Hormone Testing for Women in Singapore: The Complete Guide

When to See a Doctor

You do not have to wait until symptoms feel severe before seeking a hormonal assessment. You can see a doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• You have been trying to conceive for 6 to 12 months without success, or for 6 months if you are over 35.
• Your periods have become much more irregular, heavier, or have stopped altogether.
• You are experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, sleep disruption, fatigue, or low libido that are affecting your daily life.
• You are thinking about egg freezing and want to understand your ovarian reserve before deciding.
• You are under 40 and notice your periods are stopping. This could be a sign of premature ovarian insufficiency, which needs prompt assessment.
• Your direct-to-consumer or private test results have raised questions you are not sure how to interpret on your own.

A hormonal panel is just a starting point, not a final answer. Bring your results to your doctor so they can help you understand what they mean for you and your overall health.

Which Panel Do You Need?

The hormones you need to test depend on why you’re testing. No single panel fits everyone. Here is how you can get started:

• If you are trying to conceive, you will usually havetest AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol, prolactin, and TSH tested. It’s best to check these on days 2 to 5 of your cycle. You can test AMH on any day.
• If you suspect perimenopause or menopause, you may want to check FSH, LH, oestradiol, and TSH. Remember, no single test can confirm perimenopause.
• If you have irregular periods, possible PCOS, or unexplained symptoms, you will usually need a broader panel. This includes FSH, LH, oestradiol, prolactin, TSH, testosterone, and AMH. These tests help you and your doctor see the full hormonal picture.
• Before egg freezing, you will usually have antest AMH test andand have an antral follicle count. These are the two most important predictors of how your ovaries may respond.

In the sections below, you will learn what each hormone does, when to test it, and what your results mean for you.

The Hormone Explained

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)

AMH is produced by the small follicles in your ovaries and shows your remaining egg supply, also called your ovarian reserve. It is the most stable marker for ovarian reserve, and you can test it on any day of your cycle. AMH is useful in all three testing situations. It tells you how many eggs you have left if you are trying to havefor a baby, helps you decide when to freeze your eggs, and can drop in the years leading up tobefore menopause. AMH measures egg quantity, not quality. A normal or high AMH does not mean your eggs are chromosomally healthy. Your age is still the main factor for egg quality.

Normal AMH levels decline withranges go down as you age. The median AMH is about 3.3 ng/mL at age 25, 1.4 ng/mL at age 35, and 0.5 ng/mL at age 40. If your AMH is very high, above 3.5 ng/mL after age 35, it may be linked to PCOS and a higher risk of OHSS during fertility treatment.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

The pituitary gland produces FSH, which in turn promotes follicle development in the ovaries during each cycle. As the ovarian reserve decreases, the pituitary has to work harder and releases more FSH. An increased FSH level between days 2 and 5 of the cycle thus indicates a reduced ovarian reserve. FSH must always be interpreted alongsidewith estradiol, since a high estradiol levellevel of estradiol on day 3 can artificially suppress FSH and make the ovarian reserve appearseem better than it is. Clinical concern arises when FSH is above 10 mIU/mL on days 2 to 5. A single elevated value is not enough for a diagnosis because FSH levels varyvaries, and a repeat test carried out 4 to 6 weeks later provides important additional information.

LH  (Luteinising Hormone)

LH triggers the final maturation and release of your egg. The mid-cycle LH surge is what drives ovulation, usually occurringhappening 24 to 36 hours before your egg is released. You will often have LH tested on days 2 to 5 of your cycle, alongside FSH. If your LH: FSH ratio is above 2:1, it can be a key marker of PCOS. This ratio shows a hormonal imbalance that can disrupt ovulation. Testing your LH mid-cycle, using blood or urine, can confirm that ovulation is imminentabout to happen. This helps you time conception attempts or treatment.

E2 (Estradiol)

Estradiol is your main circulating oestrogen, made by developing follicles. On days 2 to 5 of your cycle, a normal estradiol level is below 60 pg/mL. If your level is higher, it can suppress FSH and make your ovarian reserve look better than it really is. Estradiol drops a lot at menopause. This can lead to hot flushes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and changes in your heart and blood vessels. If you have symptoms, low estradiol together with high FSH confirms that you are starting the menopausal transition.

Progesterone

Your body makes progesterone after ovulation, thanks to the corpus luteum. Progesterone prepares your uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. The main reason to test progesterone is to confirm ovulation. If your mid-luteal progesterone is between 16– 30 nmol/L, tested on day 21 of a 28-day cycle or about 7 days after ovulation, it confirms ovulation. A low result means you may not have ovulated or you may have a luteal phase defect. Both can be treated once found. Testing progesterone at other times in your cycle will not confirm ovulation.

Prolactin

Your pituitary gland producesmakes prolactin, which is primarily associated withmainly linked to breastfeeding. If your prolactin is high when you are not pregnant, it can suppress ovulation and cause irregular or missed periods. Prolactin can rise briefly after stress, exercise, or eating. For the most accurate result, have your blood drawn in the morning after fasting. If your level is above 25 ng/mL, you should repeat the test before making any decisions. If your prolactin stays high, especially above 100 ng/mL, your doctor will need to check for a pituitary cause.

TSH (Thyroid Function)

TSH controls how much thyroid hormone you make. Thyroid problems can cause symptoms that look just like other hormonal imbalances. These include fatigue, weight changes, irregular cycles, mood changes, and hair loss. If you are trying to conceive, your TSH should be between 0.4 and 2.5 mIU/L. This range is tighter than the usual reference range. If your TSH is above 4.0 mIU/L, you may have hypothyroidism, which should be treated before starting fertility treatment. You can test TSH on any day of your cycle. It is an important part of any full hormonal panel.

Testosterone

Testosterone is not just a male hormone. You also make it in your ovaries and adrenal glands. It helps support your libido, energy, mood, and muscle mass. When checking your hormones, testosterone matters most in three situations. First, if your testosterone is high and your LH: FSH ratio is also raised, this supports a diagnosis of PCOS. Second, low testosterone can cause reduced libido, tiredness, and low mood, especially during perimenopause and after menopause. Third, if your symptoms do not fit a clear hormonal pattern, your doctor may check testosterone as part of a full panel. Normal total testosterone in women ranges fromis about 0.3 to 2.4 nmol/L, thoughbut this can vary bydepending on the lab and test method.

Which Panel Do You Need?

Trying to Conceive

If you have been trying to conceive without success, or if you want to understand your fertility before you start, you will usually need a core panel of tests. These include AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol (measured on days 2 to 5 of your cycle), prolactin, and TSH. This panel helps you and your doctor assess your ovarian reserve, ovulation, and two common hormonal causes of unexplained infertility. If your partner has not had a semen analysis yet, you should both be tested at the same time. Male factors play a role in about half of all infertility cases.

Suspected Perimenopause

If your periods are irregular, your mood or sleep has changed, or you are having hot flushes in your 40s, you may want to consider a perimenopause panel. This usually includes FSH, LH, oestradiol, and TSH. If you are over 45 and have typical symptoms, NICE 2024 guidelines say you do not need a blood test. A clinical assessment is enough. Testing is most helpful if you are under 45, as it can help you and your doctor tell perimenopause apart from other causes of cycle changes.

Irregular Periods or Suspected PCOS

If your periods are irregular or you suspect PCOS, you will need a broader panel of tests. These usually include FSH, LH, oestradiol, prolactin, TSH, testosterone, and AMH. Sometimes, DHEAS and fasting insulin are also checked. Looking at your LH: FSH ratio, AMH, and testosterone together helps your doctor determinesee whether PCOS is the cause and whether insulin resistance is playing a role.

Pre-Egg-Freezing

If you are thinking about egg freezing, AMH is the key test to do first. It helps predict how your ovaries will respond to stimulation and can guide your timing. If your AMH is below 1.0 ng/mL, you may want to act sooner. If your AMH is above 3.5 ng/mL and you are over 35, your risk of OHSS is higher, so your doctor may adjust your treatment. An antral follicle count ultrasound also gives valuable information. Together, these tests give you the clearest picture of your ovarian reserve.

When to Test: The Section That Answers the Most Questions

Days 2 to 5 Tests

For most baseline hormone tests, days 2 to 5 of your menstrual cycle give the clearest results. Day 1 is the first day of full flow. You should test FSH, LH, and oestradiol during this window for a reliable baseline. If you test outside these days, FSH and LH levels can vary widelychange a lot and are harder to interpret.

Day 21 Progesterone

To confirm ovulation, you need a mid-luteal progesterone test. For a 28-day cycle, this is usually done on day 21. If your cycle is longer or shorter, aim to test about 7 days after you think you have ovulated, rather thannot just on a set calendar day.

Cycle-Independent Tests

You can test AMH, TSH, and prolactin on any day of your cycle. Their levels remainstay stable enough to providegive you accurate results at any time. If you are testing prolactin, try to have your blood drawn in the morning before you eat for the most reliable result.

Testing on Birth Control

If you use hormonal contraception like the pill, implant, or hormonal IUD, your FSH, LH, and oestradiol levels will be suppressed. Testing these hormones while on contraception will show the effect of the medication, not your natural baseline. If you want a true picture of your fertility or hormones, talk to your doctor about whether to test while on contraception or after a break. If you stop, wait for at least one or two full natural cycles before testing FSH and LH. You can test AMH and TSH while on contraception, but AMH may be slightly lower than your true baseline.

Testing with Irregular Cycles

If your cycles are irregular, timing your tests can be tricky, but you still have options. You can test AMH, TSH, and prolactin on any day, no matter how regular your cycle is. For FSH, LH, and oestradiol, your doctor might suggest testing on a random day and will interpret the results based on your situation. Sometimes, tracking ovulation can help find the best time to test. If you do not have a natural cycle, your doctor may use a provoked bleed to create a baseline before starting fertility treatment.

Reading Your Results

What “Normal Range” Actually Means

Every hormone test result comes with a reference range. But this range is not always what is best for you. Reference ranges are based on large groups of people. They show where most results fall, but not what is ideal for your body or your goals. If your result is within the range, it doesn’t always mean your hormones are working well for you. If your result is outside the range, it does not always mean something is wrong. This is why you should never rely on a single hormone result without context.

When a Single Result Is Not Enough

Some hormones requireneed repeat or paired testingtests before you can draw a conclusionconclude. For example, FSH changes a lot during your cycle. If you get a high result, you should confirm it with another test. Prolactin can rise with stress, food, or exercise. If your prolactin is high, repeat the test in the morning after fasting. Progesterone is only useful if you test it at the right time in your cycle. AMH is more helpful when considered alongsideyou look at it together with your antral follicle count. Most importantly, always review your results with a doctor who knows your full medical history. Do not rely on a reference range table alone.

Where to Get Tested

GP Clinics

Your GP is often the easiest place to start. They can order a full hormone panel for you, review your results, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Many GP clinics in Singapore offer same-day or next-day blood tests. You usually get your results within 3 to 7 working days. Costs are often lower than at specialist clinics.

Fertility Clinics

Fertility clinics, such as KKH, SGH, NUH, Raffles Fertility Centre, Virtus Fertility Centre, and Thomson Fertility Centre, offer comprehensive hormone panels as part of a full fertility assessment. A specialist will interpret your results based on your reproductive goals. Waiting times and costs can vary. If you choose a public clinic, you will need a polyclinic referral to get subsidised rates.

Menopause Clinics

Menopause clinics, such as KKH, SGH, Osler Health, and Aster Gynaecology, assess your hormone levelshormones as part of a comprehensivefull menopause evaluation. They also look at your bone health, heart risk, and psychological wellbeing. Your results are interpreted in the context of your overall health and menopausal transition, not just as numbers.

Direct-to-Consumer Kits and Their Limits

You can now find several direct-to-consumer hormone testing services in Singapore. You order a panel online, visit a collection centre, and get your results on a digital dashboard. These services are convenient and fast, but they have important limits. A DTC kit cannot replace a doctor’s interpretation. Seeing a number without context, cycle day information, or a medical assessment can be confusing or even worrying. If you use a DTC service, bring your results to your GP or a specialist. They can help you understand what the numbers mean for your symptoms, cycle history, and overall health.

What It Costs in Singapore

If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, you can get hormone testing at public hospitals like KKH, SGH, and NUH at subsidised rates. You will need a referral from a polyclinic. Consultation fees start from around SGD $45, and each hormone test is billed separately at subsidised rates. You may need to wait a few weeks for an appointment, as public hospitals are usually busier than private clinics.

You can also choose a private GP clinic or health screening lab for faster access. You do not need a referral. Most results are ready in 2 to 7 working days, depending on the test and the lab.

Bundled panels usually give you better value than ordering individual tests. It is also helpful to include a consultation so that you can understand your results in context.

MediSave

You cannot use MediSave for standalone outpatient hormone tests or routine hormonal panels. If your hormone testing is part of a fertility treatment cycle at an MOH-approved clinic, you may be able to use MediSave for part of the cost. Always check with your clinic to confirm what is covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

References: 

1. Aslan, K., Kasapoglu, I., Kosan, B., Tunali, A., Tellioglu, I., & Uncu, G. (2025). Age-stratified anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) nomogram: A comprehensive cohort study including 22.920 women. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 16, 1612194. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1612194 
2. Female Hormonal Test Singapore | Hormone Panel From $220. (n.d.). Regis Medical. Retrieved 16 September 2026, from https://regismedical.com/gp-clinic-singapore/female-hormonal-test/ 
3. NICE. (2015, November 12). Overview | Menopause: Identification and management | Guidance | NICE. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23 
4. Recommendations From the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | Oxford Academic. (n.d.). Retrieved 21 July 2026, from https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/108/10/2447/7242360 

Anna Haotanto

Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.