Hormone Health: GP Reviewed Information
Changes in hormones can affect energy, mood, sleep, weight, temperature control and reproductive health. This section of the AccessGP Knowledge Base explains key hormone topics that are often discussed in private GP consultations, what common hormone tests look for and how results are interpreted alongside symptoms.
What this hormone health section covers
This section includes GP reviewed summaries of common hormone related topics seen in primary care. The articles describe how hormone changes may present, which blood tests are sometimes considered and how GPs decide on the most appropriate next steps.
The topics include:
- thyroid hormone balance
- testosterone and men’s hormone health
- oestrogen and progesterone
- perimenopause and menopause
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- fertility related markers such as FSH, LH and AMH
- prolactin
- cortisol and adrenal hormones
Each article provides clear, non diagnostic information based on current clinical understanding.
Common reasons adults discuss hormone health with a GP
People may be advised to consider imaging when experiencing symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, chest symptoms, abdominal discomfort or unexplained findings on examination.
Imaging tests can support:
Adults may raise possible hormone issues when they notice changes such as:
- ongoing fatigue, low energy or “brain fog”
- weight gain or weight loss without clear explanation
- feeling unusually hot or cold, sweating or palpitations
- menstrual changes, irregular periods or heavy bleeding
- reduced libido, erectile difficulties or changes in muscle mass
- mood change around the menstrual cycle or midlife
- difficulty conceiving or concerns about fertility
- hair thinning, acne or excess facial hair
In private GP care, hormone concerns are usually explored through a detailed history, review of lifestyle factors and consideration of targeted blood tests where appropriate.
Types of hormone related tests and topics explained in this section
Below is an overview of the main hormone health areas covered.
Each has a dedicated article for more detail.
Thyroid hormone balance
Thyroid function tests, usually starting with TSH and often including free T4, help assess whether the thyroid gland is underactive or overactive. Symptoms can include tiredness, weight change, sensitivity to cold or heat, and mood changes. Thyroid blood tests are interpreted alongside symptoms and examination.
Testosterone and men’s hormone health
Testosterone testing may be considered when men report low energy, reduced libido, erectile difficulties, loss of muscle mass or reduced motivation. Results are always interpreted in the context of sleep, stress, weight, medicines, alcohol and other health conditions. Further assessment may involve repeat testing and discussion about lifestyle as well as wider hormone balance.
Oestrogen, progesterone and menstrual cycle hormones
Oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate naturally throughout the menstrual cycle and across a woman’s life course. GP assessment of cyclical mood change, heavy or irregular periods and PMS-type symptoms often focuses initially on the pattern of symptoms and contraception history. Blood tests such as FSH, LH and oestradiol may be considered in certain situations.
Fertility related hormones (FSH, LH, AMH and prolactin)
FSH and LH are pituitary hormones involved in ovulation and sperm production. AMH may be used as an ovarian reserve marker in certain fertility discussions. Prolactin can be checked when periods are absent or there is unexplained breast milk production. These tests are usually arranged in a structured way and often in collaboration with fertility specialists.
Cortisol and adrenal hormones
Cortisol helps regulate stress responses, energy and blood pressure. Adrenal hormone testing is less common in routine GP practice and is usually guided by specific symptoms and specialist advice. It is not routinely used to investigate general tiredness without other concerning features.
Areas of hormone health commonly discussed
Perimenopause and menopause
Perimenopause and menopause can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood change, cycle changes and joint pains. Diagnosis is usually based on age and symptoms rather than blood tests alone. A GP may discuss lifestyle measures, non hormonal options and, where appropriate, hormone replacement therapy, as well as when to consider blood tests.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common condition associated with irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth and weight gain in some women. Assessment may include history, examination, blood tests such as androgens, FSH, LH and sometimes ultrasound. Management often involves lifestyle advice and tailored treatment options.
Premenstrual symptoms and PMDD
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can cause symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness and headaches. In severe cases, symptoms may indicate premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Diagnosis is based on symptoms rather than blood tests. A GP may discuss cycle tracking, lifestyle strategies, medical options and when hormone treatments may be appropriate.
How a GP uses hormone tests in practice
Hormone tests are rarely the first step on their own. A GP will usually:
- take a detailed history of symptoms and timing
- review medicines, contraception and past medical history
- consider lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress and alcohol use
- perform a focused examination where appropriate
- decide whether targeted hormone blood tests are likely to change management
Results are then interpreted alongside this full clinical picture. It is common for GPs to repeat tests at specific times of day or points in the menstrual cycle, and sometimes to monitor trends over time rather than relying on a single result.
Linking hormone health to wider checks
Hormone concerns often overlap with other areas of health, for example:
- thyroid and weight, mood or heart health
- testosterone and men’s health, cardiovascular risk and mental health
- menopause and bone density or heart risk
- PCOS, metabolic health and blood sugar control
Where relevant, articles in this section link to other Knowledge Base hubs such as Blood Tests, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Heart Health and Mental Health to show how hormone issues interact with the rest of the body.
When to book a GP appointment about hormone health
Consider arranging a GP consultation if:
- you have ongoing symptoms that may relate to hormones
- you are worried about thyroid, testosterone or menopause but are unsure where to start
- you have had hormone blood tests and would like a GP to explain the results
- your periods have changed significantly or have stopped unexpectedly
- you are planning a pregnancy or have concerns about fertility
- you feel that hormone symptoms are affecting your day to day life
A private GP appointment allows time to explore your symptoms, decide whether hormone testing is appropriate and plan next steps in a personalised way.A private GP can review your concerns and help plan next steps.
If you would like to discuss hormone symptoms, review hormone blood tests or plan a wider health assessment, you can book an online GP appointment with AccessGP.
Last reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GMC registered GP
Updated: 7 December 2025