MHT My Hormone Tests

Hormone test panels

By My Hormone Tests Editorial TeamMedically reviewed by My Hormone Tests Medical Review BoardLast reviewed

A "panel" is a group of blood tests ordered together because they give a more complete picture than any single result. These guides explain what common hormone panels typically include and why those tests are grouped — so you can have an informed conversation with the clinician who decides what to order for you.

Panels are chosen by a clinician for a reason. The right tests depend on your symptoms, history, and physical exam — not on a fixed list. Use these guides to understand the components, not to self-order or self-interpret.

How to approach choosing a panel

  1. Start with your symptoms and history. Note what you're experiencing and for how long; this guides which hormone systems are worth evaluating.
  2. See a clinician. A clinician decides which tests are appropriate and how to time them, since many hormones vary by time of day or menstrual cycle.
  3. Understand each test in the panel. Use our individual blood test guides to learn what each component measures.
  4. Interpret results with your clinician. Results are read against your lab's reference ranges and your full clinical picture, not in isolation.

Browse panels

Men's Hormone Panel: What's Included and Why

Learn what a men's hormone panel typically includes, why testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, SHBG and prolactin are grouped, and how a clinician reads them.

Women's Hormone Panel: What's Included and Why

Understand what a women's hormone panel typically includes, why estradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH, prolactin and AMH are grouped, and how a doctor reads them.

Thyroid Panel: What's Included and How It's Read

Learn what a thyroid panel typically includes, why TSH, free T4 and free T3 are grouped, what symptoms prompt it, and how a clinician reads the results.

Adrenal & Cortisol Panel Explained: What's Included

Understand what an adrenal and cortisol panel includes, why cortisol, ACTH, DHEA-S and aldosterone are grouped, and how a clinician reads them together.

Comprehensive Hormone Panel Guide: What's Included

A guide to what a comprehensive hormone panel may include across thyroid, reproductive, adrenal and metabolic systems, and how a clinician reads the results.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Lab Tests. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/
  2. MedlinePlus. How to Understand Your Lab Results. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/