Blood test for sex hormones

The study of blood for sex hormones is one of the most important tests when assessing the general condition of a woman's body. It is usually appointed among the first for failures of the menstrual cycle, miscarriage, infertility and other pathologies of a similar nature.

LH and FSH( luteonizing and follicle-stimulating hormones)

The first hormone is responsible for stimulating the production of estrogens, through its effect on the ovaries, and also has a significant effect on the formation of the yellow body and ovulation. The second hormone is responsible for the development and growth of follicles.

An increase in the concentration of LH can be observed in the syndrome of ovarian depletion, polycystic ovaries, as well as possible pituitary tumors. It can also appear as a result of starvation, emotional stress or too much physical activity( for example, intensive training).Reduction in concentration usually indicates genetic pathologies( Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome, Klinefeter and others), abnormalities in the pituitary gland, obesity.

An increase in the concentration of FSH can be observed with reduced ovarian function, as well as possible pituitary tumors. Reducing the concentration may indicate obesity or polycystic ovaries.

Progesterone

Progesterone is also known as the hormone of pregnancy, because it is the body that needs it to prepare the uterine membrane for the introduction of the egg, and also for the body not to reject the fetal egg. He also needs to stimulate the growth and development of the uterus, it affects the nervous system of the woman, preparing it for the bearing of the child and the forthcoming birth. The reasons for the decrease in the concentration of progesterone in the blood can be the absence of ovulation, an insufficient amount of the yellow body, inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs of a chronic nature. Progesterone levels may increase with tumors of the adrenal glands or ovaries and can lead to uterine bleeding and malfunctions in the menstrual cycle. In pregnancy, a slightly elevated level of progesterone is considered normal.

Estradiol and Estriol

These two hormones are part of the family of female sex hormones-estrogens. This group of hormones is necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. They also take part in the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.

An increase in the level of these hormones can be observed with adrenal or ovarian tumors, as well as with excessive body weight, since the cells in fatty tissues are hormonally active and can very well synthesize estrogens.

A drop in hormone levels may indicate the absence of ovulation. Very often, you can observe the dryness of the vaginal mucosa, malfunctions in the menstrual cycle, infertility, apathy, decreased efficiency, depression.

Prolactin

The main function of this hormone is to stimulate the development and growth of mammary glands and control the establishment of lactation.

Increased prolactin levels are usually observed in pathologies in the pituitary gland, pituitary tumors, decreased thyroid function( called hypothyroidism), polycystic ovary syndrome, lack of vitamin B6 in the body, autoimmune diseases, liver cirrhosis, decreased kidney function. The lowered level of this hormone in most cases is diagnosed with insufficient pituitary function.

Male sex hormones

To these sex hormones( which are also called androgens) include DHEA-s and testosterone.

An excessively high level of testosterone may indicate hyperfunction of the adrenal glands( which may be a consequence of too strong stimulation with pituitary hormones), ovarian and adrenal gland tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome. In most cases, if the work of the ovaries is broken, then the amount of testosterone increases, and if the adrenal gland work, then DHEA-s. Also, the level of testosterone may increase in the case of violations of the synthesis of estrogens from male hormones. The lowered level of male sex hormones can be observed with insufficiency of adrenal function, obesity and pathologies in the work of the kidneys. Also, testosterone levels can be lowered if a person is a vegetarian.