What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. It typically combines two or more of: irregular or absent periods, higher-than-typical androgen (male hormone) levels causing symptoms such as acne or unwanted hair growth, and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance, which is why this blood test includes both hormonal and metabolic markers.
Why is the panel so comprehensive?
PCOS is a syndrome, not a single test. UK and international guidance (RCOG, AE-PCOS Society, ESHRE) requires assessing reproductive hormones, androgen balance, thyroid function, adrenal contribution and metabolic health together to make or rule out the diagnosis. A single hormone in isolation cannot diagnose PCOS - the picture is built from the pattern across all 14 markers.
How quickly do I get my results?
Most results are returned within 2 to 5 working days. If a specific test takes longer, you will be informed in advance.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book online, in person at the clinic, or add the PCOS panel during a GP consultation at KONCEPT®. The doctor reviews each request for clinical appropriateness before the blood draw.
When in my cycle should the test be taken?
Ideally on day 2 to 5 of your menstrual cycle, as this is when FSH, LH and oestradiol are most informative. If your periods are very irregular or absent, the doctor will guide you on the best timing at booking. AMH is stable across the cycle and does not require a specific day.
How should I prepare?
Fast for 8 to 12 hours before the appointment (water only) because the panel includes fasting glucose and fasting insulin. Stay well hydrated. If you take biotin supplements, stop 48 to 72 hours before the test as biotin interferes with several lab assays. Mention any hormonal contraception, fertility medication or PCOS treatment you are on so the doctor can interpret your results correctly.
Will the doctor explain my results?
All tests are reviewed before and after the test by one of our GMC-registered doctors. A short outcome note with a next-step plan is sent to your email, password-protected. If results are normal, no further action is needed. If anything requires attention, the doctor will recommend a follow-up GP consultation - either with your NHS GP or with one of our GPs at KONCEPT® (a £149 consultation fee applies if you choose KONCEPT®).
What is the £39 administration fee?
A single administration fee charged once per visit, never per test, regardless of how many tests are in the basket. The all-in PCOS panel price of £338 already includes it.
Will this panel diagnose PCOS by itself?
Not on its own. PCOS diagnosis requires combining blood test results with your symptoms, menstrual history, examination findings, and sometimes a pelvic ultrasound. This panel provides the hormonal and metabolic picture, and the diagnosis is made by the doctor putting that picture together with the rest of your clinical context.
Do you share my results with my NHS GP?
Only with your written consent. We can send a clinical summary to your NHS GP for coordinated long-term care, including any further fertility or endocrinology referrals.
Where is the clinic?
46 to 48 Wood Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1UW. KONCEPT® Medical Clinic is located opposite Kingston station. Parking nearby at the Bentall Centre.
How does the KONCEPT PCOS blood test compare with online home-kit packages?
Home-kit PCOS panels post a finger-prick kit and return an algorithm-generated PDF. PCOS is diagnosed against the Rotterdam criteria, which combines hormonal pattern, clinical features and (often) ultrasound, and finger-prick samples cannot reliably measure SHBG, AMH, 17-OHP or fasting insulin. At KONCEPT® the sample is a venous draw in our Kingston clinic and the panel covers all 14 PCOS markers including SHBG, AMH and 17-OHP. The result is reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor, and you receive a short outcome note by secure password-protected email. The outcome is either "normal, no follow-up needed" or "GP review recommended". The doctor review and outcome note are included in the £338 panel price. If a GP review is recommended, it is a separate booking: your NHS GP at no NHS charge, or a KONCEPT® GP consultation at £149. For GP-led PCOS advice from the outset, the Wellwomen Check (£399) is the GP-led consultation pathway. See the three-tier section and comparison table above for the full side-by-side.
How does the KONCEPT PCOS panel complement my NHS care?
The NHS is the right route for many patients with PCOS, and we work alongside it. KONCEPT® complements your NHS care for patients who would prefer a more comprehensive single-visit panel and an extended doctor-led review. The panel covers all 14 markers used for Rotterdam-criteria assessment, including SHBG, free androgen index, AMH, 17-OHP and fasting insulin, which under NHS guidance are typically accessed via onward specialist referral when clinically indicated. With your written consent we share a clinical summary with your NHS GP so the result is added to your NHS record alongside your ongoing care.
