Advanced Well Woman Blood Profile
Our most detailed women's health screen, covering hormones, thyroid, vitamins, iron, cholesterol and organ function. Ideal if you want a comprehensive baseline or are investigating persistent symptoms like fatigue, weight changes or low mood.
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Results in 2-3 days
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How it works
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From £65
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Professional blood draw at a nearby partner clinic.
From £40
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Post your kit in any Royal Mail postbox with the pre-paid, tracked label.
Doctor-written report
Every Brooksby Medical result is written and reviewed by a GP. You’ll get plain-English explanations for each marker and clear next steps.
Dr James Coleman, MBChB, MRCGP
Founder & GP, Brooksby Medical
Every report is personally reviewed with clear, actionable advice.
Data secure • UKAS-accredited labs • Doctor-led care
What’s measured in this test
Each biomarker helps reveal insights into your health.
Active Vitamin B12
What is it?
Active Vitamin B12, also known as holotranscobalamin, measures the portion of vitamin B12 in your blood that your body can actually use. Unlike a total B12 test, this focuses specifically on the biologically available fraction, making it a more reliable early indicator of true B12 status.
Why is it measured?
It is measured to investigate symptoms such as persistent tiredness, difficulty concentrating, numbness or tingling, and low mood. It is especially useful for people following plant-based diets, those with digestive conditions, or anyone taking long-term acid-reducing medication.
What can high results mean?
A high result is most commonly seen after supplementation or B12 injections. Occasionally it may be associated with liver or kidney conditions.
What can low results mean?
A low result can indicate that your body is not absorbing or receiving enough B12. It is usually straightforward to correct with dietary changes, supplements, or injections.
What can affect the result?
Recent B12 supplements or injections
Plant-based or restrictive diets
Medications that reduce stomach acid
Digestive conditions affecting absorption
Basic Thyroid Function Profile
Basic Thyroid Profile
A basic thyroid profile checks the hormones that control metabolism and energy use, helping to identify underactive or overactive thyroid function.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate how much thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) the thyroid releases. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the pituitary increases TSH to stimulate the thyroid; when levels are high, it reduces TSH to slow activity. Very high or very low TSH usually indicates an underactive or overactive thyroid, though pituitary problems can also affect TSH.
Free Triiodothyronine (Free T3)
T3 is the more active of the two main thyroid hormones. Most circulating T3 is bound to protein, but this test measures the small unbound (free) portion that is available to regulate metabolism. Abnormal free T3 helps confirm whether the thyroid is working too quickly or too slowly.
Free Thyroxine (Free T4)
T4 is a key thyroid hormone that helps control metabolic rate and energy use. Most T4 in the blood is protein-bound; only the free, unbound T4 is active. Free T4 is less active than T3 but converts to T3 when needed, so measuring it gives an important indication of thyroid function.
C-reactive Protein (High Sensitivity)
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver when there is inflammation anywhere in the body. Levels rise with infection, injury, or chronic disease, but the test does not pinpoint where the inflammation is.
The high-sensitivity test (hs-CRP) detects very small increases that may reflect low-grade, persistent inflammation affecting blood vessels over time. Sustained low-level inflammation of this kind is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
CRP can also rise temporarily with acute problems (for example after an injury or during an infection) and usually falls again as healing occurs.
Folate
What is Folate?
Folate, or folic acid when taken as a supplement, is a type of B vitamin that helps your body make healthy red blood cells and DNA. It is found in leafy vegetables, beans, and fortified foods.
What a high result might mean
High folate levels are usually due to supplements or a diet rich in fortified foods. Sometimes they are checked further to make sure your vitamin B12 level is also normal.
What a low result might mean
A low folate level can come from a poor diet, alcohol use, or conditions that stop your body from absorbing vitamins. Low folate can lead to tiredness and anaemia. It usually improves with diet changes and folic acid tablets.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone
What is follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
FSH is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. It stimulates the ovaries to grow follicles, which contain eggs, and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
What a high result might mean
High FSH can mean the ovaries are not responding well, which happens naturally after menopause or earlier in conditions such as premature ovarian insufficiency. It can also rise after some medical treatments affecting the ovaries.
What a low result might mean
Low FSH can occur if the brain is not sending enough signals to the ovaries, often due to stress, significant weight loss, or excessive exercise. Hormonal contraception also lowers FSH levels while in use.
Full Blood Count
Full Blood Count
A full blood count (FBC) measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps identify anaemia, infection or inflammation, and clotting problems. For clarity, your results are grouped into Clotting Status, White Blood Cells, and Red Blood Cells.
Clotting Status
Platelet Count
Platelets are the blood's clotting cells. They are made in the bone marrow and, when bleeding occurs, they swell and clump to form a plug that stops bleeding and supports healing.
White Blood Cells
White Cell Count
White blood cells are the body's defence cells. They fight infection, respond to inflammation, and create antibodies and immune memory to help prevent reinfection.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells and act as first responders to infection. Low neutrophil levels increase the risk of illness and infection.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that target viruses and many bacteria. They include T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, and they produce antibodies and long-term immune memory.
Monocytes
Monocytes are white blood cells that engulf germs and clear dead or damaged cells from the bloodstream. Levels can rise in some long-term infections and certain blood disorders.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are white blood cells that help control parasitic infections and regulate inflammation. They also play an important role in allergies and asthma.
Basophils
Basophils are white blood cells that release chemicals such as histamine during allergic and inflammatory responses, particularly against allergens and some parasites.
Red Blood Cells
Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It shows how well oxygen is transported to your tissues.
Haematocrit
Haematocrit is the proportion of your blood made up of red blood cells. Low levels can indicate anaemia; high levels can suggest dehydration or other conditions.
Red Cell Count
Red blood cell count measures how many red blood cells you have. These cells carry oxygen from your lungs and return carbon dioxide to be exhaled.
MCV
Mean Corpuscular Volume is the average size of your red blood cells. High values can suggest vitamin B12 or folate deficiency; low values can suggest iron-deficiency anaemia.
MCH
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin is the average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell. It indicates how much oxygen each cell can carry.
MCHC
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration is the average concentration of haemoglobin inside red blood cells. Low values (hypochromia) help identify certain anaemias, such as iron deficiency.
RDW
Red Cell Distribution Width is the amount of variation in red blood cell size. High RDW can be an early indicator of developing anaemia or mixed nutrient deficiencies.
HbA1c
HbA1c
HbA1c (haemoglobin A1c, or glycated haemoglobin) reflects your average blood glucose over roughly three months. Glucose attaches to haemoglobin in red blood cells, and because these cells live for around 12–16 weeks, HbA1c provides a longer-term picture than a single glucose reading.
A raised HbA1c suggests diabetes or a higher risk of developing it. Persistently high glucose can affect lifespan and quality of life, contributing to heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, nerve and circulation issues. It can also influence mental health, and men with diabetes are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
Keeping your HbA1c within a healthy range lowers the risk of these complications and supports long-term wellbeing.
Iron Profile
Iron Profile
An iron profile assesses how your body transports, stores, and uses iron. These markers are best interpreted together to understand iron deficiency, overload, or changes linked to illness.
Iron
Iron forms part of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low iron can reduce oxygen delivery and cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Because serum iron fluctuates with diet, it's most useful alongside the other tests below.
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
TIBC reflects how much iron your blood can carry via transport proteins (mainly transferrin). High TIBC can suggest iron deficiency; lower values may occur with chronic illness or malnutrition.
Transferrin Saturation
This shows the percentage of transferrin that is loaded with iron. Low saturation may indicate iron deficiency; high saturation can suggest iron overload.
Ferritin
Ferritin indicates your stored iron. Low ferritin is an early sign of iron deficiency. Raised ferritin may occur with inflammation or iron overload.
Kidney Function Profile
Kidney Function Profile
A kidney function profile checks how well your kidneys filter waste and balance fluids. These markers are best interpreted together to understand current kidney health and whether further investigation is needed.
Urea
Urea is a waste product formed when the liver breaks down protein. It travels in the blood to the kidneys, which filter it into urine. Measuring urea helps assess kidney function (and can be influenced by liver function and hydration).
Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle activity. Because the kidneys remove it from the blood, its level is a reliable indicator of kidney function. High creatinine can suggest reduced kidney performance or dehydration.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
eGFR estimates how effectively your kidneys filter blood, based on age, sex, and creatinine. Lower eGFR suggests reduced kidney function; normal values indicate healthy filtration.
Lipid Profile
A Lipid Profile contains the following components:
Total Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential fat (lipid) in the body. Although it often gets a bad reputation, it plays several important roles:
• Builds and maintains cell membranes.
• Helps produce essential hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol.
• Supports vitamin D and bile-acid production.
Cholesterol is made in the liver and also comes from the food we eat. The two main components of total cholesterol are:
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – the “good” cholesterol that protects against heart disease.
• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – the “bad” cholesterol that, in high levels, can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Your total cholesterol result on its own is of limited value in assessing heart-disease risk. For example, a high HDL level can raise total cholesterol but actually be protective. Equally, you can have a normal total cholesterol with too little HDL. The balance between HDL and LDL is what matters most.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is a molecule made of lipids and proteins that transports cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to tissues throughout the body. Excess LDL cholesterol—often called “bad cholesterol”—can lead to fatty deposits building up inside artery walls, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol is divided into HDL (good) and non-HDL (harmful) cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol includes LDL as well as VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other particles that also carry fats and can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries. It is calculated by subtracting your HDL value from your total cholesterol and is considered a stronger marker of cardiovascular risk than total or LDL cholesterol alone. The recommended level of non-HDL cholesterol is below 4 mmol/L.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated in bile. This “good cholesterol” helps protect against heart disease by preventing the accumulation of harmful fats in blood vessels.
Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
The cholesterol / HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL level. It shows how much of your total cholesterol is protective (HDL) versus harmful (non-HDL). A lower ratio generally indicates a lower risk of heart disease and is one of the measures used in tools such as QRisk.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulate in your blood. After eating, your body converts excess calories—whether from fat or carbohydrates—into triglycerides for storage in fat cells, releasing them later for energy. High triglyceride levels can raise the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL cholesterol. Dietary changes, such as reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates, can often help lower triglyceride levels.
Liver Function Test
Liver Function Test
A liver function test (LFT) looks at enzymes and proteins made by the liver to assess liver cell health, bile flow, and protein production. Results help identify inflammation, bile duct blockage, alcohol-related injury, and nutritional or immune issues.
Liver Health
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down and their haemoglobin is recycled. The liver processes bilirubin for excretion via bile into the bowel. Raised levels can indicate liver problems or impaired bile flow.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
ALP is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. High ALP may reflect liver or gallbladder disease, or bone conditions affecting growth or turnover.
Alanine Transferase (ALT)
ALT is an enzyme mostly in liver cells. When the liver is inflamed or injured, ALT leaks into the bloodstream. Raised ALT can occur with fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced injury, or excess alcohol use.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
GGT is a liver enzyme that rises in many liver and bile duct disorders. Persistently high GGT is also associated with regular alcohol intake.
Proteins
Total Protein
Total protein is the combined level of albumin and globulins. These proteins help keep fluid within blood vessels, transport substances, and support immunity.
Albumin
Albumin is made in the liver. It maintains fluid balance in the bloodstream and transports hormones, nutrients, and medicines.
Globulin
Globulins are a group of proteins produced by the liver and immune system. Some transport substances such as metals, while immunoglobulins (antibodies) help defend against infection.
Luteinising Hormone
What is luteinising hormone (LH)
LH is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. It helps control the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation — the release of an egg from the ovary.
What a high result might mean
High LH levels are normal around ovulation or after menopause. In younger women, they can suggest polycystic ovary syndrome or, if both LH and FSH are high, reduced ovarian function.
What a low result might mean
Low LH may mean the brain is not sending enough signals to the ovaries, often due to stress, weight loss, or excessive exercise. Some medicines and hormone treatments can also lower LH levels.
Magnesium
Magnesium
Magnesium is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, wholemeal bread, brown rice, fish, and meat. It supports muscle and nerve function, helps maintain a steady heartbeat, and contributes to bone strength. Low levels can be associated with fatigue, muscle aches, irregular heartbeat, raised blood pressure, and may contribute to conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and diabetes. Excess exposure is uncommon but can cause breathing difficulties, skin or eye irritation, flu-like symptoms, and stomach upset.
Oestradiol
What is oestradiol
Oestradiol is the main form of oestrogen in the body. It is made mainly by the ovaries before menopause and helps control the menstrual cycle, fertility, and bone and heart health.
What a high result might mean
Levels naturally rise around ovulation and in pregnancy. Some medicines or hormone treatments can increase it. Ovarian cysts or, rarely, hormone-producing growths can also raise oestradiol.
What a low result might mean
Low levels are normal after menopause. In younger women, they can happen if the ovaries are not releasing eggs, after major stress, weight loss, or excessive exercise. They can also fall if the pituitary gland is not sending the right signals to the ovaries.
Uric Acid
Uric Acid
Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines occur naturally in all cells and are also present in many foods, particularly red meat, some fish, and alcohol.
Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, is filtered by the kidneys, and is excreted in urine.
High uric acid can occur if the body produces too much or the kidneys do not remove it efficiently. Excess uric acid may form sharp crystals in joints and tissues, leading to gout with sudden joint pain, redness, and swelling. Persistently raised levels are also linked with metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Low uric acid levels are uncommon and usually not a cause for concern, but can occasionally be related to certain medications or rare metabolic disorders.
Vitamin D
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that functions like a hormone. Its main roles are bone and muscle health (helping absorb calcium) and immune support. The majority is made in your skin when exposed to sunlight.
What does a High Result mean?
A higher than expected level usually indicates excessive supplementation. Very high levels can lead to excess calcium in the blood. This is reversible by stopping supplements.
What does a Low Result mean?
A low Vitamin D level is very common in the UK, especially during winter months or with limited sun exposure. Low levels can contribute to tiredness, aches, and long-term bone weakness. Treatment usually involves supplements.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Advanced Well Woman Check include?
Our most comprehensive women's health check, monitoring:
Female hormones - FSH, LH, Oestradiol
Thyroid function - TSH, FT4
Full Blood Count
Iron Profile - ferritin, iron, TIBC
Active B12 & Folate
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Lipid Profile - cholesterol
HbA1c - diabetes risk
hs-CRP - inflammation
Liver & Kidney function
Who is the Advanced Well Woman Check for?
Women seeking the most detailed picture of their health - investigating energy levels, hormonal balance, nutritional status, and long-term organ health. Ideal for comprehensive annual monitoring or investigating multiple symptoms.
When should I take this test?
For optimal hormone assessment, test on day 2–5 of your menstrual cycle. If you have irregular or absent periods, test at any time.
How should I prepare for the Advanced Well Woman Check?
Follow these steps:
Timing: Day 2–5 of cycle if possible
Avoid fatty foods for 8 hours
Be well: Avoid testing during illness
Hydrate: Drink water
Bring ID: Photo ID and confirmation
How will I receive my results?
Secure online results with a GP-written explanation from Brooksby Medical in 2–3 working days.
Related reading
Articles from our GP that relate to this test - explaining your results, what they mean, and when to take action.
THE BRIEFING
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