Sex hormone testing in men is a blood test that allows you to check whether the levels of individual sex hormones are normal. These types of hormonal tests are performed, among others, by in erectile dysfunction, as well as in the diagnosis of infertility, as hormonal disorders may be one of its causes. Check what are the norms for male sex hormones.
Research on sex hormones in menhelps to find the answer to the question whether the levels of these hormones are correct. They are performed mainly in the case of fertility disorders, because the sex hormones in men affect, among others, on the quality and quantity of sperm, as well as in determining the causes of erectile dysfunction and a decrease in sex drive. The basic male sex hormone is testosterone, which belongs to the androgens. Female hormones, including estrogen, also have a significant impact on many male characteristics, including potency.
It should be noted that the standards may differ depending on the laboratory where the test was performed. Therefore, the test results should be interpreted on the basis of the standard results listed next to them. Only approximate values for the determination of hormones are presented below.
Hormone research in men - norms. Testosterone
Testosterone is produced by the interstitial Leydig cells in the testes. The testosterone level values for men are within the following limits:
- 2.2-9.8 ng / ml
Decreased testosterone levels in men may indicate testicular damage, such as alcohol abuse or viral infection, as well as hypothalamic or pituitary disease, testicular failure or infertility. Some genetic diseases also contribute to the reduction of testosterone levels in young men - Klinefelter, Kallmann or Prader-Willi syndrome.
Too high testosterone levels may indicate a testicular or adrenal tumor. They are also diagnosed in men who use androgens or steroids. In young boys, premature puberty is a common cause of high levels of this hormone.
Male hormonal tests - norms. Estrogen
Estrogens in men are responsible for fertility and determine the movement of sperm (the less estrogen, the less mobile sperm).Estrogens are produced in the scrotum, brain and adipose tissue, but in very small amounts. The correct level of estrogen in men is:
- 29-132 pmol / l
Excess estrogen in men may be the result of testicular cancer.
Research on sex hormones in men - norms. Lutein
The luteinizing hormone produced by the pituitary gland in men regulates the production of progesterone (stimulates the development of interstitial tissue in the testicles) and indirectly influences the production of testosterone in Leydig cells. LH Level Values for Men:
- 1.1-7.0 ng / ml
Growth occurs in pituitary adenomas, the primary hypogonadism. In turn, the decrease in concentration with pituitary insufficiency.
Male hormonal tests - norms. Follicle stimulating hormone
The follicle stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland is responsible for the enlargement of the seminal tubes and sperm production, i.e. spermatogenesis, and stimulates the synthesis of testosterone. Normal FSH levels in men are:
- 1.7-12.0 ng / ml
Increased FSH is found in tumors of the pituitary and testicles and primary hypogonadism (testicular hypothyroidism). FSH reduction occurs in secondary hypogonadism.
Research on sex hormones in men - norms. Prolactin
The prolactin secreted by the pituitary gland together with luteotropin stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. It is also responsible for sex drive and fertility. The correct concentration of PRL in men is:
- 1.5-19 ng / ml
The increase in the level, i.e. hyperprolactinemia, may be the result of a pituitary tumor, a stressful lifestyle or an inadequate diet. However, drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia is the most common one. In turn, renal disease or thyroid disease may be responsible for prolactin deficiency.
Research on sex hormones in men - the norm. Progesterone
Standards for progesterone produced mainly by the adrenal cortex are:
- 0.2-1.38 ng / ml.
Increased blood progesterone values occur with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The decline in progesterone values may be the result of damage to the pituitary or hypothalamus.