Women’s Health Tests

CERVICAL SCREENING (SMEAR TEST)

A cervical screening test checks for changes in the cells of your cervix (the neck of the womb) that may, if not treated, develop into cervical cancer.

A smear test isn’t a test for cancer. Its aim is to check for any abnormal changes in the cells in the cervix that could lead to cancer development.  

It’s important to remember that this test is for women who don’t have any symptoms of cervical cancer. If you have any symptoms you are worried about, like unusual bleeding or discharge or pain, see one of our Women’s Health specialists.

FEMALE HORMONE CHECK BLOOD TESTS

Hormonal imbalances should be checked if you are planning a family and want to check reproductive hormones but also if you suffer from the following conditions: heavy, irregular, scanty or absent periods, acne or weight gain.

Our women’s health specialists might offer these tests if you have symptoms that might be related to a hormone imbalance.

By measuring FSH, LH, prolactin and oestradiol on day 3 of your cycle (3 days after the start of your period) these tests help to assess whether any hormonal issues may be affecting your ovulation.

Please note: if a patient takes hormones for contraception or hormone replacement therapy it will influence test results. 

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is important for women in the production of eggs by the ovaries.

Luteinising Hormone (LH) is important for female fertility. It governs the menstrual cycle and it peaks before ovulation.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is also produced in smaller amounts in the ovaries of women. It is responsible for energy, mood, sexual function as well as muscle and bone strength. In women, raised testosterone can result in body hair, greater bulk, a deeper voice and acne – all symptoms of polycystic ovaries.

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) binds with certain hormones that means that they are unavailable to cells. Level of SHBG in blood gives important information about your levels of ‘free’ biologically active or unbound hormones If person’s SHBG levels are imbalanced it can cause either high or low levels of testosterone and oestradiol.

Oestradiol is a type of oestrogen that is the main female sex hormone. It is critical for egg production, protects against bone loss and helps regulate cholesterol levels. With increasing age, oestradiol levels fall so low levels can be an indication of menopause. Imbalanced oestrogen can cause irregular periods, general fatigue, headaches, hot flushes, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, low libido, and worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid disease causes hormonal imbalances that can lead to symptoms like weight gain or loss, fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep problems.

Free thyroxine (FT4) test is used to help evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It is usually advised after discovering that the TSH level is abnormal.

Prolactin is important for both male and female reproductive health. Its primary purpose is to stimulate milk production after childbirth. High levels in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding can indicate fertility problems and irregular periods.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by granulosa cells of growing follicles in the ovaries. AMH levels can help to assess ovarian egg reserve, in other words, it defines the quantity but not the quality of follicles in the ovaries. It can also be used as a PCOS marker. The ovarian reserve is a strong indicator of the infertility treatment outcome.

Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (bHCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy and can be detected in the blood. A bHCG test is a blood test commonly used to detect pregnancy and usually becomes positive at the time of the first missed menstrual cycle.

BLOOD TESTS

Various blood tests can be used to assess the general state of patient’s health, check for infections, detect diseases of certain organs such as kidneys, liver etc. They can also be used to screen genetic conditions.

Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete and are carried out by a nurse or phlebotomist in our specially designed facilities at Northway Clinic. Your doctor will prescribe required tests according to your symptoms. You will be advised if your tests require special preparation.

URINE TESTS 

Your doctor might request a urine test to help diagnose and treat a range of conditions including kidney disorders, liver problems, diabetes and some infections. This test is also used to test for pregnancy.

Urine can be tested for particular proteins, sugars, hormones or other chemicals, certain bacteria and its acidity or alkalinity.