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A hormone test is a blood test that allows you to answer the question of whether the level of individual hormones is correct. This type of examination is performed when hormone dysfunction is suspected. Check what the blood hormone tests are.

Hormone level testsare performed when hormonal disorders are suspected. This type of research allows you to determine whether the level of hormones is appropriate.

Hormone level testing - androgens

Androgens are male sex hormones that are produced in the testes. Androgens also produce, albeit in much smaller amounts, the female adrenal glands and ovaries.

Testosterone norms:

  • in men: 7.6-34 nmol / l (2.2-9.8 ng / ml)
  • in women: 0.69-2.77 nmol / l (0.2-0.8 ng / ml)

DHEA standards:

  • in men: 13.8-27.7 nmol / l (4.0-8.0 ng / ml)
  • in women: 5.2-25.3 nmol / l (1.5-7.3 ng / ml)

Below normal indicators can mean testicular insufficiency, gonadal destruction due to inflammation, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Exceeding the norm may mean testicular tumors in men or tumors of the adrenal cortex and ovaries in women.

Hormone level testing - progesterone and estrogen

Progesterone (aka lutein) and estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.

Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg, and supports the pregnancy. The norms for this hormone are:

  • after ovulation 1 - 28 ng / ml
  • up to the 12th week of pregnancy 9 - 47 ng / ml
  • 12-28. gestation week 17 - 146 ng / ml
  • over 28 weeks of gestation 55 - 200 ng / ml

Of all estrogens, estradiol is the most important. The testes of men also produce small amounts of estrogen.

Norms estradiol in women: 55-925 pmol / l (the quoted norms are indicated in the middle of the menstrual cycle) in men 29-132 pmol / l

Lower rates could indicate damage to the ovaries, pituitary, or hypothalamus. Estradiol above the norm may mean ovarian diseases, and testicular tumors in men.

Hormone level testing - follitropin, lutropin, prolactin

Follitropin (Follicle Stimulin, FSH) is one of the gonadotrophins, it stimulates the maturation of follicles in the ovaries. Lutropin (Luteinizing Hormone, LH), like FSH, is one of the gonadotrophins, thanks towhose follicle in the ovary ruptures and releases an egg. Prolactin regulates the sexual cycle, supports pregnancy and stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.

FSH values ​​change periodically with the phases of the menstrual cycle as well as with age. FSH standards for different periods in a woman's life are as follows:

  • in follicle-stimulating phase - 1.4 - 9.6 IU / l
  • during ovulation 2.3-21 IU / l
  • in the luteal phase 2-8 IU / l
  • in menopausal women - 42-188IU / l.

In the case of men, this level is constant and ranges from 1.4 - 12 IU / l.

LH levels also change with the phases of the menstrual cycle as well as with age.

  • follicular phase 1.4 - 9.6 mlU / ml
  • ovulation 2.3 - 21 mlU / ml
  • postmenopausal 42 - 188 mlU / ml

Male LH levels are in the range of 1.5 - 9.2 mLU / mL.

The norm for prolactin is 5-25 ng / ml.

Higher rates are most often caused by pituitary adenoma. Medications may also be the cause of the elevated prolactin level.

Testing the level of thyroid hormones

When examining the condition of the thyroid gland, the level of TSH (thyreatropin), FT3 (free triiodothyronine) and FT4 (free thyroxine) should be determined.

Standards: T3: 2-10mU / l T4: 5-12 µg / dl TSH: 0.27-4.0mU / l; FT3: 2.3-6.6 ng / ml FT4: 0.9-2.4 ng / ml

Indicators below the norm may mean hypothyroidism, diabetes, postoperative conditions, and excessive exercise. A reduction in TSH indicates an overactive thyroid gland. Indicators above the norm mean hyperthyroidism. However, a greater TSH indicates an underactive thyroid gland.

Hormone level testing - cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands.

It protects us from stress. Cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest level in the morning between 6 a 8. In the evening the concentration is half lower.

Norms: in the morning - 138-690 nmol / l; at noon - 110-552 nmol / l

Below normal: adrenal insufficiency, diseases of the pituitary or hypothalamus. Above: overactive adrenal glands, depression.

Hormone level testing - aldosterone

Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. It affects the levels of sodium, chlorine and potassium in our body.

Norm: 4-14 ng percent (/ dl)

Below normal - adrenal insufficiency, potassium deficiency, diabetic nephropathy. Above normal - hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex.

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