Laboratory tests for women
Sometimes you simply notice that something has changed
It is not always immediately clear what causes symptoms. Your period may be late, heavier or more painful. You may feel tired, weak or low in energy, lose more hair, notice weight changes, sleep poorly or experience hot flushes or other changes.
You may have no clear symptom but questions about your health: recurrent infections, unusual discharge, burning, pain, concerns after sexual contact, plans for pregnancy, pregnancy itself, an upcoming procedure or a wish to understand your health.
Laboratory tests can be part of an assessment and help the doctor understand what is happening. Not every woman needs the same tests. Investigations are chosen individually from symptoms, discussion, medical history and examination where needed.
Changes to periods
My period is late
A period arriving later than expected, or a change from a previously regular cycle, can have different causes. The doctor assesses whether further investigation is needed.
My periods have stopped
Age, previous cycles, medication, general health and other symptoms may all be relevant.
My periods are irregular
A cycle that is sometimes early and sometimes much later can be a reason for a wider assessment.
My periods are very heavy
Heavier or longer bleeding, or marked weakness afterwards, can have several causes. Heavy bleeding may contribute to anaemia or iron deficiency.
My periods are very painful
Severe cramps, lower abdominal pain or period pain limiting daily activity deserve attention. Laboratory tests do not always provide the answer; examination, ultrasound or other investigations may matter more.
I bleed between periods
Discuss bleeding between periods, after sex or a clear change in your usual pattern with a doctor. New bleeding after the menopause needs particular attention.
Tiredness, energy and other changes
I am constantly tired
Persistent fatigue, low energy, weakness, sleepiness, dizziness, breathlessness on exertion or palpitations can have different causes. Anaemia, deficiencies, thyroid or hormonal factors and other conditions may play a role. The doctor assesses which investigations suit your situation.
I have little energy
If you often feel exhausted despite rest or everyday activities become more difficult, discuss this with a doctor.
I often feel dizzy or have palpitations
Dizziness, weakness, breathlessness and palpitations can have various causes. Recurrent or worsening symptoms may need further assessment.
I am losing a lot of hair
Increased hair loss, changes to hair or skin and brittle nails may relate to deficiencies, hormonal changes, thyroid problems or other factors.
I have more acne or body hair
If these occur alongside period problems, weight changes or other symptoms, the doctor may recommend a broader assessment.
I am gaining weight without an obvious reason
Unexpected weight gain can be a reason to review your health more widely.
I struggle to lose weight
If weight barely changes despite your efforts, especially with other symptoms, consider discussing the overall situation.
I am losing weight unintentionally
Unintentional weight loss is also a reason to contact a doctor.
I think something is wrong with my thyroid
Feeling unusually cold or hot, sleepiness, irritability, fatigue, palpitations or weight changes may occur with altered thyroid function. Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose a thyroid condition.
I sleep badly or struggle to concentrate
Trouble falling asleep, frequent waking, difficulty concentrating, “brain fog”, reduced energy or mood changes have different possible causes. Discuss persistent symptoms or associated changes with a doctor.
Menopause and sexual health
I have hot flushes or night sweats
Hot flushes, night sweats, sleep or mood changes, vaginal dryness and changes to periods can occur during the menopausal transition. Experiences vary and not everyone needs laboratory testing.
Could this be perimenopause or menopause?
If periods become irregular or stop and you also notice hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, dryness or other changes, discuss them with a doctor.
My sex drive has changed
Changes in desire can involve hormonal, physical and emotional factors, medication and life stage.
I have unusual discharge, itching or burning
Changes in the amount, colour, smell or texture of vaginal discharge, itching, redness, irritation or burning have several possible causes. Laboratory investigation does not automatically mean blood tests: other samples may be appropriate.
My vaginal infections keep returning
Recurring or changing symptoms despite treatment may need reassessment. Microbiological testing, a swab or culture may sometimes be considered.
I have intimate pain or discomfort
Pain, irritation or painful sex may have several causes. The doctor selects appropriate investigation.
It burns when I pass urine
Burning, frequent urination, urgency, lower abdominal pain or recurrent urinary infections may require assessment. Urine may be used for laboratory testing.
My urinary infections keep returning
Discuss recurrent symptoms with a doctor. Urine tests, culture or other investigation may be appropriate.
I am worried about a sexually transmitted infection
A new partner, unprotected sex, a partner's infection, unusual discharge, burning, pain, bleeding after sex or concerns after sexual contact are reasons to discuss your situation. Some infections cause few or no clear symptoms for a time. Appropriate tests can be proposed where indicated.
I have a new partner and want to look after my health
You do not need to wait for symptoms to discuss sexual health. Questions about possible infections can be discussed during a consultation.
Pregnancy and other circumstances
I would like to become pregnant
You can discuss your cycle, health and other relevant factors. Any investigations are tailored to age, history, cycle and personal circumstances.
I am planning pregnancy
This is a useful time to review existing conditions, medication, previous pregnancies and other health factors. Extensive laboratory testing is not automatically necessary.
I am pregnant
Certain tests are carried out at particular times or for particular indications. The choice depends on the stage and course of pregnancy and your health.
I am having a procedure or operation
A doctor, surgeon or anaesthetist may request tests depending on the procedure, anaesthesia, age, existing conditions, medication and individual risk. Not every procedure needs the same tests.
I take medication and need monitoring
Some medicines require periodic laboratory monitoring. Your treating doctor determines whether and how often this is needed.
I have a long-term condition
Thyroid and metabolic conditions, anaemia, diabetes and other chronic conditions may require periodic checks according to diagnosis and treatment.
I bruise easily or bleed for longer
Unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding or other new changes may warrant further investigation.
I simply feel that something is different
You do not need to know a medical name. If your body, energy, wellbeing or daily functioning changes without an obvious reason, discuss it with a doctor. Not every concern needs laboratory tests, but they may be one part of assessment.
Laboratory investigation is more than blood tests
Samples may include blood, urine, vaginal or cervical material, swabs, material for culture or other microbiological samples. The appropriate sample depends on symptoms, history and assessment.
You do not have to choose the tests yourself
You do not need to diagnose yourself or select a laboratory package. Something useful for one person may be unnecessary for another. The doctor first discusses your situation and then assesses whether laboratory tests, gynaecological examination, ultrasound or other investigation is needed.
Sample collection in the Netherlands
The published page lists cooperation with RHMDC, Star-shl and Diagnostiek voor U. The available location and tests depend on the request, investigation and each organisation's conditions. Current collection arrangements must be confirmed before attending.
Questions?
If you recognise a situation described here, have a different concern or are unsure where to start, contact the team. You do not need to know which test you require beforehand. The telephone service is available Monday to Saturday, 09.00–18.00.