All your questions answered.  In one place.

Your results will typically be available within 5–7 days and will be shared with you clearly and in full by our Althea Women's Health team. We do not simply hand you a list of numbers — we explain exactly what your results mean, flag anything that needs attention, and work with you to create a personalised plan, whether that involves dietary changes, supplementation, lifestyle guidance, or further investigation. At Althea, your results are always the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one.

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The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months, helping to identify prediabetes or diabetes at an early and highly manageable stage. The Lipid Profile assesses your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, providing a clear picture of your cardiovascular health and long-term heart disease risk. For women especially, these markers are often overlooked until symptoms appear — catching them early through routine screening is one of the most impactful things you can do for your future health.

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Women are particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies that often go undetected for years, quietly affecting energy levels, mood, immunity, bone health, and fertility. Low Vitamin D and iron stores are among the most common findings we see at Althea, and the symptoms — fatigue, hair loss, low mood, and frequent illness — are frequently dismissed or attributed to a busy lifestyle. Testing puts you in the picture so deficiencies can be identified and corrected swiftly and effectively.

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If you are looking for a broad health MOT to check your blood count, cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney and liver health, the General Health Package is an excellent starting point. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as extreme tiredness, poor concentration, low mood, or tingling in your hands and feet — or if you are trying to conceive — the Nutritional Health Package is likely the better fit as it additionally screens for B12 and folate deficiencies which are among the most commonly missed causes of these symptoms in women.

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Both packages include a Full Blood Count, Ferritin, Vitamin D, HbA1c, Lipid Profile, Kidney Function (U&E), and Liver Function Tests (LFT), giving you a thorough overview of your general health and vital organ function. The Nutritional Health Package goes a step further by also including Vitamin B12 and Folate, making it the ideal choice if you are concerned about fatigue, low energy, brain fog, or are planning a pregnancy where folate levels are particularly important.

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Yes- we provide detailed assessment of your fertility with blood tests and ultrasound scan

A consultant-performed scan with specialist gynaecological focus often reveals issues that standard imaging may not. There can be other reasons for pain that cannot be seen on a scan.

Specialist ultrasound can detect many forms of endometriosis that routine scans can miss.

No — you can self-refer directly.

You will receive explanation and guidance on next steps.

Yes — this is a diagnostic clinical service.

A consultant gynaecologist with expertise or an experienced sonographer and you can choose depending upon your need.

From 6 weeks — earlier scans often cause unnecessary worry.

Yes — with your consent, a detailed report can be shared with your healthcare provider.

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Approximately 30 minutes, allowing time for careful assessment and full explanation.

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Yes- we can do a early viability or reasurance scan if you are pregnant.

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No. You can self-refer directly for a private recurrent miscarriage scan.

It can help if obvious problem is identified on the scan. You can seek consultation and tests at Althea before conceiving again.

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Yes. You will be given a clear explanation and individual management plan, including guidance on further investigations or treatment options.

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Yes. A dedicated recurrent miscarriage scan uses 3-D scan and specialist interpretation that standard scans do not provide. If you have had recurrent miscarriages, the 3-D scan is best done when you are not pregnant.

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Specialist consultant-led ultrasound can detect structural uterine causes that may be missed on routine scans.

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It assesses for:

• Uterine shape abnormalities (e.g. septum, bicornuate uterus)
  
• Fibroids or polyps affecting the womb cavity
  
• Signs of adenomyosis
  
• Endometrial thickness and quality
  
• Ovarian health and cysts
  
• Features suggestive of endometriosis

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Ideally between day 5–10 of your menstrual cycle, when the womb lining is thin and abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids are easier to detect.

A recurrent miscarriage scan is a specialist ultrasound assessment designed for women who have experienced two or more pregnancy losses. It evaluates the uterus, ovaries and pelvic anatomy to identify conditions that may contribute to miscarriage.

Yes in terms of 

• reducing wait times
• consultant-led interpretation
• Immediate explanation and guidance
• No waiting lists

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When performed by a consultant gynaecologist or a sonographer with experience, early pregnancy scans are accurate and help to provide expert opinion.

Yes. Bleeding is common and often harmless, but is best assessed with an ultrasound scan by a specialist. if you are bleeding heavily or in severe pain, we would recommend you to seek emergency care at the hospital.

An early pregnancy scan can:

• Confirm the pregnancy is in the womb
  
• Detect a heartbeat
  
• Estimate gestational age *
  
• Identify causes of bleeding or pain
• Exclude ectopic pregnancy

* However you will require the dating scan in the NHS as routine. this scan will NOT replace a dating scan

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The ideal time is from 6 weeks onwards. Before this, it is often too early to see a heartbeat, which can cause unnecessary worry.

No. It will take some time for the lab to analyse your sample. We will inform you when the results are ready - typically 10-14 days

Yes. You will receive a full explanation during your appointment —and a digital report.

It may feel slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful. You are in control throughout the scan.
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If you cannot tolerate internal transvaginal scans, please inform us before hand as there are limitations with transabdominal scans and you will need a full bladder for it.

Heavy periods are commonly caused by:

• Fibroids
  
• Polyps
• Adenomyosis
• Hormonal imbalance

Ultrasound helps identify the underlying cause.

Specialist gynaecological ultrasound can detect signs of endometriosis that routine scans can miss.

A gynaecology scan assesses the womb, ovaries and pelvis to investigate:

• Heavy or irregular periods
  
• Pelvic pain
  
• Fertility problems
  
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Check for endometrial thickness and polyps
• Check reasons for unscheduled bleeding whilst on HRT

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