Table of contents
Today, it is difficult to imagine the work of a reproductive specialist and a gynecologist-endocrinologist without the possibility of performing hormonal studies. We offer to dwell in detail on which hormones and when to determine.
Follicle-stimulating hormone
FSH іs a protein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In women, this hormone is involved in stimulating the growth and maturation of follicles to their maturity and readiness for ovulation. An increase of this hormone on day 2-4 of the menstrual cycle above 8-11 mIU/ml is a sign of a decrease in the egg supply.
Luteinizing hormone
LH is a hormone that is also produced in the anterior pituitary gland. The main function of which is to stimulate the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). With excess production of LH, it can lead to excessive formation of androgens (male sex hormones) in the female body.
FSH and LH should be determined on day 2-4 of the menstrual cycle with a regular cycle and on any day with amenorrhea.Indications for examination of the level of these hormones are: infertility (in order to determine the ovarian reserve), in case of a violation of the menstrual cycle (to find out the cause and further tactics of treatment), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a glycoprotein that is synthesized in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The main role of this hormone is to control the functioning of the thyroid gland and regulate the formation of hormones in it: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Free thyroxine (free T4) regulates energy metabolism in the human body and the activity of sex hormones.
TSH and free T4
TSH and free T4 should be determined when planning a pregnancy, in case of infertility, irregular menstrual cycle, increased weight, sleep disturbance, irritability, excessive hair loss, dry skin. These hormones are recommended to be given once a year to everyone who is concerned about their body condition and wants to preserve their health. These hormones can be determined on any day of the menstrual cycle, preferably before 11:00 a.m. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone of protein structure, which is synthesized in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and also by the endometrium. The main role of prolactin is in the development of the mammary gland and ensuring lactation.In non-pregnant women, a normal level of prolactin promotes the formation of progesterone by the corpus luteum. At the same time, an excessive increase in its level will contribute to the absence of ovulation or a decrease in progesterone, can affect the tendency to gain weight, excessive calcium leaching from the bone system (decrease in bone density), can be the cause of headaches and reduced visual acuity.It is worth paying attention to the fact that prolactin increases with fatigue, chronic long-term stress, physical overload, changing time zones, as well as with the use of sleeping pills and sedatives and some other drugs.It is better to determine PRL in the blood in the form of macro PRL, in the morning on an empty stomach, regardless of the day of the menstrual cycle, in the evening exclude sports, intimate life and stress. The free testosterone index is a calculated indicator that determines the ratio of total testosterone to the concentration of the protein that binds sex hormones as a percentage.Testosterone is a male sex hormone (androgen) produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. In the female body, testosterone is the substrate from which estrogens are formed in the female body and participates in the mechanism of follicle regression.Dehydroepiandosterone sulfate (DHEA sulfate) is the main androgen of the adrenal cortex. Its androgenic activity is due to its conversion to testosterone in peripheral tissues. Dehydrotestosterone is formed in peripheral tissues from testosterone with the participation of 5-alpha-reductase. It is he who is the active metabolite of testosterone, which realizes its androgenic properties. Androstenedione is the main precursor in the formation of androgens and estrogens. It is produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries.
17-oxyprogesterone
17-OP is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, gonads, and placenta.17-OP, which is synthesized in the adrenal cortex, is a derivative of progesterone and a precursor of cortisol and androstenedione. This hormone is an important component in the diagnosis of classical and non-classical forms of congenital hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex.These hormonal examinations should be performed in case of menstrual cycle disturbances, hyperandrogenism symptoms (excessive body hair growth, hair loss, acne, oily skin, excess weight, excessive sweating).
Estradiol
Estradiol is a hormone that is mainly produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, placenta and, note, adipose tissue. This hormone is the most active estrogen. It determines the formation and development of the reproductive system and the formation of the menstrual cycle, together with progesterone prepares the endometrium for implantation (attachment of the embryo to the uterine cavity).It is worth checking this indicator in case of menstrual cycle disorder, abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), endometrial hyperplasia (excessive thickening, growth of the endometrium), predisposition to neoplasms in the mammary glands or uterus, control of follicle development and preparation of the body for the transfer of the embryo into the uterine cavity during IVF. The level of estradiol in the blood should be determined on day 18-24 of the menstrual cycle. It is important to evaluate the level of estradiol in the blood in relation to progesterone. Progesterone is one of the main hormones that plays an important role in preparing the body for pregnancy and its normal course.Progesterone levels are determined to assess the presence of ovulation, as well as in a complex examination to determine the reasons for non-pregnancy. The lack of progesterone in the body or an excess of estradiol is a frequent cause of the development of neoplasms in the female body.This hormone should be determined on day 18-24 of the menstrual cycle.
Anti-Mullerian hormone
AMH is a hormone produced by ovarian follicles and makes it possible to determine a woman’s reproductive potential. It is its level that shows the ovarian reserve – this is, conditionally, an indicator of the “reserve” of eggs for further successful conception and pregnancy. It is produced by small antral follicles and correlates with the total number of ovarian antral follicles.AMH can be taken on any day of the menstrual cycle.
I hope that this information was useful for you and that each of you got one step closer to understanding how versatile a woman’s hormonal system is.
However, please note that the diagnostic examination must be prescribed and commented on exclusively by a specialized doctor.