By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: February 12, 2026 Categories: Hormone imbalance
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
If you have ever had a hormone test that came back “normal” despite ongoing symptoms, the timing of the test could be the reason.
The best time to test for a hormone imbalance depends on which hormone is being checked. This is because some hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and during menstrual cycle phases (in women).
Take testosterone, for example. According to the clinical guidelines, its levels should be measured early in the morning (preferably between 7 and 11 am) as they are highest at this time in both men and women. Oestrogen, however, is often tested on day 3 of the menstrual cycle for a reliable baseline measurement. Testing it on any other day can produce misleading results.
Read on to learn the best time to test different hormones for hormonal imbalance in both men and women.
When is the best time to test for a hormonal imbalance?
To understand the best time to test reproductive hormones (mainly oestrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, and testosterone) in women, it’s important to first learn about the phases of menstrual cycle.
A 28-day menstrual cycle consists of four stages. Day 1 represents the first day of menstrual bleeding. These stages are:
Menstrual phase: This is the period when you bleed, and it spans from day 1 to day ~5-7. During this phase, oestrogen (oestradiol) and progesterone levels are low while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) begins to rise.
Follicular phase: This phase begins with the menstrual phase, meaning it overlaps with the above phase, and ends when you ovulate. It spans from day 1 to around day 12.
FSH levels are slightly elevated, and then they gradually decline. Oestrogen levels steadily rise while progesterone is still low.
Ovulation: It is when the ovaries release an egg. In most women, ovulation occurs on approx. day 14.
Here, oestrogen peaks and reaches its highest level. Luteinising hormone and FSH levels also rise. Compared to FSH, LH increases rapidly over a short period.
Luteal phase: During this phase, the uterus prepares for possible pregnancy. FSH and LH levels decline while oestrogen levels stay moderate. Progesterone concentration increases, making it the dominant hormone here.
Oestrogen
Baseline oestrogen (oestradiol) levels are measured on 3 of the cycle. If you miss day 3, days 2 and 4 are also considered fine. This test informs how well your ovaries are performing.
In some cases, oestrogen may be tested during the mid-luteal phase (day 19-21). This testing is mainly done to evaluate luteal phase defects or confirm ovulation.
FSH and LH
In women, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are tested on day 3 of the cycle along with oestrogen to check for fertility. Their levels indicate how well ovaries are responding to brain signals.
In men, FSH and LH levels can be tested at any time of the day. But since they are mostly tested alongside testosterone, samples are collected in the morning.
Progesterone
Progesterone levels are tested during the mid-luteal phase, which is day 19-21. Or we can say 7 days after ovulation or 7 days before your period.
For this female hormone test, track ovulation by checking your basal body temperature, which is slightly higher at ovulation. Cervical mucus also becomes stretchy and thin during this time.
Women with unpredictable periods are advised to test every 7th day until their next periods start.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
AMH hormone test can be done at any time and any day because its levels stay stable throughout the month. AMH is an important fertility marker. Getting this female hormone blood test can assist in understanding fertility potential, ovarian function, suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and early menopause evaluation.
Testosterone
Testosterone test can be conducted on any day of the cycle, but it is preferably done early morning (7-11 am), as recommended by the European Association of Urology (EAU).
In most cases, both total testosterone and free testosterone levels are checked along with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) to get a full picture of serum testosterone concentration.
Cortisol
Cortisol levels are highest in the morning (between 8 and 9 am) so this is when they are tested, as recommended by NICE. They can be checked through blood, pee and spit sample any day of the cycle.
Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3 and T4)
According to experts, thyroid function tests (T3, T4, and TSH levels) should be done in the morning. This is because thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) follows a circadian rhythm, meaning its levels are highest in the morning and then drop throughout the day.
If you are taking thyroid dysfunction medications, they may impact your test results. So, talk about your medications with your healthcare provider before getting tested.
The best time to test for hormone levels in females
| Hormone | Best time to test |
| Oestrogen (oestradiol E2) | Day 3 for baseline ovarian reserve Day 19-21 for ovulation assessment |
| FSH and LH | Day 3 |
| Progesterone | Day 21 |
| AMH | Any time, any day of the cycle |
| Testosterone | Early morning, any day of the cycle |
| Thyroid hormone | Early morning, any day of the cycle |
| Cortisol | Early morning (8-9 am) |
The best time to test for hormone levels in males
| Hormone | Best time to test |
| Testosterone | Early morning (7-11 am) |
| FSH and LH | Any time of the day, but ideally in the morning with testosterone |
| Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) | Morning (consistent timing recommended) |
| Cortisol | Early morning (8-9 am) |
Why is timing important for hormone testing?
Hormone concentrations go up and down based on the day of your cycle, age and even time of the day. That is why accurate interpretation of hormone levels requires testing at the right time. Random testing can result in misleading results, causing misdiagnosis, stress and anxiety.
AMH test results, for example, will remain the same no matter which day of the month you have them done. But we can’t say the same about progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone as their levels keep fluctuating.
How to prepare for a hormone test?
Here is what you should do to prepare for a hormonal imbalance test:
- Some lab tests require fasting. Confirm with your provider whether your test has this requirement or not.
- Track your menstrual cycle carefully so you get tested on the right day.
- Supplements (especially biotin), hormone treatments, oral contraceptives and some other medications can interfere with lab results. If you are taking them, confirm with your provider whether you should discontinue them for the time being.
- If you use hormone therapy gel or cream, don’t apply it to the vein in the arm from which the blood sample will be collected.
- Stay hydrated to make blood withdrawal from the vein easier.
How do hormone blood tests work?
Hormone blood tests measure concentration of the requested hormone from your blood sample.
Your sample is collected by medical professionals. It is then treated with lab chemicals and analytical techniques that quantify hormone concentrations.
The results are compared to established reference ranges. If your levels are more or less than the normal range, you may have a hormonal problem.
How do I know if my hormones are off?
Unpleasant symptoms are often the first sign that your hormones may be out of balance. Here are the most common signs of a hormonal issue:
- Persistent acne
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Brain fog and inability to focus
- Mood swings and irritability
- Low sex drive or libido
- Sleep problems
- Excess hair growth on the face and body (in women)
- Menstrual irregularities; heavy periods, irregular periods or no periods (in women)
- Vaginal dryness (in women)
You can confirm a hormonal issue with a blood test and a GP consultation. Doctor will consider your hormone test results, symptoms, medical history, age, and life phase to get a clear picture of your hormonal health before diagnosis.
What are the benefits of hormone tests?
Identify the root cause of your symptoms: If you are experiencing certain health problems like irregular menstrual cycles and suspect a hormonal problem might be the culprit, a simple blood test can help you confirm this.
Early diagnosis: With regular hormone testing, you can diagnose and treat hormonal problem before it reaches an advanced stage.
Fertility management: You can take a closer look at your reproductive health and improve your chances or your partner’s chances of getting pregnant.
Menopause management: Hormone testing can help you manage the midlife transition. You can make better decisions about treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Improve hormone health: Regular testing can give you an overall idea of your hormone levels, allowing you to optimise your health.
Personalised treatment plan: Clinicians can review your serum hormone concentrations and design treatment plans that match your particular needs.
FAQs about testing hormone levels
Where can I get my testosterone checked?
You can get your testosterone levels checked at a laboratory. Alternatively, you can order a finger-prick test kit online, collect your sample from the comfort of your home and send it to the lab according to the provided instructions. In either case, you may receive your blood test results in approx. 2 days.
When to test testosterone?
You may be asked to test testosterone levels if you are experiencing any of these unwanted symptoms: low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, bone density reduction, and poor cognitive function.
When is the best time to test hormones for PCOS?
PCOS hormone testing is recommended on day 3 of the cycle. It usually involves checking testosterone, DHEA, oestradiol, LH, FSH, AMH, etc.
What is the best time to check hormone levels for fertility?
For female fertility, day 3 is the ideal time to test oestradiol, FSH, and LH concentrations. Check progesterone on day 19-21 and AMH on any day of the month.
And for male fertility, testosterone levels should be checked early morning.
Can I test my hormones while on birth control pills?
Birth control pills lower levels of reproductive hormones, like FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone. So, if you test these hormones while on pills, the results will reflect the effect of the medication, not your hormone balance. However, you can still accurately measure natural levels of non-cycle dependent hormones, such as TSH, T4, and AMH.
Takeaway
Hormone imbalance tests should be done at the right time for correct results and diagnosis. Female fertility hormones like LH, FSH and oestrogen should be measured on day 3 while progesterone should be tested on day 21 of the cycle.
Thyroid hormones, testosterone and cortisol stay stable throughout the month, but they peak in the morning. Hence, guidelines suggest testing them early in the morning regardless of the day of the month.
References
Allen, A.M., McRae-Clark, A.L., Carlson, S., Saladin, M.E., Gray, K.M., Wetherington, C.L., McKee, S.A. and Allen, S.S., 2016. Determining menstrual phase in human biobehavioral research: A review with recommendations. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 24(1), p.1.
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About the Author: Mike Kocsis
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and with his first-hand experience he has helped thousands of people suffering from low testosterone recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
Last update: February 12th, 2026
