Women's health questions rarely sit in one box. Energy, periods, thyroid, iron, bones and heart health all interact, and they shift across the decades. The Platinum Health Blood Test Female is the widest women's panel in the BPR catalogue, with 63 markers in the LML list. This guide explains what it covers, how to prepare, and how to decide whether such a broad panel suits you.
What the Platinum Health Blood Test Female covers
Heart and lipids
A full cholesterol profile (total, LDL, HDL, non-HDL, triglycerides and ratios), plus apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A1 and their ratio. A consensus from the National Lipid Association explains that apoB reflects the total number of potentially harmful lipoprotein particles, and that when LDL cholesterol and apoB disagree, cardiovascular risk tends to follow apoB more closely (Soffer et al., 2024). The panel also includes high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), an inflammatory marker that adds information on cardiovascular risk (Ridker, 2016).
Blood sugar, liver, kidneys and minerals
HbA1c and fasting glucose; liver markers (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, bilirubin, albumin, globulin, total protein); kidney markers (urea, creatinine, eGFR and cystatin C); calcium, adjusted calcium, magnesium and urate; and creatine kinase, which the LML links to muscle health.
Blood count, iron and vitamins
A full blood count, iron with ferritin and binding capacity, vitamin B12, folate and vitamin D. For women who have periods, iron deserves particular attention: a review describes heavy menstrual bleeding as a major contributor to iron deficiency from the first period to the menopause (Munro et al., 2023).
Thyroid
TSH, free T4 and free T3, plus thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies. A review on hypothyroidism explains that chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is the most frequent cause where diet provides enough iodine, and that symptoms often appear gradually (Chaker et al., 2022). The LML notes that at least 1 in 8 women will have a thyroid problem during their lifetime.
Hormones
Oestradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, calculated free testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, DHEA sulphate and cortisol. The LML notes that hormones such as oestradiol, LH and FSH can give information about fertility and the menopause, so tell whoever reviews the results where you are in your cycle.
CA125
The panel includes CA125 (cancer antigen 125). It is worth understanding how this marker is used. NICE guidance on ovarian cancer uses CA125 together with an ultrasound scan and clinical assessment when ovarian cancer is suspected, rather than as a result read on its own. The NHS notes that ovarian cancer mostly affects women over 50 and that its symptoms, such as bloating, are not always obvious. A CA125 result is something to go through with a doctor, whatever the number.
Who it tends to suit
- women over 30 who want a broad baseline and plan to repeat the same panel over time;
- women who want thyroid, iron, vitamins and hormones looked at together;
- women with a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol who want apoB alongside standard lipids.
If your question is specific, such as iron or thyroid alone, a smaller test may answer it with fewer results to interpret. With 63 markers, the chance that one sits just outside a reference range is higher, so plan who will review the results with you.
How to prepare
- Fasting: the LML requires a fasting sample. Follow the instructions that come with your order.
- Cycle day: if you have periods, note the first day of your last period and share it with whoever reviews your hormone results.
- Timing: if you repeat the panel, keep the collection time similar, so the results are easier to compare.
