What are Female Health Biomarkers?
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
AMH is a fertility marker that estimates your ovarian reserve—the number of eggs you have at the time of testing. It helps understand your potential for pregnancy, especially if you’re near menopause or have conditions like PCOS or primary ovarian insufficiency.
Example: AMH is like a peek into your egg savings account—higher levels mean more eggs left in reserve.
How it’s measured: Blood test that measures AMH hormone levels.
Pregnancy (hCG)
This test checks for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone made during pregnancy. It can confirm pregnancy very early, even before symptoms.
Example: hCG is like the body’s pregnancy flag—it signals when a baby may be on the way.
How it’s measured: Blood or urine test for hCG levels.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG controls how much testosterone and estrogen are available in your body. If levels are too high or low, it can disrupt menstrual cycles and affect fertility.
Example: SHBG is like a hormone traffic cop—deciding which hormones get to do their job and which stay inactive.
How it’s measured: Blood test that measures SHBG protein levels.
Testosterone, Free (female)
This test looks at the unbound testosterone in your blood. It helps assess things like sexual health, energy, mood, insulin resistance, and conditions like PCOS or menopause.
Example: Free testosterone is like the active part of your team—it’s ready to do the work.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring free (unbound) testosterone.
Testosterone, Total (female)
Total testosterone includes both the free and bound types. It supports overall well-being, muscle mass, energy, and sex drive in women.
Example: Total testosterone is like your total horsepower—it shows what’s available, even if not all of it is being used.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring the sum of free and bound testosterone.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (female)
FSH helps your ovaries produce eggs and is important for understanding fertility and hormone health. High or low levels may signal PCOS, perimenopause, or menopause.
Example: FSH is like the coach that tells your ovaries it’s time to train and release an egg.
How it’s measured: Blood test usually taken early in the menstrual cycle.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (female)
LH plays a key role in ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation. It triggers the release of an egg and can also indicate menopause or hormone imbalance.
Example: LH is like the starter gun that tells your ovary to release an egg.
How it’s measured: Blood test typically done alongside FSH.
Prolactin (female)
Prolactin helps control menstrual cycles and stimulates breast development and milk production. Abnormal levels can affect fertility, menstrual regularity, and hormone balance.
Example: Prolactin is like a multitasker—it manages periods, milk, and hormone harmony.
How it’s measured: Blood test that measures prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland.
Estradiol (E2) (female)
Estradiol is a powerful form of estrogen. Testing it helps identify PCOS, menopause, cancer risk, or fertility issues. It’s also key in managing bone and heart health.
Example: Estradiol is like a master regulator for female health—impacting everything from bones to mood.
How it’s measured: Blood test measuring estradiol levels.
DHEA-Sulfate (female)
DHEA-S is the most abundant hormone in your body and helps regulate reproduction, stress, and aging. It’s made by your adrenal glands and affects longevity and immune strength.
Example: DHEA-S is like your body’s youth hormone—it supports energy, fertility, and resilience.
How it’s measured: Blood test that checks DHEA-S levels in the bloodstream.
