildly raised androgens are one of the diagnostic criteria and often explain acne, excess hair growth and scalp hair thinning. A markedly raised testosterone points elsewhere and needs prompt medical review.
  • DHEA-S. An androgen from the adrenal glands rather than the ovaries. It helps distinguish an ovarian cause from an adrenal one.
  • Prolactin. Raised prolactin causes irregular or absent periods and is a different diagnosis with different treatment. Testing it avoids mislabelling.
  • TSH and thyroid profile. Thyroid disease also causes irregular cycles, weight change and hair fall, so it is routinely excluded. See our guide on why thyroid results vary.
  • Fasting insulin and glucose. Insulin resistance underlies PCOS in many women and is often the most treatable part. These need an 8 to 12 hour fast.
  • AMH. Anti-Müllerian hormone reflects ovarian reserve and tends to be higher in PCOS. It is not a diagnostic test for PCOS on its own, and it does not need to be timed to a cycle day.

Why a normal panel does not exclude PCOS

Diagnosis conventionally requires two of three features: irregular or absent ovulation, clinical or biochemical evidence of raised androgens, and characteristic appearance on ultrasound. A woman can meet the criteria with entirely normal-looking bloodwork if her symptoms and scan are consistent.

The reverse is also true. A single raised androgen level in someone with regular cycles and no symptoms does not make a diagnosis. This is one of the clearest examples of why a laboratory result needs a clinician: the numbers are one input among several.

Note that we do not offer ultrasound, and none is planned. Your gynaecologist will arrange that part.

How to prepare

  • Book a morning slot where possible — several of these hormones vary through the day
  • Fast 8 to 12 hours if insulin and glucose are included; water is fine
  • Note your cycle day, or tell us if you have not had a period recently
  • Mention hormonal contraception, fertility medication or any hormone treatment, as these change results considerably
  • Mention biotin supplements — they interfere with several immunoassays
  • Avoid strenuous exercise the morning of the test, which can transiently raise prolactin

Frequently asked questions

Can I be tested if my periods have stopped completely?

Yes. When cycles are absent, testing is usually done on any convenient day, and a pregnancy test is often included first. Your doctor will advise.

Is home collection available for this panel?

Yes, free across Gaur City 1, Gaur City 2, Sector 4, Sector 16C, Techzone 4 and the wider Greater Noida West area. Many patients prefer it for this panel, and a female phlebotomist can be requested when you book.

How soon will results arrive?

Most hormones are reported the next morning. AMH may take longer, and we will tell you the expected time at booking.

Book a PCOS hormone panel

Free home sample collection across Greater Noida West, same-day and next-morning reporting on WhatsApp. Call or WhatsApp 92665 69955 and mention your cycle day, or see the full test price list.

Consult your physician for diagnosis & treatment. Laboratories detect — they do not diagnose. PCOS is a clinical diagnosis made by a doctor using symptoms, examination, blood tests and imaging together.