Dengue Fever in Kolkata: Symptoms, Tests & Blood Collection

Everything you need to know about dengue fever — warning signs, the right blood tests to confirm it, prices in Kolkata, and how to book a same-day home sample collection near you.

NABL Accredited Lab Home Sample Collection Same Day Reports North & Central Kolkata

What Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which typically bites during the day. It is extremely common during and after the monsoon season in Kolkata, when stagnant water creates ideal mosquito breeding grounds in localities across North and Central Kolkata. Dengue can range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe condition involving bleeding, plasma leakage, and a dangerous drop in platelet count, which is why early blood testing is so important.

Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue symptoms usually appear 4–10 days after a mosquito bite and can be mistaken for typhoid, malaria, or a common viral fever. Watch out for:

• Sudden high-grade fever (often 102–104°F)
• Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
• Joint, muscle, and bone pain ("breakbone fever")
• Skin rash appearing 2–5 days after fever onset
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Mild bleeding — nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Fatigue and low platelet count on blood work

Warning Signs (Seek Immediate Care): Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, and extreme fatigue or restlessness. These may indicate progression toward dengue haemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Which Blood Tests Confirm Dengue Fever?

A doctor cannot confirm dengue from symptoms alone — a fever blood test panel is essential. Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata offers a full range of individual fever and infection screening tests as well as bundled fever packages with home sample collection in Nagerbazar, Sealdah, and surrounding areas.

Individual Fever & Infection Screening Tests

Test	Purpose	Price
Dengue NS1 Antigen	Early detection within the first 5 days of infection	₹750
Dengue IgG & IgM Antibodies	Confirms current or past dengue infection	₹1500
Complete Blood Count (CBC)	Tracks platelet count, WBC, and anemia during fever	₹395
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Detects inflammation or infection severity	₹500
Malaria Parasite (MP) Smear	Microscopic detection of malaria, a key dengue differential	₹190
Malaria Antigen Test	Rapid malaria screening	₹850
Widal Test	Screens for typhoid fever antibodies	₹410
Typhidot IgM	Detects early-stage typhoid infection	₹670

Why NS1, IgM and IgG Matter

The Dengue NS1 antigen test is most accurate in the first five days of fever, while IgM and IgG antibody tests become more reliable after this window and can also indicate whether the infection is a first-time or repeat dengue infection. Doctors often order both together during fever week 1–2 for a complete diagnostic picture.

Dengue & Fever Health Checkup Packages in Kolkata

For faster, bundled diagnosis, Apollo Diagnostics offers structured Fever Assessment packages that combine dengue, malaria, typhoid, and inflammatory markers in a single home visit.

₹840

Xpert Fever Profile (5 Tests)

CBC, Urine (CUE), Malaria Parasite, Widal Test, ESR — a starting fever workup.

₹1,499

Xpert Fever Assessment – Basic (8 Tests)

Fever Profile + Dengue NS1/IgG/IgM and Malarial Antigen for confirmed dengue diagnosis.

₹1,999

Xpert Fever Assessment – Advance (9 Tests)

Fever Basic package + Typhidot and Quantitative CRP for severity tracking.

₹2,750

Xpert Fever Ultra (12 Tests)

Fever Advance + Chikungunya and Peripheral Blood Smear for comprehensive vector-borne fever screening.

Other Blood Tests Commonly Recommended Alongside Dengue

Because dengue affects platelets, the liver, and hydration levels, doctors frequently pair the dengue panel with these associated blood tests:

Associated Test	Why It's Recommended	Price
Liver Function Test (LFT)	Dengue can affect liver enzymes and bile levels	₹900
Kidney Function Test (KFT)	Monitors hydration and kidney stress during fever	₹900
Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl)	Checks fluid balance, important during high fever and vomiting	₹660
Platelet Count / CBC	Tracks the platelet drop typical in dengue	₹395
ESR	Indicates inflammation severity	Included in Fever Profile
Urine Routine (Urine R/M)	Detects any secondary infection or metabolic disturbance	₹180
HS-CRP	Assesses inflammatory and cardiac stress markers in prolonged fever	₹940
Procalcitonin	Helps distinguish bacterial from viral infection in unclear fever cases	₹3500

Home Blood Sample Collection for Dengue Testing

Since dengue patients are advised to rest and avoid unnecessary travel, Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata provides doorstep sample collection with cold-chain kits to keep samples stable, followed by same-day digital reports via SMS or email.

How It Works

• Book: Call or WhatsApp to schedule a convenient time.
• Collection: A certified phlebotomist visits your home.
• Safety: Specialized cold-chain kits keep samples stable for accurate results.
• Digital Reports: Get results via SMS/Email, usually the same day.

Home Collection Timings: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Daily). Service charges may apply based on distance, with free collection available on select health packages.

Areas We Serve in Kolkata

Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata's home collection network covers a wide stretch of North, Central, and East Kolkata for both individual fever tests and full body checkups.

North Kolkata Zone

Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Dum Dum Cantonment, Gorabazar, Satgachi, Lake Town, Bangur, Baguiati, Arjunpur, Chatakol, Birati, Amarpalli, Motijheel, Patipukur, Subhash Nagar, Dum Dum Park, Bandhab Nagar, Kaikhali, Mondal Ganthi, Melabagan Estate, Basak Bagan, Surer Math, K.B. Sarani, and Dum Dum Road.

Central & East Kolkata Zone

Sealdah, Taltala, Phoolbagan, Beliaghata, Entally, Rajabazar (Ideal Heights), Bowbazar, College Street, Hedua, Park Street, Park Circus, Kankurgachi, Tangra, Beniapukur, and areas near NRS Hospital.

Other Localities

Camac Street, Ripon Street, China Town, Esplanade, Chandni Chowk, Narkeldanga, BBD Bagh, Girish Park, Baithakkhana, Bediapara, and Jessore Road, VIP Road, CIT Road, and APC Road landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I get a dengue blood test done?

If you have had a sudden high fever for more than 2 days, especially during monsoon or post-monsoon months, it's best to get a Dengue NS1 test within the first 5 days, followed by IgG/IgM if the fever continues.

2. Can dengue and typhoid happen together?

Yes, co-infections are possible, which is why bundled fever packages that include Dengue, Widal (Typhoid), and Malaria tests are recommended over single tests during unexplained fever.

3. Do I need to fast before a dengue test?

No fasting is required for dengue NS1, IgG/IgM, or CBC. However, if the package includes Fasting Blood Sugar or Lipid Profile, a 10–12 hour fast is advised.

4. How soon will I get my dengue test report?

Most fever and infection tests, including dengue NS1 and CBC, are reported the same day, helping your doctor start treatment without delay.

5. Is home sample collection safe during dengue fever?

Yes. Certified phlebotomists visit your home with cold-chain collection kits, letting you rest at home instead of travelling to a lab while unwell.

Book Your Dengue & Fever Blood Test Today

Home sample collection available across North & Central Kolkata with same-day digital reports.

Book on WhatsApp

Disclaimer: The prices of health checkup packages and diagnostic tests mentioned in this article are indicative and subject to change without prior notice. Actual prices may vary based on location, additional tests, or ongoing offers. Please contact Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata (Nagerbazar or Sealdah) for the most accurate, updated pricing. This article is for general health awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment of dengue fever.

Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata | NABL Accredited & ISO Certified Central Laboratory
Nagerbazar: +91 8660434628  |  Sealdah: +91 8617271909

Female Reproductive Hormones Explained: Cycle, Balance & PCOS Diet Tips

Women's Health Guide

Female Reproductive Hormones, Explained Simply

A clear guide to estrogen, progesterone, and the other hormones that run the menstrual cycle — plus practical lifestyle and food tips for managing PCOS.

Key hormones Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin	Typical cycle length 21–35 days, counted from day 1 of bleeding
Common imbalance PCOS, thyroid issues, perimenopause	Common tests FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, AMH, testosterone

Hormones are chemical messengers, and in the female body, a small group of them work together in a precise monthly rhythm to regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility, mood, skin, bone density, and even heart health. When this rhythm is disrupted — as it often is in conditions like PCOS — the effects can show up almost everywhere in the body. This guide walks through each major hormone, how they interact across the cycle and different life stages, and what you can do when things go off balance.

The Key Reproductive Hormones

Six hormones do most of the work in the female reproductive system. Each has a distinct role, though they constantly influence one another.

Estrogen

Often thought of as the primary "female hormone," estrogen drives puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, builds the uterine lining each cycle, and supports bone density and cardiovascular health throughout life. Estrogen levels rise through the first half of the cycle and peak just before ovulation.

Progesterone

Progesterone rises after ovulation and prepares the uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. It's also responsible for many premenstrual symptoms — fatigue, mood changes, and breast tenderness are common as progesterone rises and then falls before a period.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Released by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the ovaries to develop follicles, each containing an egg. Levels are typically checked early in the cycle when investigating fertility or ovarian reserve.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A sharp surge in LH mid-cycle triggers ovulation — the release of a mature egg. This is the surge that home ovulation predictor kits are designed to detect.

Testosterone

Frequently associated with male physiology, testosterone is also produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It plays a role in libido, muscle mass, and energy. Elevated levels are a hallmark feature of PCOS.

Prolactin

Best known for stimulating milk production after childbirth, prolactin can also suppress ovulation when elevated outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding, sometimes leading to irregular or absent periods.

The Menstrual Cycle, Hormone by Hormone

A typical cycle runs 21–35 days and unfolds in four overlapping phases, each driven by a shifting balance of hormones.

The cycle at a glance

Menstruation

Follicular

Ovulation

Luteal

Menstruation (Days 1–5)

Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, triggering the shedding of the uterine lining. This is day one of the cycle.

Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)

FSH rises to stimulate follicle growth in the ovaries, while estrogen climbs steadily as the dominant follicle matures and the uterine lining rebuilds.

Ovulation (Around Day 14)

A surge in LH, triggered by peak estrogen, causes the mature egg to be released from the ovary. This is the most fertile window of the cycle.

Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

Progesterone rises to prepare the uterine lining for possible implantation. If pregnancy doesn't occur, both estrogen and progesterone fall, triggering the next period.

Hormones Across Life Stages

Life Stage	What's Happening Hormonally
Puberty	Rising estrogen triggers breast development, growth spurts, and the first menstrual cycles.
Reproductive years	Regular monthly cycling of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH.
Pregnancy	Progesterone and estrogen stay elevated to sustain the pregnancy; hCG rises early on.
Perimenopause	Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate unpredictably, causing irregular cycles and symptoms like hot flashes.
Menopause	Estrogen and progesterone drop to consistently low levels; periods stop permanently.

Signs of Hormonal Imbalance

Because these hormones influence so many systems, imbalances can show up in ways that don't immediately seem "hormonal."

• Irregular, absent, or unusually heavy periods

• Persistent acne, particularly along the jawline

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight

• Excess facial or body hair growth (hirsutism)

• Mood swings, anxiety, or fatigue tied to the cycle

• Difficulty conceiving

Common underlying causes include PCOS, thyroid disorders, high prolactin levels, chronic stress, and the natural hormonal shifts of perimenopause.

PCOS: A Closer Look

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age. It's characterized by a combination of irregular ovulation, elevated androgens (like testosterone), and often small cysts on the ovaries. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but insulin resistance plays a central role for many women — which is exactly why lifestyle and diet can make a real, measurable difference alongside medical treatment.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing PCOS

MOVE REGULARLY, NOT JUST INTENSELY

A mix of strength training and moderate cardio — even brisk 30-minute walks most days — improves insulin sensitivity, which is often at the root of PCOS symptoms.

PRIORITIZE SLEEP

Poor sleep worsens insulin resistance and raises cortisol, both of which can aggravate PCOS symptoms. Aim for a consistent 7–9 hours.

MANAGE STRESS DELIBERATELY

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can worsen insulin resistance and disrupt ovulation. Practices like yoga, meditation, or simply regular downtime can help.

TRACK YOUR CYCLE

A simple period-tracking app helps you and your doctor spot patterns and evaluate whether interventions are working over time.

Food Habits That Help

Favor	Why It Helps
High-fiber foods (vegetables, legumes, whole grains)	Slows sugar absorption and helps stabilize insulin levels.
Lean protein at every meal	Improves satiety and helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
Anti-inflammatory fats (nuts, olive oil, fatty fish)	May help reduce the low-grade inflammation associated with PCOS.
Low-glycemic carbohydrates	Foods like oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes cause a gentler rise in blood sugar than refined carbs.

Try to limit refined sugar, sugary drinks, and heavily processed foods — these cause sharper insulin spikes that can worsen PCOS symptoms over time. Small, consistent changes tend to matter far more than short-term strict diets.

When to Get Tested

If you're noticing irregular cycles, unexplained symptoms, or difficulty conceiving, a hormone panel can offer real clarity. Common tests include:

• FSH and LH — to assess ovarian function and rule out early menopause

• Estradiol and progesterone — to check cycle-phase hormone levels

• Testosterone and DHEA-S — to evaluate androgen levels, especially in suspected PCOS

• Prolactin and thyroid panel (TSH) — to rule out other common causes of irregular cycles

• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) — to estimate ovarian reserve

Key Takeaways

• Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, testosterone, and prolactin work together to drive the menstrual cycle.

• The cycle unfolds in four phases, each shaped by shifting hormone levels.

• Hormone patterns shift naturally across puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

• PCOS is a common hormonal condition where insulin resistance often plays a central role.

• Consistent movement, sleep, stress management, and a fiber- and protein-rich diet can meaningfully improve PCOS symptoms.

Taking Control of Your Health with Apollo Diagnostics

Get Clarity with a Hormone Panel

At Apollo Diagnostics, we offer NABL-certified hormone testing — including FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid panels — so you and your doctor have accurate data to work with. Our centers in Sealdah and Nagerbazar offer home sample collection and digital reports delivered via WhatsApp.

Book in Nagerbazar / Dum Dum Book in Sealdah / Central Kolkata

Final Thoughts

Female reproductive hormones follow a rhythm that's easy to overlook until something feels off. Understanding what each hormone does — and how conditions like PCOS disrupt that rhythm — makes it much easier to recognize when to seek support and which small, sustainable habits are actually worth building.

This guide is for general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and personalized treatment.

High ESR Levels Explained: Causes, Normal Range & What to Do Next

Health & Diagnostics Guide

Understanding High ESR: What It Means for Your Health

A plain-language guide to the sedimentation rate test — what it measures, why it rises, and the right next steps after a high result.

Test measures How fast red blood cells settle in 1 hour	Typical normal range 0–20 mm/hr (varies by age & sex)
What it detects General inflammation — not a specific cause	Often paired with CRP, CBC, and autoimmune panels

Getting a blood report back with "High ESR" flagged on it can be worrying — especially when the report gives no real explanation of what that means. ESR is one of the oldest, simplest blood tests in medicine, and while a high result deserves attention, it is almost never a diagnosis by itself. Here's what it actually tells you, and what typically happens next.

What Exactly Is the ESR Test?

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), commonly called the "sed rate," measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle to the bottom of a thin vertical tube over one hour. It sounds almost old-fashioned next to modern lab technology, but it remains a genuinely useful window into what's happening inside the body.

How the Test Actually Works

In a healthy person, red blood cells settle slowly because they naturally stay evenly spread through the blood. But when inflammation is present, the liver produces more of certain proteins — most notably fibrinogen — that circulate in the bloodstream. These proteins cause red blood cells to stick together into stacks, which are heavier and sink faster. The faster the cells fall within that hour, the higher the ESR reading.

Why It's Called a "Non-Specific" Marker

ESR tells your doctor that something inflammatory is happening — but not where or why. Think of it as a smoke detector: it reliably signals something is burning somewhere in the house, but you still have to check each room to find the source. That's exactly why ESR is almost always read alongside your symptoms, history, and other tests.

Why Do Doctors Order an ESR Test?

ESR is inexpensive, quick, and widely available, which makes it a useful first-line screening tool for four main reasons:

Detecting Inflammation Confirms whether inflammation is present before ordering costlier, more specific tests.

Monitoring Chronic Disease Tracks conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus over months or years.

Checking Treatment Response A falling ESR over time often signals that therapy is working.

Investigating Symptoms Helps explain unexplained fever, weight loss, fatigue, or joint pain.

How High Is "High"? Understanding ESR Ranges

ESR is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr). Normal ranges shift with age and sex:

Group	Typical Normal Range
Men under 50	0–15 mm/hr
Women under 50	0–20 mm/hr
Men over 50	0–20 mm/hr
Women over 50	0–30 mm/hr

Reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories — always check the range printed on your specific report.

Where does a result typically fall?

Normal

Mild

Moderate (40–100)

Severe (>100 mm/hr)

Mild vs. Moderate vs. Severe Elevation

MILD — JUST ABOVE NORMAL

Often linked to everyday factors like a minor infection, obesity, or normal aging rather than serious disease.

MODERATE — 40–100 MM/HR

Usually prompts further investigation into infections or autoimmune activity.

SEVERE — ABOVE 100 MM/HR

Less common; more strongly associated with serious infections, certain cancers, or conditions like giant cell arteritis. Warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Common Causes of a High ESR

Because ESR reacts to inflammation broadly, a long list of conditions — and even normal life circumstances — can push it upward.

Infections

Both acute and chronic infections can raise ESR, from common bacterial and viral illnesses to more persistent conditions such as tuberculosis or pneumonia. Levels often normalize as the body recovers.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• Vasculitis, including giant cell arteritis

• Polymyalgia rheumatica

Chronic Digestive Conditions

Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis frequently raise sedimentation rates, particularly during active flare-ups.

Physiological (Non-Disease) Factors

Not every high ESR points to illness. Normal, non-pathological factors can raise the reading too:

• Pregnancy

• Menstruation

• Anemia

• Advancing age

• Obesity

This is exactly why ESR results should never be read in isolation — context from your symptoms and history matters enormously.

What Happens After a High ESR Result?

A high ESR is a starting point, not an endpoint. It tells your doctor that more targeted testing is needed to find the actual source of inflammation.

Common Follow-Up Tests

1	C-Reactive Protein (CRP) A faster-responding inflammation marker often used alongside ESR for a fuller picture.

2	Complete Blood Count (CBC) Screens for anemia, infection, or other blood abnormalities.

3	Autoimmune Antibody Panels Ordered when conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus are suspected.

4	Imaging Studies X-rays or ultrasounds check for joint damage or organ inflammation.

5	Cultures Blood or tissue cultures identify a specific infectious organism, if suspected.

Questions Worth Asking Your Doctor

• Is my ESR result mild, moderate, or significantly elevated for my age and sex?

• Could medications, pregnancy, or lifestyle factors be influencing this result?

• What follow-up tests do you recommend, and what are we checking for?

• Should I repeat this test after a certain period to track changes?

Living With and Monitoring Elevated ESR

If your ESR is linked to a chronic condition, your doctor may recommend periodic retesting rather than a single check. Keeping a simple record of results and symptoms over time can help your doctor spot trends that one number alone can't reveal.

Key Takeaways

• ESR measures how fast red blood cells settle, which rises when inflammatory proteins increase in the blood.

• It's a non-specific marker — useful for detecting inflammation, not for identifying its exact cause.

• Normal ranges vary by age and sex; mild elevations are often harmless.

• Severely elevated levels (over 100 mm/hr) deserve prompt medical attention.

• Follow-up tests like CRP, CBC, autoimmune panels, and imaging help pinpoint the underlying cause.

Taking Control of Your Health with Apollo Diagnostics

Reliable Results, Right When You Need Them

At Apollo Diagnostics, we provide NABL-certified laboratory testing so your health data is accurate, timely, and actionable. Our centers in Sealdah and Nagerbazar handle everything from routine blood work to full health screening packages, with home sample collection and digital reports delivered via WhatsApp.

Book in Nagerbazar / Dum Dum Book in Sealdah / Central Kolkata

Final Thoughts

An elevated ESR result can feel alarming on first read, but it's best understood as a clue rather than a conclusion. Paired with your symptoms, history, and the right follow-up tests, it becomes a genuinely useful tool for reaching an accurate diagnosis.

Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare provider who can interpret them within the context of your overall health.