What is Hormone Testing Turkey?
Hormone testing is a laboratory analysis that provides quantitative measurements of specific hormone levels in the blood or sometimes in the urine. These tests reveal the balance of chemical messengers that regulate critical processes in the body, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress, and thyroid function. Hormone testing helps identify endocrine disorders that may underlie clinical findings by detecting a deficiency or excess in the body.
What Functions Do Hormones Perform in the Body?
Each hormone controls a different system in the body: FSH and LH control the ovulation cycle; estrogen (E2) supports the uterine lining and bone health. Progesterone plays a critical role in maintaining pregnancy. Prolactin initiates milk production; thyroid hormones (T3/T4, regulated through TSH) speed up metabolism and regulate body temperature. Cortisol is involved in the stress response, while insulin balances blood sugar levels. When these systems are out of sync, menstrual irregularities, weight fluctuations, low energy levels, and fertility problems can occur.
In Which Situations Is Hormone Testing Done?
Hormone tests are requested to evaluate underlying hormonal imbalances when symptoms such as menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility, early menopause suspicion, excessive hair growth or facial inflammation are observed. Thyroid function tests are also used in cases of intense stress, sudden weight loss or complaints that occur after hormonal birth control methods; fatigue, hair loss or weight gain due to thyroid disease. A comprehensive hormone panel is also planned for patients with a history of postmenopausal bleeding, polycystic ovary syndrome or pituitary-related headaches and visual disturbances.
What are the Most Common Hormones Checked in Women? (FSH, LH, TSH, E2, Prolactin, etc.)
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) values, which determine menstrual cycle and ovulation, are at different levels in the early and late stages of the cycle. Estradiol, abbreviated as E2, manages egg maturation and endometrial thickening throughout the cycle, while progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy in the luteal phase. TSH, T3 and T4 hormones, which indicate thyroid gland function, maintain metabolic rhythm and energy balance. Prolactin stimulates the milk ducts and enables breastfeeding. When necessary, DHEA, testosterone, AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and cortisol measurements are also used to clarify gynecological and adrenal problems.
When to Perform Hormone Testing? (Choose Days According to Menstrual Cycle)
In the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, FSH, LH, E2 and TSH tests are usually performed between days 2-5 of the cycle. Progesterone levels are evaluated during the luteal phase, around days 21-23 of the cycle, to determine whether ovulation has occurred. Prolactin should be measured on an empty stomach and immediately after getting out of bed in the morning; thyroid and adrenal hormone tests should usually be performed in the morning under fasting conditions.
How to Do a Hormone Test?
For hormone testing, 5–10 ml of blood is taken from the arm vein cavity on an empty stomach early in the morning and sent to the laboratory in special tubes. Samples are stored at –20 °C or under appropriate storage conditions and studied quantitatively in immunochemical analysis devices. In some cases, a 24-hour urine collection is also collected to see the variability during the day and used for hormone analysis.
What Do Hormone Levels Mean?
Each hormone test is compared to reference ranges, taking into account age, pregnancy status, and menstrual phase. High FSH and LH indicate premature ovarian failure or menopause, while low E2 indicates the absence of menstrual bleeding. High prolactin suggests a pituitary tumor or drug effects. High TSH indicates hypothyroidism, and low TSH indicates hyperthyroidism. Evaluating these results together confirms endocrine dysfunction and allows for the establishment of an appropriate drug, lifestyle, or surgical treatment plan.
Is Hormone Testing Done on an Empty Stomach?
In order to obtain accurate results during hormone testing, it is essential to comply with fasting conditions. When hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, TSH and prolactin are evaluated in a blood sample taken in the early morning hours, after at least 8-10 hours of fasting, a compatible comparison with reference intervals is made. In the standard 28-day menstrual cycle, hormone testing is usually performed between days 2-5 of menstruation; during this period, FSH, LH and estradiol (E2) measurements reflect the follicular phase before ovulation and provide clear information about egg reserve and the functioning of the pituitary-ovarian axis. Progesterone measurement is usually performed for the luteal phase of the cycle, usually on days 21-23. In both cases, any food or liquid intake other than water should be restricted for 12 hours before the test, and beverages such as coffee, tea or fruit juice should definitely not be consumed. Blood collection on an empty stomach provides a stable baseline value that is free from intraday fluctuations in both glucose and hormone branching.
Hormone Test Prices 2025
As of 2025, in private laboratory and hospital packages; basic hormone panel (FSH, LH, E2, progesterone, prolactin, TSH) examination, ultrasound and laboratory analysis, combined packages are priced between 3,000 ₺ and 4,500 ₺. Package fees for hormone analysis performed with a blood sample alone are offered in the range of 1,200 ₺ – 2,000 ₺. Additional tests requiring advanced examination such as AMH, DHEA-S or 24-hour urine cortisol measurement may increase the package price by 500 ₺ – 1,000 ₺. It should be noted that standard hormone tests and routine ultrasonography are free of charge in state hospitals covered by SGK, and a copayment may be charged only for additional tests. Payment plans and installment options vary from hospital to hospital; it is recommended that you contact the patient consultancy unit of the center you applied to for detailed information and a personalized offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Hormone Test Results?
In the laboratory where the blood sample is taken, hormone analyses are usually completed within 24–48 hours, depending on the test devices used and the density of the sample being studied. In some reference centers, samples that are processed with priority can be reported within 12–24 hours. When a complete panel (FSH, LH, E2, progesterone, prolactin, TSH) is requested, the time required for each of these to be studied is close to each other, however, critical analyses that reveal panic values are processed with priority. The results are transmitted to your physician in a digital environment; you can view and interpret them through the system or receive them as a written document with the patient counseling unit or laboratory report.
Which Hormones Are Checked for Menstrual Irregularity?
Among the hormones measured between days 2 and 5 of the early phase of the menstrual cycle, FSH and LH indicate ovulation stimulation and egg development in the follicular phase. E2 (estradiol) levels provide a biochemical reflection of intrauterine conditions and follicle maturation. Progesterone levels are measured in the luteal phase (days 21–23) to understand whether ovulation has occurred. TSH test is used to see thyroid balance, prolactin level if there is a history of excessive prolactin secretion, and fasting insulin and glucose values are also evaluated in those with insulin resistance or suspected PCOS. In cases requiring further examination, AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) can be studied to measure ovarian reserve, and DHEA-S to measure adrenal androgen.
Do Hormone Tests Determine Infertility?
Hormone tests reveal components of infertility resulting from hormonal imbalances; for example, high FSH or low estradiol indicates decreased ovarian reserve, while low progesterone due to anovulation indicates lack of ovulation. However, infertility is a multidimensional problem and a hormone panel alone does not provide a definitive diagnosis of infertility. Other parameters such as fallopian tube patency, sperm quality, uterine malformations and genetic factors also need to be examined. Therefore, hormone tests are an important part of the infertility evaluation package, but they do not reveal “infertility” alone, but rather the endocrine-based elements in the etiology of infertility.