Description

The Hormonal Health (Serum) Panel by Genova Diagnostics is a foundational hormone test designed to evaluate circulating hormone levels in the bloodstream.

This test measures key sex hormones and provides a clinical snapshot of hormonal balance, with results interpreted based on your menstrual status, age, and hormonal stage.

👉 As shown in the sample reports, the same biomarkers are used for all individuals, while reference ranges and interpretation are adjusted for premenopausal and menopausal states

🔬 What This Test Measures

1. Estrogens

• Estradiol (E2)
• Estrone (E1)
• Estriol (E3)
• Estrone Sulfate (E1S)

👉 Evaluates overall estrogen status and hormonal balance

2. Progesterone

• Serum progesterone

👉 Important for reproductive health and cycle phase assessment

3. Androgens

• Testosterone (Total)
• DHEA-S
• Free Androgen Index

👉 Assesses androgen balance affecting energy, metabolism, and hormonal health

4. Binding Proteins

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

👉 Determines bioavailable vs bound hormone levels

5. Steroidogenic Pathway Overview

👉 Includes a visual hormone pathway diagram showing how hormones are derived from precursors like cholesterol and converted into active sex hormones

6. Optional Add-On Markers

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Prolactin
• IGF-1
• Androstenedione

👉 Provides additional insight into reproductive and endocrine signaling

🔷 How This Test Applies to Different Life Stages

🌿 Premenopausal

• Hormone levels are interpreted based on menstrual cycle phase (follicular, ovulatory, luteal)
• Helps assess:
  • Cycle irregularities
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Fertility-related concerns

👉 Example: Estradiol and progesterone vary significantly across the cycle and are interpreted accordingly

🌙 Menopausal / Postmenopausal

• Hormone levels are interpreted based on decline in ovarian function
• Helps assess:
  • Estrogen deficiency
  • Menopause-related symptoms
  • Hormone replacement therapy monitoring

👉 Reference ranges differ significantly from premenopausal values (e.g., estradiol levels are much lower)

🧠 Clinical Insights

• Evaluates baseline hormone levels
• Detects estrogen dominance or deficiency
• Assesses androgen imbalance
• Supports hormone therapy monitoring
• Interprets hormones based on physiological stage

👤 Who Should Consider This Test

• First-time hormone testing
• Menstrual irregularities
• PMS or hormonal symptoms
• Perimenopause or menopause symptoms
• Baseline screening before advanced testing

⚠️ Limitations (Important for Trust)

• ❌ Does not assess hormone metabolism pathways in detail
• ❌ Does not evaluate cortisol rhythm or stress response
• ❌ Does not show daily or cycle-based hormone fluctuations
• ❌ Does not include thyroid function

👉 This test measures hormone levels only, not hormone function or metabolism

🔷 When to Choose This Test

👉 Choose this test if you want:

• A baseline hormone level assessment
• A starting point before advanced hormone testing
• Clinically interpretable hormone values based on your life stage

🔷 When You May Need Advanced Testing

👉 Consider advanced tests if you need:

• Hormone rhythm tracking → Rhythm / Rhythm Plus
• Multi-system endocrine evaluation → Endo+
• Detailed hormone metabolism analysis → DUTCH Testing

🔥 Key Clinical Insight

👉 This test answers:
“What are my hormone levels right now?”

👉 It does NOT answer:

• “Why are my hormones imbalanced?”
• “How are my hormones being metabolized?”
• “How do my hormones change throughout the day or cycle?”

🔷 Final Summary

The Hormonal Health (Serum) Panel is a foundational hormone test that provides a clear snapshot of circulating hormone levels.

It is suitable for both premenopausal and menopausal individuals, with results interpreted according to hormonal stage, making it an ideal starting point for hormone evaluation.