We take hormonal tests. Hormone tests. Articles about hormonal problems

Published: November 27, 2017 Updated: March 9, 2021

Hormonal imbalance can occur for a variety of reasons: due to stress, immune disorders, chronic diseases and viral infections, long-term use of hormonal medications, and even lack of sleep.

In what cases is it necessary to donate blood for laboratory tests? First of all - with an irregular menstrual cycle, heavy menstruation or pain during the cycle, as well as problems with conception. Deterioration of the skin condition - pimples, blackheads, decreased libido - are no less significant reasons to contact CITILAB for testing.

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

The analysis is taken on the 3rd–8th or 19th–21st days of a woman’s menstrual cycle, for a man - on any day. Strictly on an empty stomach. In women, FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and the formation of estrogen. It promotes the growth of the endometrium in the uterus. Reaching a critical level of FSH in the middle of the cycle leads to ovulation.

In men, FSH is the main stimulator of the growth of the seminiferous tubules. FSH increases the concentration of testosterone in the blood, thereby ensuring sperm maturation. It happens that the hormone works at full strength, but there is no point where it is in demand. This happens when a man's testicles are small or have suffered from some kind of surgery or infection.

Why are hormone tests done?

The content of the article

Almost all processes that occur in the human body are controlled to one degree or another by hormones - elements constantly produced by the secretory glands. All changes directly depend on the concentration of these substances in the body - maturation, growth, pregnancy, and so on. Even minor disruptions in the functioning of the secretory glands lead to a lack or excess of their formation, which results in pathological processes. Constancy of hormonal levels is impossible, since various hormonal elements and structures in the body are constantly being formed and destroyed.

It is to identify and eliminate such disorders that studies are carried out - on hormones. Despite the fairly high price of the tests,

It is necessary to carry out all studies recommended by the doctor.
find out what hormone tests
are needed in order to keep the intensity of substance formation under control in this article.

LH (luteinizing hormone)

It is given on the 3rd–8th or 19th–21st days of a woman’s menstrual cycle, for a man - on any day. Strictly on an empty stomach. This hormone “ripens” the follicle in a woman, ensuring the production of estrogen, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum. In men, LH stimulates the formation of sex hormone binding globulin and increases the permeability of the seminiferous tubules to testosterone. This increases the concentration of testosterone in the blood, which promotes sperm maturation.

In women, the level of luteinizing hormone depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. The peak concentration of LH occurs at ovulation, after which the level of the hormone drops and “stays” throughout the luteal phase at lower values than in the follicular phase. This is necessary for the functioning of the corpus luteum in the ovary. In women, the concentration of LH in the blood is maximum in the period from 12 to 24 hours before ovulation and is maintained throughout the day, reaching a concentration 10 times higher compared to the non-ovulatory period. During pregnancy, LH concentration decreases.

During the examination for infertility, it is important to track the ratio of LH and FSH. Normally, before the onset of menstruation it is 1, a year after the onset of menstruation - from 1 to 1.5, in the period from two years after the onset of menstruation and before menopause - from 1.5 to 2.

How to take it correctly

Blood for analysis is taken from a vein. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor identifies a group of hormones that need to be tested. It is advisable to completely limit physical and psycho-emotional stress for 12 hours, not to drink alcohol, medications or food containing iodine.

Particular attention is required in preparation for donating blood samples for representatives of the fair half - it should be carried out during a certain period of the menstrual cycle, which is designated by the doctor. The donation procedure itself, as a rule, is scheduled for the morning hours, on an empty stomach.

Prolactin

To determine the level of this hormone, it is important to do an analysis in the 1st and 2nd phases of the menstrual cycle strictly on an empty stomach and only in the morning. Immediately before drawing blood, the patient should be at rest for about 30 minutes.

Prolactin is involved in ovulation and stimulates lactation after childbirth. Therefore, it can suppress the formation of FSH for “peaceful purposes” during pregnancy and for non-peaceful purposes in its absence. With increased or decreased levels of prolactin in the blood, the follicle may not develop, as a result of which the woman will not ovulate. The daily production of this hormone has a pulsating nature. During sleep, its level increases. After waking up, the concentration of prolactin decreases sharply, reaching a minimum in the late morning hours. After noon, the hormone level increases. During the menstrual cycle, prolactin levels are higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase.

Why do you need to examine hormone levels in women?

Hormone tests at different periods of a woman’s life make it possible not only to assess hormonal levels, but also to identify hormonal imbalances. Using the results obtained, it is often possible to diagnose problems in the body and eliminate them in a timely manner.

The doctor will suggest that the woman take hormone tests if any signs of pathology appear in order to eliminate it and normalize hormonal levels.

Hormone analysis is not the most reliable diagnostic method for a woman’s health; it is only an auxiliary technique for assessing the activity of many body systems.

A woman takes tests for sex hormones when there is a hormonal imbalance, which negatively affects the body and its functioning. Having identified a dishormonal condition, the doctor is able to timely diagnose the pathological condition and prescribe the correct treatment.

To obtain reliable results, it is important to take hormone tests correctly: blood is taken at a certain period of the menstrual cycle for each hormone.

A doctor may prescribe a blood test for hormones in different situations:

for menstrual irregularities;
with heavy or scanty periods;
for pain during menstruation;
for problems with conception and pregnancy;
with poor condition of skin, hair and nails;
with decreased libido;
with increased hair growth;
in case of violation of the child’s physical development;
for acne;
for tumors in the uterus and ovaries;
for obesity;
with a tendency to disease;
with sexual infantilism.

Knowing the hormonal background in all these conditions, you can easily eliminate the problem if the disorders are diagnosed in a timely manner. Normalizing hormone levels by qualified specialists will help you quickly and easily cope with the problem.

Estradiol

Blood is tested for this hormone throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Estradiol is produced by the maturing follicle, corpus luteum of the ovary, adrenal glands and even adipose tissue under the influence of FSH, LH and prolactin. In women, estradiol ensures the formation and regulation of menstrual function and the development of the egg. A woman ovulates 24-36 hours after a significant peak in estradiol. After ovulation, the hormone level decreases, and a second, smaller amplitude, rise occurs. Then there is a decline in the concentration of the hormone, which continues until the end of the luteal phase.

A necessary condition for the functioning of the hormone estradiol is its correct relationship to testosterone levels.

References

Ilyasova, N.A., Burlev, V.A. Clinical and endocrine features of the menstrual cycle of women. Gynecology, 2015. - No. 6.
Khasanov, A.A., Zhuravleva, V.I. Modern ideas about the regulation of menstrual function. PM, 2009. - No. 34.
Pereira, H., Larson, R., Bemben, D. Menstrual Cycle Effects on Exercise-Induced Fatigability. Front Physiol., 2021. - Vol. 11. – 517 p.
Monis, C., Tetrokalashvili, M. Menstrual Cycle Proliferative And Follicular Phase., 2021.

Testosterone

This hormone can be tested in both men and women any day. Testosterone is needed by both spouses, but is a male sex hormone. In the female body, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Exceeding the normal concentration of testosterone in a woman can cause irregular ovulation and early miscarriage, and the maximum concentration of testosterone is determined in the luteal phase and during ovulation. A decrease in testosterone concentration in a man causes a decrease in sperm quality.

What to do after the examination?

If the problem is identified, you need to contact a specialist. If we are talking about gynecological pathology, you need to consult a gynecologist-endocrinologist. If problems arise in a man, then you need to consult an andrologist. Together with a specialist, the person will undergo additional research and begin appropriate therapy. Hormone therapy is a lengthy process and takes from three to six months. After therapy it is necessary to carry out monitoring.

If there are deviations from the norm in the tests, you should urgently consult an endocrinologist.

T4 (total thyroxine)

The concentration of T4 in the blood is higher than the concentration of T3. This hormone, by increasing the basal metabolic rate, increases heat production and oxygen consumption by all tissues of the body, with the exception of the tissues of the brain, spleen and testicles. Levels of the hormone in men and women normally remain relatively constant throughout life. However, in some areas, and Moscow is almost in first place, a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland is often observed, which can lead to serious deviations in one’s own health and the health of the unborn child.

Profile No. 18, Women's health (hormones)

Home / For clients / Comprehensive studies / The set of tests included in the package collectively costs 5% - 15% less than each test separately. / Profile No. 18, Women's health (hormones)

Article rating: 4.50 (118)

Hormones in the female body decide everything. The structure of the figure, the accumulation of fat, hair growth, the size and condition of the mammary glands depend on hormones; they maintain the beauty and elasticity of the skin, vascular tone, and protect the bone and nervous system. Under the influence of hormones, a surge of strength is felt, and a woman’s mood and behavior depends!

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

Available for 3-8 or 19-21 days of the menstrual cycle. Strictly on an empty stomach. In women, FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and the formation of estrogen. The endometrium grows in the uterus. Reaching a critical level of FSH in the middle of the cycle leads to ovulation.

LH (luteinizing hormone)

Available for 3-8 or 19-21 days of the menstrual cycle. Strictly on an empty stomach. This hormone “ripens” the follicle in a woman, ensuring the secretion of estrogen, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum. The release of luteinizing hormone is pulsating in nature and depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle in women. In a woman’s cycle, the peak concentration of LH occurs at ovulation, after which the level of the hormone drops and “stays” throughout the luteal phase at lower values than in the follicular phase. This is necessary for the functioning of the corpus luteum in the ovary. In women, the concentration of LH in the blood is maximum in the period from 12 to 24 hours before ovulation and is maintained throughout the day, reaching a concentration 10 times higher compared to the non-ovulatory period. During pregnancy, LH concentration decreases. During the examination for infertility, it is important to track the ratio of LH and FSH. Normally, before the onset of menstruation it is 1, a year after the onset of menstruation - from 1 to 1.5, in the period from two years after the onset of menstruation and before menopause - from 1.5 to 2.

Prolactin

To determine the level of this hormone, it is important to do an analysis in phases 1 and 2 of the menstrual cycle strictly on an empty stomach and only in the morning, but not immediately after waking up. Immediately before drawing blood, the patient should be at rest for about 30 minutes. Prolactin is involved in ovulation and stimulates lactation after childbirth. Therefore, it can suppress the formation of FSH for “peaceful purposes” during pregnancy and for non-peaceful purposes in its absence. With increased or decreased levels of prolactin in the blood, the follicle may not develop, as a result of which the woman will not ovulate. The daily production of this hormone has a pulsating nature. During sleep, its level increases. After waking up, the concentration of prolactin decreases sharply, reaching a minimum in the late morning hours. After noon, the hormone level increases. During the menstrual cycle, prolactin levels are higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase.

Estradiol

Blood is tested for this hormone throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Estradiol is secreted by the maturing follicle, corpus luteum of the ovary, adrenal glands and even adipose tissue under the influence of FSH, LH and prolactin. In women, estradiol ensures the formation and regulation of menstrual function and the development of the egg. A woman ovulates 24-36 hours after a significant peak in estradiol. After ovulation, the hormone level decreases, and a second, smaller amplitude, rise occurs. Then there is a decline in the concentration of the hormone, which continues until the end of the luteal phase. A necessary condition for the functioning of the hormone estradiol is its correct relationship to testosterone levels.

Testosterone

This hormone can be tested any day. In the female body, testosterone is secreted by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Exceeding the normal concentration of testosterone in a woman can cause irregular ovulation and early miscarriage, and the maximum concentration of testosterone is determined in the luteal phase and during ovulation.

DEA sulfate

This hormone is produced in the adrenal cortex. This hormone can be tested any day.

Free T3 (free triiodothyronine)

T3 is produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland under the control of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). It is a precursor to the more active hormone T4, but has its own, although less pronounced, effect than T4. Blood for analysis is taken on an empty stomach. Immediately before drawing blood, the patient should be at rest for about 30 minutes.

T4 (total thyroxine)

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

The level of this hormone must be checked on an empty stomach to rule out thyroid dysfunction.

Antibodies to TSH

Determination of antibodies to TSH makes it possible to predict dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Available on any day of the menstrual cycle. Determining the level of the above hormones is a very important step in the examination process. A hormonal examination allows you to most accurately monitor the functioning of your body, and if the level of a certain hormone turns out to be less or more than normal, then this is not a reason to give up on your health. With the help of certain medications, a qualified doctor will be able to regulate your hormone levels, and thus you will be able to control the functioning of your body.

This profile includes the hormones that are most important for a woman.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Prolactin
Estradiol
Total testosterone
Cortisol
DHEA - sulfate
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Free thyroxine (FT4)

Profile cost

– 3411 rub.

Execution time: 1-2 days

Preparing for analysis

Note:

Blood sampling for testing is paid additionally. The cost of taking blood is 110 rubles.

History and philosophy of the company Personal data processing policy For citizens with disabilities Preparation for analyzes Phone numbers of higher-level organizations State guarantee program Payment methods Help for the Federal Tax Service Contacts Our partners

Gemohelp mobile application

8-800-100-08-05

Call if you have any questions

By using the website www.gemohelp.ru, you agree to the use of cookies

I confirm

More details

Select city:

Arzamas
Balakhna
Bogorodsk
Bor
Vacha
Vyksa
Dzerzhinsk
Trans-Volga region
Kstovo
Kulebaki
Lukoyanov
Lyskovo
Moore
Navashino
Nizhny Novgorod
Pavlovo
Sarov
Semenov
Sosnovskoe
Cheboksary
Chkalovsk

Confirm

When should you not panic?

We warn women that they should not panic if deviations are noticed only once. There are enough temporary reasons for disruptions in our lives. The doctor will prescribe 2-3 repeat tests, and only then will he talk about the need for treatment.

Of course, this will take time. After all, each test must be taken again on certain days of the new menstrual cycle.

The failure can be eliminated by taking a course of hormonal therapy, so a pathological condition may not follow.

Additional reasons affecting hormonal composition

Practice has shown that disruption of hormonal levels and impaired results can also occur for other common reasons:

Acute infectious diseases, including viral and parasitic ones.
Exercising during menstruation.
Abrupt climate change.
Sexual infections.
Post-abortion.
Forced strict “starvation” diet, energy deficiency.
Atypical diet (beer consumption has been proven to cause an increase in male hormones in women).
Pumping yourself up with artificial anabolic steroids and dietary supplements when doing bodybuilding.
Self-medication with various medications and dietary supplements.
Stressful situations in the family and at work, night shifts.

All of the above reasons must be eliminated a week before the test.