Hormone & Blood Tests: Markers, Reference Values & Scientific Basis
Hormone and blood tests measure messenger substances and organ values in the blood—such as TSH for the thyroid, cortisol as a stress hormone, testosterone, or the long-term blood sugar marker HbA1c. They provide a snapshot that depends on the time of day and—in women—the phase of the menstrual cycle, and are interpreted against established reference values. An abnormal value is an indication for preliminary evaluation, not a diagnosis, and should be assessed by a doctor.
What hormone and blood tests are about scientifically
Hormones are messenger substances that regulate many bodily functions—from metabolism and energy to stress, reproduction, and sleep. A hormone blood test measures the concentration of these messenger substances and additional organ values. Examples include the thyroid-regulating hormone TSH, the stress hormone cortisol, the sex hormone testosterone, and the long-term blood sugar marker HbA1c, which reflects the average blood sugar level over the past several weeks.
Unlike a genetic test, a hormone level shows the current state. Timing is important: cortisol follows a daily rhythm and is highest in the morning; some female hormone levels depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Standardized sampling conditions and interpretation against appropriate reference ranges are therefore essential.
This page explains which markers the mybody® Hormone and VitalCheck tests measure, which guidelines underpin the evaluation, how the sample is processed, and where the limitations lie. A common reason for testing is persistent fatigue, for which guidelines recommend a targeted, step-by-step evaluation [5].
Measured markers at a glance
| Marker | What it is | Why it matters | Reference/evaluation basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSH (if applicable, fT3, fT4) | Thyroid-regulating hormone from the pituitary gland. | Most sensitive initial marker of thyroid function. | ETA guideline 2013 [1] |
| HbA1c | “Long-term blood sugar”—average blood sugar over the last ~2–3 months. | Established marker of glucose metabolism. | WHO 2011 [2] |
| Testosterone (with SHBG) | The most important male sex hormone; SHBG binds sex hormones. | Relevant to energy, muscle function, and libido. | Endocrine Society 2018 [3] |
| Cortisol | Adrenal stress hormone with a daily rhythm. | Involved in the stress response, metabolism, and blood pressure. | Consider the time of day (highest levels in the morning) |
| PSA | Prostate-specific antigen in the blood (men). | Discussed for early detection—with benefits and risks. | USPSTF 2018 [4] |
| Organ & vital marker | Kidneys (creatinine, eGFR, cystatin C), liver (GGT, GPT), blood lipids, complete blood count. | Complete the picture of metabolism and organ function. | Laboratory reference ranges in the report |
The men's test includes 11 markers, while the women's test includes 16; the panels are compiled according to sex. Reference ranges vary depending on the laboratory, method, age, and sex; the report is authoritative.
The markers in detail
Thyroid: TSH, fT3, and fT4
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) controls the thyroid and is the most sensitive initial value: An elevated TSH may indicate an underactive thyroid, while a low value may indicate an overactive thyroid. The free thyroid hormones fT3 and fT4 provide additional context. The European Thyroid Association (ETA) describes in its guideline how subclinical hypothyroidism in particular should be classified [1]. A single TSH value is always assessed in context.
HbA1c: long-term blood glucose
The HbA1c value indicates what proportion of the red blood pigment is bound to sugar and thus reflects the average blood glucose level over the past few weeks. The WHO has recognized HbA1c as a criterion in diabetes diagnosis [2]. As a single value from a self-test, it provides guidance; a doctor makes the diagnosis of diabetes.
Testosterone and SHBG
Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone and is also present in women in small amounts. In men, it affects muscle mass, bone density, energy, mood, and libido. SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) binds some of the testosterone; only both values together show how much is biologically available.
Timing is important when assessing male testosterone: levels are highest in the morning, which is why testing should ideally take place before noon. The Endocrine Society recommends confirming a low testosterone level on a second morning and evaluating it only together with relevant symptoms—such as lack of drive, loss of libido, or muscle loss [3]. A single low value alone is not a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency and, by itself, does not justify hormone therapy.
Cortisol: the stress hormone with a daily rhythm
Cortisol is produced in the adrenal gland and follows a pronounced daily rhythm: levels are highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. The time of collection is therefore crucial for meaningful assessment. Cortisol is considered in the context of stress, metabolism, and blood pressure; abnormal values should be medically evaluated.
PSA: Benefits and limitations of early detection
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a blood protein produced by the prostate. An elevated level may, but does not necessarily, indicate prostate cancer—it can also increase with benign enlargement or inflammation. PSA screening is controversial: It can detect tumors early, but it can also lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) therefore recommends making an individual decision after receiving information about the benefits and risks [4]. A PSA self-test result does not replace this medical consultation.
Organ and vital markers
In addition, the tests measure kidney markers (creatinine, eGFR, cystatin C), liver markers (gamma-GT, GPT), blood lipids, and the complete blood count. They provide a more complete picture of metabolic and organ function and are evaluated against the reference ranges shown in the report. Individual slightly abnormal values are not automatically indicative of disease.
Perimenopause and the Menopause Check
During perimenopause, the hormonal balance changes: The ovaries produce less estrogen, while the regulatory hormone FSH increases. A Menopause Check measures values that are relevant during this stage of life. It is important to interpret them in accordance with the S3 guideline “Peri- and Postmenopause,” which states that menopause is assessed primarily based on symptoms and the course of the menstrual cycle, and that individual hormone levels can fluctuate considerably [8].
A blood test can provide guidance at this stage, but it does not replace a medical or gynecological assessment—especially because FSH and estradiol can fluctuate from day to day during the transition. Decisions such as whether to undergo hormone therapy belong in a medical consultation. Here, the test serves to determine your current status and prepare for a discussion.
Data protection, methodology & quality
Data protection & data processing: Protecting your data is our top priority. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), health data are among the special categories of personal data requiring particular protection (Art. 9 GDPR). At mybody®, they are processed for a specific purpose—exclusively to conduct and evaluate your test—and on the basis of your consent. They are not processed for other purposes without your consent.
Information security is organized according to ISO/IEC 27001, the internationally recognized standard for information security management systems. Your data is transmitted and stored in encrypted form. You have the rights of data subjects under the GDPR—in particular, the right to access, rectify, and delete your data. Details regarding retention periods, processing, and your rights are set out in the privacy policy.
The sample is collected at home as capillary blood from a fingertip (in some cases as dried blood). In the laboratory, hormones and organ values are measured using established laboratory medicine methods and interpreted against the reference ranges shown in the report.
For comparable results, standardized collection is important: cortisol and testosterone should ideally be measured in the morning, and the collection time should be recorded. Some metabolic values can also be affected by the last meal. Therefore, the preparation instructions in the test kit should be followed—this makes it easier to interpret the values later and compare them over time.
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1
Collect sample
Capillary blood collected at home via a fingertip prick (test kit including instructions).
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Return shipping
Free return shipping to the analysis laboratory.
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Laboratory analysis
Hormones and organ values measured using established methods.
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4
Evaluation
Interpretation against reference values and preparation of the test report.
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Result
Available in the online portal; 3–5 working days after receipt of the sample.
Laboratory & accreditation: The analyses are performed by the medical laboratory MVZ GANZIMMUN GmbH (Mainz), which is accredited according to DIN EN ISO 15189:2024 (DAkkS registration number D-ML-13151-01-00) [6]. The laboratory participates in external proficiency testing schemes (including INSTAND e.V., the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics/RfB, UK NEQAS, and ERNDIM). The term accredited (technical competence assessment by the German Accreditation Body, DAkkS) must be distinguished from certified (management system, e.g. ISO/IEC 27001) [7].
What these tests cannot do
- Not a diagnosis. An abnormal result is an indication for further assessment and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
- Timing matters. Cortisol depends on the time of day, and individual female hormone levels on the phase of the menstrual cycle. A single measurement is only a snapshot.
- PSA is not a reliable cancer test. An elevated PSA level can have many causes; early detection has benefits and risks and should be discussed with a doctor [4].
- Reference ranges are not individual. They apply to population groups and vary depending on the laboratory, method, age, and sex.
- When medical evaluation is necessary. Medical advice is essential if values are significantly abnormal, symptoms persist, in cases of a desire to have children, or before hormone therapy.
Frequently asked questions
What does a hormone blood test measure?
It determines messenger substances such as TSH, cortisol, and testosterone, as well as additional organ markers in the blood. The values show the current state and are compared with reference ranges. The result is intended for guidance and is not a medical diagnosis.
Why is the time of day important for cortisol?
Cortisol follows a daily rhythm and is highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. For a meaningful assessment, the sample collection time must be known. A sample collected at an unsuitable time can only be assessed to a limited extent.
What does the TSH level indicate about the thyroid?
TSH is the most sensitive initial marker: An elevated level may indicate an underactive thyroid, while a low level may indicate an overactive thyroid. fT3 and fT4 are often added for interpretation. An individual value is always assessed in the context of symptoms.
What does the HbA1c level mean?
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the past few weeks. It is an established criterion in glucose metabolism and diabetes diagnostics. As a self-test result, it provides guidance; the diagnosis is made by a doctor.
Is the PSA level a reliable test for prostate cancer?
No. An elevated PSA level can have many causes, including benign ones. PSA screening has benefits but can also lead to overdiagnosis. Expert committees recommend making an individual decision after receiving medical information.
Should women take the test at a specific time?
Some female hormone levels depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle. For cycle-dependent questions, the time of sample collection is important and should be recorded. Markers such as TSH or HbA1c are largely independent of this.
Does the test replace a visit to the doctor?
No. The evaluation is intended for guidance and initial assessment. If values are abnormal, you have symptoms, or before making a treatment decision, medical evaluation is decisive. The test can help prepare for a consultation but cannot replace it.
How does the test work, and how is my data protected?
The sample is collected at home as capillary blood from the fingertip and sent to the laboratory; analysis usually takes 3–5 business days. Processing complies with the GDPR, the information security management system is established in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001, and health data are transmitted in encrypted form.
Sources
- Pearce SHS et al. 2013 ETA Guideline: Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism. Eur Thyroid J 2013;2(4):215–228. PubMed
- World Health Organization. Use of Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. 2011 (Abbreviated Report of a WHO Consultation). PubMed
- Bhasin S et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018;103(5):1715–1744. PubMed
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Prostate Cancer: Recommendation Statement. JAMA 2018;319(18):1901–1913. PubMed
- DEGAM S3 Guideline “Fatigue,” AWMF Reg. No. 053-002, 2023 edition. register.awmf.org
- MVZ GANZIMMUN GmbH. Quality Management – Accreditation according to DIN EN ISO 15189:2024 (DAkkS D-ML-13151-01-00). ganzimmun.de
- DAkkS – Medical Laboratories / DIN EN ISO 15189 (Accreditation Explanation). dakks.de
- S3 Guideline “Peri- and Postmenopause – Diagnostics and Interventions,” AWMF Reg. No. 015-062. register.awmf.org
Related Hormone & Health Tests
Gender-specific panels of hormones and vital markers for men and women.
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