Blood Profiles
At West Wales Women’s Wellbeing (WWWW), we are dedicated to providing personalised and comprehensive care for women’s health.
This guide is designed to help you understand the key blood tests that may be recommended during your consultation.
Whether you are exploring fertility options, managing menopause symptoms, or looking to optimise your overall wellbeing, this resource is here to support you every step of the way.
We believe that knowledge is empowering, and understanding your health is the first step towards better outcomes. Below, you will find clear explanations of each test, what it measures, why it matters, and when it may be recommended for you.
If you would like more information or to discuss which blood tests are right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to guide you through your health journey with expertise and compassion.
Which Tests are Right for Me?
Blood tests are a crucial part of understanding your overall health and identifying any potential issues early.
They allow us to:
- Assess hormone levels and reproductive health
- Monitor your metabolic and nutritional status
- Detect signs of inflammation, infection, or autoimmune conditions
- Evaluate liver and kidney function
- Screen for specific conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular risk
At WWWW, we use blood tests as part of a personalised approach to support your health journey, ensuring
you receive the best care tailored to your needs.
Hormonal Profile:
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
o What it is: A hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle and the growth of eggs in the ovaries.
o Why it’s important: High levels can indicate menopause or reduced ovarian function. It helps assess fertility and menstrual health.
o When it’s recommended: If you have irregular periods, fertility concerns, or symptoms of menopause.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
o What it is: A hormone that triggers ovulation and supports reproductive health.
o Why it’s important: Imbalances can affect fertility and menstrual regularity.
o When it’s recommended: If you experience irregular cycles, PCOS symptoms, or fertility
issues.
Estradiol (E2)
o What it is: The primary form of oestrogen in women, essential for reproductive health and strong bones.
o Why it’s important: Low levels can contribute to menopause symptoms, while high levels may indicate hormonal imbalances.
o When it’s recommended: For menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, or fertility evaluations.
Progesterone
o What it is: A hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports the menstrual cycle.
o Why it’s important: Low levels may indicate that you are not ovulating regularly.
o When it’s recommended: If you have irregular periods, trouble conceiving, or hormonal
symptoms.
Testosterone (Free and Total)
o What it is: An androgen hormone that plays a role in energy, mood, and reproductive health.
o Why it’s important: Imbalances can cause symptoms like excess hair growth, acne, or low libido.
o When it’s recommended: If you experience symptoms of PCOS, reduced libido, or skin changes.
o NOTE: this is essential in monitoring testosterone replacement as part of HRT and will be recommended along with other tests to ensure correct monitoring
DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate)
o What it is: A hormone produced by your adrenal glands, acting as a building block for oestrogen and testosterone.
o Why it’s important: High levels are often linked with PCOS and hormonal imbalances.
o When it’s recommended: For symptoms of fatigue, unwanted hair growth, or irregular periods.
Prolactin
o What it is: A hormone that stimulates breast milk production.
o Why it’s important: High levels can interfere with your menstrual cycle and fertility.
o When it’s recommended: If you experience irregular periods, nipple discharge, or trouble
conceiving.
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
o What it is: A marker that helps assess how many eggs you have left (ovarian reserve).
o Why it’s important: Useful for understanding fertility potential and planning for pregnancy.
o When it’s recommended: If you are planning a family, experiencing fertility issues, or evaluating your reproductive health.
Metabolic and Nutritional Health:
Full Blood Count (FBC)
o What it is: A test that looks at your red and white blood cells, and platelets.
o Why it’s important: It can identify anaemia, infections, and blood disorders.
o When it’s recommended: If you are feeling tired, have unusual bruising, or persistent
infections.
Ferritin and Iron Studies
o What it is: These tests measure the amount of iron in your blood.
o Why it’s important: Low iron levels can cause fatigue and anaemia.
o When it’s recommended: If you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, or symptoms
of anaemia.
Vitamin D
o What it is: A vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and maintain bone health.
o Why it’s important: Low levels can cause bone pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
o When it’s recommended: If you have bone pain, low mood, or a lack of sunlight exposure.
Vitamin B12 and Folate
o What it is: Essential vitamins for healthy blood and nerve function.
o Why it’s important: Deficiencies can cause fatigue, memory issues, and nerve problems.
o When it’s recommended: If you are experiencing fatigue, memory issues, or tingling in your hands or feet.
Lipid Profile
o What it is: A test that measures your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
o Why it’s important: High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
o When it’s recommended: If you have a family history of heart problems or are concerned about cardiovascular health.
HbA1c and Glucose
o What it is: These tests measure your blood sugar levels over time.
o Why it’s important: Helps diagnose diabetes or monitor how well it is controlled.
o When it’s recommended: If you have symptoms of diabetes, such as thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue.
Inflammatory Markers:
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
o What it is: A protein that increases in response to inflammation.
o Why it’s important: Helps detect inflammation in the body, which can be linked to infections or chronic conditions.
o When it’s recommended: If you have symptoms of inflammation, like joint pain, fever, or unexplained swelling.
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
o What it is: A test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube.
o Why it’s important: A faster rate may indicate inflammation.
o When it’s recommended: If you experience ongoing fatigue, joint pain, or other inflammatory symptoms.
Liver and Kidney Function:
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
o What it is: A group of tests that check how well your liver is working.
o Why it’s important: Identifies liver inflammation, damage, or conditions like fatty liver.
o When it’s recommended: If you experience fatigue, abdominal pain, or have a history of alcohol use.
Kidney Function Tests (U&Es, eGFR)
o What it is: Tests that measure how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
o Why it’s important: Helps detect kidney disease or dysfunction.
o When it’s recommended: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or urinary symptoms.
Specialist Tests:
CA-125
o What it is: A protein that may be elevated in ovarian cancer.
o Why it’s important: Used to monitor ovarian cancer or investigate symptoms like persistent
bloating or pelvic pain.
o When it’s recommended: If you have symptoms of ovarian cancer or a family history.
Next Steps……
At WWWW, your health journey matters to us.
If you would like to discuss any of these tests further, understand your results, or explore treatment options,
please contact our team. We are here to provide expert advice, support, and care that is tailored to your
needs. We look forward to supporting you in achieving your health goals.