Hormonal tests & Endocrine/Metabolic Tests: Complete Guide with Parameters, Normal Range & Cost

Hormonal tests are tests that are done to evaluate the functioning of glands like the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, and reproductive organs. These glands produce several hormones, which are useful for several body functions like metabolism and reproduction, etc. These tests are necessary for diagnosing metabolic disorders, infertility, growth issues, and bone health problems. These tests are most often done using blood samples and sometimes urine tests.

1. Thyroid Tests

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated on the front side of our neck. This gland releases thyroid hormones like T3 and T4, which are responsible for metabolism and several more body functions.

a) TSH, Free T3, Free T4

Parameter	Normal Range
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)	0.4 – 4.5 mIU/L
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)	2.3 – 4.2 pg/mL
Free T4 (Thyroxine)	0.8 – 2.0 ng/dL

· Why this test is done:Detects hypo- or hyperthyroidism
· Fasting required? No
· Report time: Same day – 24 hrs
· Cost: ₹500 – ₹1,000

b) Thyroid Antibodies (Anti-TPO, Anti-Tg)

• Purpose: To detect autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease.
• Normal Range: Negative (<35 IU/mL)
• Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,500

2. Reproductive Hormones

This Hormonal test is done to check the hormonal health of the body during cases like PCOS, irregular menstruation, and infertility.

a) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) & LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Parameter	Normal Range
FSH (Men)	1.5–12.4 mIU/mL
FSH (Women – follicular phase)	3.5–12.5 mIU/mL
LH (Men)	1.7 – 8.6 mIU/mL
1.7–8.6 mIU/mL	LH (Women—mid-cycle peak)

· Purpose: Fertility evaluation, PCOS, pituitary function.
· Fasting required? No
· Cost: ₹600–₹1,200 each

b) Estrogen & Progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone are both female hormones. Estrogen is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and progesterone, on the other hand, is responsible for pregnancy
• Purpose: Menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility
• Cost: ₹700 – ₹1,500 each

c) Testosterone

Testosterone is the male sex hormone produced by testicles. it plays an important role in bone and muscle development, hair growth, etc.
• Normal Range (Men): 300 – 1,000 ng/dL
• Normal Range (Women): 15–70 ng/dL
• Cost: ₹600 – ₹1,000

d) Prolactin

The prolactin hormone is released by the pituitary gland. It plays a major role in lactation and the production of milk in mammals.
• Purpose: High levels cause infertility, irregular periods, and galactorrhea.

• Normal Range: 4–25 ng/mL (women), 3–15 ng/mL (men)
• Cost: ₹500 – ₹800

e) AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone – fertility)

AMH is a hormone that plays an important role in fertility by indicating the number of a woman’s eggs remaining in the ovaries.
• Purpose: Ovarian reserve and fertility potential
• Normal Range: 1–4 ng/mL (women)
• Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000

3. Adrenal & Pituitary Tests

These hormones are necessary for metabolism, growth, energy, and stress response.

a) Cortisol (Morning/Evening)

Parameter	Normal Range
Morning (8 AM)	5 – 25 µg/dL
Evening (4 PM)	5–25 µg/dL

• Purpose: Detect adrenal insufficiency and Cushing’s syndrome.
• Fasting required? Yes (for accuracy).
• Cost: ₹500 – ₹1,000

b) ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone)

ACTH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
• Normal Range: 10 – 60 pg/mL • Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,500

c) Growth Hormone (GH) & IGF-1

• GH Normal Range: <5 ng/mL
• IGF-1 Normal Range: Age-dependent
• Purpose: Growth disorders in children/adults
• Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,200 each

4. Calcium & Bone Health

Hormonal tests related to bone health and vitamin D deficiency.

a) PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

Hormonal tests related to PTH. It is a hormone responsible for regulating calcium and phosphate levels in blood.
• Normal Range: 10–55 pg/mL
• Purpose: Detects calcium/bone metabolism issues and parathyroid disorders.
• Cost: ₹900 – ₹1,500

b) Vitamin D (25-hydroxy)

Vitamin D is measured by the blood test. It is very important to maintain bone health.
• Normal Range: 30 – 100 ng/mL
• Purpose: Bone strength, immunity
• Cost: ₹800 – ₹1,500

5. Insulin & Diabetes-Related Hormones (Metabolic Panel)

These Hormonal tests are crucial for detecting diabetes and insulin resistance.

Parameter	Normal Range	Purpose
Fasting Insulin	2 – 25 µIU/mL	Insulin resistance, diabetes risk
HbA1c	<5.7% (normal)	Long-term blood sugar control
C-peptide	0.5 – 2.0 ng/mL	Insulin production capacity

6. DHEA-S Hormonal test (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)

DHEA-S is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
• Purpose: Detects adrenal gland overactivity (common in PCOS)
• Normal Range: 35–430 µg/dL (age dependent)
• Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹1,800

7. Leptin & Ghrelin Hormonal test (Advanced Metabolic Hormones)

In these Hormonal tests, though, the major hormones leptin & ghrelin play a very important role in energy balance.
• Leptin: Regulates hunger & fat storage
• Ghrelin: Stimulates appetite
• Useful for obesity evaluation (not routine)
• Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500

8. Pediatric & Growth-Related Hormones

• IGF-BP3: Important for growth monitoring in children
• Cortisol stimulation tests: For suspected adrenal insufficiency
• Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000

Sample Collection Notes

• Hormonal tests are usually done in the morning for better results.
• Avoid stress, heavy exercise & steroids for accurate results.
• Women should ideally test on days 2–5 of the menstrual cycle for FSH, LH & AMH.

Key Points
• Hormone levels fluctuate based on time of day and menstrual cycle phase.
• Abnormal results must always be interpreted by an endocrinologist.

 💡💡💡 Looking for some more medical tests? You can also read our Medical Tests—Complete A to Z Guide (With 100+ Tests).