How long do blood tests for hormonal imbalances usually take?

[AlyTab]

On Tuesday I went to the doctors due to irregular periods as we are TTC. Got blood tests the same day and was told it would take about a week and they would contact me if something was wrong. I got a voicemail today to contact the receptionist at my GP. When I phoned up they told me that my doctor has prescribed iron and folic acid and wants to see me again next week (although they didn't have an appointment for next week so it's on the 12th).

My blood tests were mainly to check for excess male hormones and PCOS (testosterone and other androgens, prolactin levels etc.). I know different tests will be available at different times and I wasn't expecting them to come this early since they were only done on Tuesday.

Any idea how long blood tests checking hormone levels generally take? I'm just a bit confused as I was expecting it to be about a week like they said. Is it possible that they haven't done all blood tests yet? They took 4 vials I think. Or have they all been done in one day or would I need to speak to the doctor about it? Sorry for babbling I'm just so confused! This whole TTC thing is pretty stressful. Thank you :)

Most hormones are only tested every 1-2 weeks in most labs so they can take a while to come back. Androgens in particular can be tricky to measure so often take 2 weeks or more. Prolactin often needs special procedures to get an accurate measurement also.

However, if they run them on a Wednesday and yours were sent in on a Tuesday they might be back quicker if that makes sense! Or if it’s a lab in a hospital with a big endocrine department they’ll be done more quickly.

I had bloods taken yesterday and phoned GPs to see how long it would take. To my surprise she said she would try today nothing but she said she would expect tomorrow or day after, 11 tests in all incl some hormones so yes I would say they could be back.

My GP take 2 working days for blood for results

Oh sorry, to be clear (though it probably was) it was this Tuesday, so two days. I know that some blood tests are done quickly but I'm talking more about hormone levels, as mentioned by @Rinceoir, not just a FBC/standard blood test. Thank you :)

@AlyTab. Hey, I hope you got on ok, I was talking to you on the other thread. I got my results back today and had them done Tuesday x

@LookingAtTheStars89 yes how did you get on, hopefully everything's alright? I'll phone tomorrow to see if they're still doing tests or if I have to speak to the doctor about them since she wants to see me again.

Bump

Not sure what all mine where counted 11, FSH, kidney function, liver function, vitamin D, FBC, Thyroid, 8 were tick boxes, 3 were added on to form, but included tests for menopause and cancer. 2-3 days is what I was told today but have to see when they come in.

I guess I'm just surprised that they contacted me as early, I wasn't expecting them to phone at all tbh. Hopefully everything is fine but if it is I still don't know what's causing my irregular periods since the doctor thought that it could be PCOS. I guess I'll know the full results during the appointment.

Anyone with PCOS have relatively normal hormone levels but still have cysts? Hopefully nothing is wrong hormonally, just preparing for the worst I guess! :)