Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition that affects up to 10% of women during their reproductive years. The most obvious symptoms of PCOS are cysts on the ovaries, however, symptoms such as irregular periods, elevated androgen levels (male hormones such as testosterone), and metabolic issues resulting in diabetes and high blood pressure. The underlying cause of PCOS is unclear.

What are the first signs of PCOS?

PCOS can often go under the radar, as the symptoms vary from person to person, and can be hard to diagnose. Irregular periods are a common symptom, and could be an indicator of polycystic ovary syndrome. If you’re concerned you may be suffering from PCOS, a blood test is a good way to check your hormone levels, and can get you on the path to getting help.

Does PCOS affect fertility?

PCOS often causes a hormonal imbalance, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. This can make it harder for you to conceive, but doesn’t mean you’re infertile. If you’re struggling to conceive, a PCOS blood test could help identify elevated androgen levels (male hormones) which could be causing irregular periods.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can present with a variety of symptoms, and the severity and combination of these symptoms can vary among women. Not everyone with PCOS will experience all of the symptoms, and some may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms of PCOS include: Irregular Menstrual Cycles Ovulatory Dysfunction Excess Androgen Hormones Polycystic Ovaries Insulin Resistance Weight Changes Hair Thinning on your head or excessive hair growth or Male-Pattern Baldness Skin Changes Mood Changes

How can I lose weight with PCOS?

Losing weight with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can be challenging, but it’s important for managing symptoms and improving overall health. Insulin resistance is common in PCOS, and it can contribute to weight gain. Include foods with a low glycemic index in your diet, such as whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. Regular exercise can also improve insulin sensitivity.

How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service. A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample. The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.

Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Get a £10 voucher for you or to pass on when you order this test today.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blood Test

Name: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blood Test
Brand: Forth
Price: 109 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (1168 reviews)

If you're experiencing symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), our PCOS blood test can help you get the answers you need. This comprehensive test checks your testosterone levels and other markers of potential underlying causes, as well as your risk for developing heart disease and type-2 diabetes.

£109

+ £10 Voucher when you order today

Or 3 Interest-free payments

When do I take the test?

We recommend you take this test between day 1 and 5 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of your period). If you are not having a period, take the test at anytime. IMPORTANT: If you’re using hormone gel or cream, please use the other hand for your blood sample to the one you use to apply the gel or cream to prevent contamination of the blood sample.

Certified for quality & security

Did you know?

One in 10 women in the UK live with PCOS

University of Birmingham: One in 10 women in the UK live with PCOS

When to take PCOS test

We recommend you take this test between day 1 and 5 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 being the first day of your period). If you are not having a period, take the test at any time. Hormone gels and creams can contaminate your blood sample, so it’s best to collect your blood sample from the hand you don’t apply the cream or gel with, or wear gloves when you’re applying them.

How can a PCOS blood test help?

If you’re experiencing symptoms related to PCOS, such as irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excessive hair growth (hirsutism) or unwanted weight gain, a blood test can help tell you why. PCOS causes a hormone imbalance which can lead to high levels of testosterone and can sometimes cause elevated cholesterol levels. It can also cause thyroid disorders, all of which our PCOS blood test will check for. Your results can help indicate whether you might have PCOS.

How to test for PCOS

Our PCOS blood test works by analysing 18 key hormones in your blood that are impacted by or cause PCOS. The test can be done at home and comes with everything you need to collect a small, finger prick blood sample and post it back to us free of charge. You’ll get your results within 2 working days of your sample reaching our lab, along with comments and advice from our specialist doctors.

Frequently asked questions

This is what our customers ask us most about this test. For more information, try our help centre.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition that affects up to 10% of women during their reproductive years. The most obvious symptoms of PCOS are cysts on the ovaries, however, symptoms such as irregular periods, elevated androgen levels (male hormones such as testosterone), and metabolic issues resulting in diabetes and high blood pressure. The underlying cause of PCOS is unclear.

You can find more information in our guide PCOS: Symptoms & Diagnosis.
What are the first signs of PCOS?

PCOS can often go under the radar, as the symptoms vary from person to person, and can be hard to diagnose. Irregular periods are a common symptom, and could be an indicator of polycystic ovary syndrome.

If you’re concerned you may be suffering from PCOS, a blood test is a good way to check your hormone levels, and can get you on the path to getting help.
Does PCOS affect fertility?

PCOS often causes a hormonal imbalance, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles. This can make it harder for you to conceive, but doesn’t mean you’re infertile. If you’re struggling to conceive, a PCOS blood test could help identify elevated androgen levels (male hormones) which could be causing irregular periods.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can present with a variety of symptoms, and the severity and combination of these symptoms can vary among women. Not everyone with PCOS will experience all of the symptoms, and some may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
- Ovulatory Dysfunction
- Excess Androgen Hormones
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Insulin Resistance
- Weight Changes
- Hair Thinning on your head or excessive hair growth or Male-Pattern Baldness
- Skin Changes
- Mood Changes
How can I lose weight with PCOS?

Losing weight with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can be challenging, but it’s important for managing symptoms and improving overall health. Insulin resistance is common in PCOS, and it can contribute to weight gain. Include foods with a low glycemic index in your diet, such as whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. Regular exercise can also improve insulin sensitivity.
How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.
How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

Learn more about your data security.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service.

A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample. The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.
Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.
Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Learn how to export your results.

We are dedicated to supporting you on improving your health

Recommended by doctors

Dr Thom Phillips

Clinical Lead

BSc. (Hons) MSc. MB BCh. MRCGP. Dip SEM. PGCert (Diabetes)

Renee McGregor

Nutrition Lead

BSc (hons) PGDIP (DIET) PGCERT(sportsnutr) RD BASES

Dr Michael Cornes

Scientific Officer

Consultant clinical scientist, FRCPath, BSc Biochemistry, MSc Clinical Biochemistry, PhD Biochemistry

"Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is common in the UK, affecting around 10% of women. It often presents with irregular periods, hirsutism (unwanted hair growth), poor skin and weight control issues. Confirming the underlying cause for these symptoms and related consequences, through targeted blood testing, can help women make informed decisions about how to address this condition."

Dr Thom Phillips

We’re changing people’s lives

I really like Forth and you probably saved my life because your lab discovered my critically low cortisol which was subsequently diagnosed as adrenal insufficiency by a hospital endocrinologist.

Maria

I find Forth professional and forward-thinking with a bigger range of tests than more traditional healthcare providers in the UK. I think it is closer to what you can get from US providers.

Richard C

I wanted to get more information about my own health instead of using the NHS who just test for a specific reason. I also wanted better historical data to view changes over time as the NHS systems aren’t very good for that.

James W

Finding out what is going on inside your body is key, especially now that the NHS is in crisis. If we can take control of our wellness (and flag up potential problems early) that has got to be a good thing.

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I am very satisfied with your excellent service and I have recommended you to all my friends who are also very interested in your products.

Doris R

How it works

Getting the insights you need to improve your health has never been easier.

1. Choose your blood test

No need to wait for a GP appointment, choose from our wide range of tests which come with everything you need to take your sample and return to our lab.

2. Collect your sample

Take your finger prick blood sample at home, or choose to have your blood taken at a Superdrug health clinic or a nurse at home. Return to our NHS lab using our prepaid envelope.