What is the HRT Panel?

The HRT Panel (Hormone Replacement Therapy Panel) is a specialised blood test designed to evaluate hormone levels and monitor individuals receiving hormone replacement therapy. Hormone therapy is commonly used to manage menopause symptoms, hormonal deficiencies, endocrine disorders and age-related hormonal decline.

Hormones influence nearly every physiological system in the body including metabolism, mood, energy levels, cardiovascular health, bone density and reproductive function. Because hormone therapy can affect multiple biological pathways, careful monitoring is necessary to ensure optimal hormone balance while minimising potential risks.

This panel evaluates sex hormones, pituitary signalling hormones, thyroid function, metabolic health, cardiovascular markers, liver function and nutrient status. Together, these biomarkers provide clinicians with a comprehensive view of endocrine health and treatment effectiveness.

Biomarkers Included in the HRT Panel

Haematology – Full Blood Count (FBC)

The full blood count evaluates oxygen transport, immune health and blood cell production.

Includes:

• Haemoglobin (Hb)

• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

• White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

• Platelet Count (PLT)

• Haematocrit Level (HCT)

• Mean Cell Volume (MCV)

• Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH)

• Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

• Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)

• Neutrophils

• Lymphocytes

• Monocytes

• Eosinophils

• Basophils

Sex Hormones

These biomarkers evaluate reproductive hormone balance and endocrine regulation.

• Oestradiol (E2)

• Progesterone

• Testosterone (Total)

• Free Testosterone (calculated)

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

• Free Androgen Index (calculated)

Pituitary Hormones

These hormones regulate ovarian and testicular hormone production.

• Luteinising Hormone (LH)

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Prolactin

Thyroid Function

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, body temperature and energy production.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

• Free T4

• Free T3

Inflammation Marker

• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)

This marker evaluates systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Lipid Profile (Cardiovascular Risk)

• Total Cholesterol

• HDL Cholesterol

• LDL Cholesterol

• Non-HDL Cholesterol

• Total Cholesterol : HDL Ratio

Hormone therapy can influence cholesterol levels, making lipid monitoring important.

Liver Function Tests (LFT)

These biomarkers evaluate liver metabolism and hormone processing.

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

• Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)

• Bilirubin

• Albumin

Kidney Function

• Creatinine

• eGFR

• Urea

These markers assess kidney filtration and metabolic waste removal.

Metabolic Health

Fasting Glucose

These biomarkers evaluate blood sugar regulation and metabolic risk.

Vitamins & Nutrients

Vitamin D

Vitamin B12

Folate

These nutrients are essential for hormone balance, neurological health and immune function.

Iron Status

Ferritin

Iron Studies

1. Iron levels influence oxygen transport, fatigue and overall metabolic health.
2. Why do I need an HRT blood test?
3. Hormone replacement therapy can significantly improve quality of life when hormones become imbalanced due to menopause, endocrine disorders or ageing. However, hormone therapy must be carefully monitored to ensure that hormone levels remain within safe and effective ranges.
4. The HRT Panel helps clinicians assess whether hormone therapy is working as intended and ensures that hormone levels are neither too low nor excessively elevated. It also monitors metabolic and cardiovascular markers that can be influenced by hormone therapy.
5. Hormone imbalances may cause a wide range of symptoms affecting physical and mental wellbeing.
6. Common symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance include:
1. 1. Hot flashes and night sweats
2. 1. Irregular menstrual cycles
3. 1. Low libido
4. 1. Mood swings or anxiety
5. 1. Fatigue and low energy
6. 1. Sleep disturbances
7. 1. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
8. 1. Brain fog or memory issues
9. 1. Hair thinning or skin changes
10. 1. Reduced muscle mass
11. 1. Decreased bone density risk
7. Monitoring biomarkers such as oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone, SHBG and pituitary hormones allows clinicians to tailor therapy for optimal symptom control while minimising risks.
8. In addition, markers such as cholesterol, liver enzymes and inflammation markers help monitor overall health during hormone therapy.
9. Benefits of the HRT Panel
10. 1. Accurate hormone monitoring
    The test measures key reproductive hormones to ensure HRT dosing remains balanced.
11. 2. Personalised treatment adjustments
    Results allow clinicians to optimise hormone therapy for better symptom control.
12. 3. Cardiovascular risk monitoring
    Lipid markers help track cholesterol levels which can be affected by hormone therapy.
13. 4. Thyroid health evaluation
    Thyroid hormones are closely linked with reproductive hormone balance.
14. 5. Liver function monitoring
    The liver metabolises hormones, making liver health important during HRT.
15. 6. Metabolic health assessment
    Glucose and HbA1c evaluate blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.
16. 7. Nutritional status evaluation
    Vitamin and mineral markers help identify deficiencies that may worsen fatigue or hormonal symptoms.
17. 8. Whole-body health overview
    By combining hormonal, metabolic and organ function markers, the panel provides a comprehensive view of health during hormone therapy.

Step by Step

We offer two convenient ways to take this test anywhere in the UK.

Option 1 – Visit a Clinic

• Choose your nearest UK clinic when booking

• Attend the appointment

• A trained healthcare professional collects your blood sample

• Samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis

• Results are delivered securely

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Visit

For £60 extra, a trained phlebotomist can visit your location.

• Book online

• A phlebotomist travels to your home, office or hotel

• Your blood sample is collected safely and professionally

• No need to travel

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Results Explained

Low Levels

Low hormone levels may indicate endocrine imbalance or inadequate hormone therapy.

Examples include:

• Oestradiol: low levels may cause menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes.

• Progesterone: low levels may affect sleep and menstrual cycle balance.

• Testosterone: low levels may cause fatigue, low libido and reduced muscle mass.

• Vitamin D: deficiency below ~25 nmol/L may affect bone health.

• Ferritin: low levels may contribute to fatigue and anaemia.

Normal Levels

Normal hormone and metabolic levels indicate balanced endocrine function.

Typical UK reference examples include:

• TSH: 0.4 – 4.0 mIU/L

• HbA1c: below 42 mmol/mol

• Vitamin D: 50–125 nmol/L

• CRP: below 3 mg/L

• LDL Cholesterol: ideally below 3 mmol/L

Maintaining optimal levels helps support metabolic health, cardiovascular protection and hormonal balance.

High Levels

Elevated biomarkers may indicate excessive hormone exposure or metabolic changes.

Examples include:

• Oestradiol: excessively high levels may increase risk of hormonal side effects.

• Prolactin: elevated levels may affect reproductive hormone balance.

• Cholesterol markers: elevated levels may increase cardiovascular risk.

• ALT or AST: high levels may indicate liver stress.

• CRP: elevated levels may indicate systemic inflammation.

Further clinical evaluation may be recommended if abnormalities are detected.