What does a high free androgen index mean?

It suggests more of your testosterone is active, because testosterone is raised, SHBG is low, or both. PCOS is the most common cause of excess hair growth in women, but a doctor will consider other causes alongside your symptoms.

Can I test for PCOS while on the pill?

You can, but the pill raises SHBG, which can lower the free androgen index, so results may not reflect your levels off the pill. Tell us what you take, and speak to your GP before stopping any contraception.

Is PCOS the same as PMOS?

Yes. The NHS now uses the name polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) for the condition previously called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Free Androgen Index Blood Test at Jace Medical

Hormones & fertility

Private blood test

Free Androgen Index Blood Test

Compares testosterone with SHBG to estimate active androgen levels, often used when assessing PCOS.

4 biomarkers
No fasting needed

£49Includes sample collection

Book this test Ask a question

We confirm your appointment and any preparation, such as fasting, before you attend.

What’s included

4 biomarkers in this test.

No fasting needed

Liver1

Enzymes and proteins that show how well your liver is working.

Albumin

Hormones & fertility3

Reproductive, stress and adrenal hormones.

Free Androgen Index
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Testosterone

About this test

Is the Free Androgen Index Blood Test right for you?

Who it’s for

You have symptoms that can be linked to PCOS (which the NHS now calls PMOS), such as irregular periods, acne, oily skin, or hair loss from your head.
You have thick, dark hair growing on your face, chest or back and want to check your male hormone levels.
You have been advised to check testosterone and SHBG together, for example to recheck a previous result.

What it can show

Total testosterone measures the main male hormone, which women also make in smaller amounts. In women, raised testosterone is one of the features doctors look for when considering PCOS.
SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) and albumin carry testosterone in the blood. Low SHBG, which can be seen with obesity, an underactive thyroid and PCOS, means more of your testosterone is active.
The free androgen index compares testosterone with SHBG to estimate how much testosterone is active. It can give a better picture than testosterone alone when SHBG is high or low.

What it can’t tell you

PCOS is diagnosed when you have at least 2 of its main features: irregular periods, signs of raised male hormones, or polycystic ovaries on a scan. A normal result does not rule out PCOS.
Hormonal contraception and HRT raise SHBG, which can lower the free androgen index, so results taken while you are using them may not reflect your usual levels.
Some medicines, including some epilepsy medicines and steroids, can cause excess hair growth or affect hormone results, so tell us what you take.
Sudden new hair growth on your face and body, a deepening voice or increasing muscle size need an urgent GP appointment.
Results need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment are with your GP or specialist.

How it works

From booking to results in three steps.

Step 1
Request your test
Send a booking request online or call us. We confirm your clinic, appointment time and any preparation.
Step 2
Visit the clinic
A short appointment for professional sample collection at Greysteel or Letterkenny. No GP referral needed.
Step 3
Receive your results
Usually within a couple of working days, emailed to you once a doctor has reviewed them.

Common questions

Questions about this test.

Testosterone is the main blood test for raised male hormones, often with SHBG and the free androgen index. Doctors may also check blood sugar and cholesterol, as PCOS is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.