Female Hormone Test List
- DHEA-Sulfate$37.47
The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also made in the brain. DHEA leads to the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.
Learn More - ESTRADIOL , Sensitive (LC/MS/MS)$35.69
THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE AND ACCURATE ESTRADIOL TEST IN THE U.S. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that has been shown to more accurately measure estradiol in men and women than the old immunoassay-based test.
Important note: The blood sample is sent out to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano, Caifornia. Overnight delivery and testing is performed on Sunday and Friday. Reports are available within 5-7 business days from the time the specimen is collected.
Learn More - Progesterone$35.23
Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. It is also present in men in smaller concentrations. Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays numerous roles within the human body. It is crucial to the production of sex hormones and corticosteroids, as well as playing a role as a neuro-steroid (brain function).
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Understanding the Role of Hormones in Women's Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Tests
Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating numerous biological processes in women, including reproductive health, mood, and metabolism. As such, hormonal imbalances can lead to a myriad of health issues, from infertility and menstrual irregularities to thyroid disorders. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key hormone tests essential for diagnosing and managing various endocrine and reproductive health concerns. We'll also discuss how testosterone fits into the hormonal landscape for women.
Testosterone's Understated Importance for Women
Contrary to popular belief, testosterone is not exclusively a "male hormone." It plays a significant role in women's health too, impacting libido, mood, and even bone health. While it's not typically included in the standard array of female hormone tests, understanding its levels can offer a more comprehensive overview of a woman's hormonal profile1.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test
FSH, a hormone synthesized by the anterior pituitary gland, governs the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in women. An FSH test gauges the concentration of this hormone in the bloodstream, offering key insights into conditions like menstrual abnormalities, infertility, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and menopause2. FSH concentrations oscillate throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking in the early follicular phase.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test
Another critical hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland is Luteinizing Hormone (LH). This hormone is instrumental in inducing ovulation and encouraging progesterone production by the corpus luteum. Like FSH, LH levels vary across the menstrual cycle, with a mid-cycle surge triggering ovulation. An LH test can help diagnose menstrual disorders, infertility, PCOS, and pituitary gland anomalies3.
Estradiol (E2) Test
Estradiol is the main estrogen hormone and is very important for the development of a woman's reproductive organs, secondary sexual traits, and the timing of her periods. An Estradiol test quantifies this hormone in the blood, aiding in the diagnosis of menstrual disorders, menopause, infertility, and ovarian cysts4. Levels of estradiol also fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation.
Progesterone Test
Produced post-ovulation by the corpus luteum and during pregnancy by the placenta, progesterone prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. A Progesterone test is essential for assessing ovulation, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and complications in early pregnancy5. The hormone's levels rise after ovulation and stay elevated throughout the luteal phase.
Prolactin Test
Predominantly responsible for lactation post-childbirth, prolactin is another hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. A prolactin test helps in diagnosing conditions like hyperprolactinemia, which can result in menstrual irregularities, infertility, and inappropriate lactation (galactorrhea)6. Elevated levels may also suggest the presence of a pituitary tumor, known as a prolactinoma.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test
AMH is synthesized by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and serves as a reliable indicator of ovarian reserve. This test can assess a woman's fertility potential, help diagnose PCOS, and predict menopausal onset7. Unlike other hormones, AMH levels remain relatively consistent throughout the menstrual cycle.
Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
Thyroid hormones, including T4 and T3, impact various physiological functions, including reproductive health. TFTs measure TSH, free T4, and free T3 levels to diagnose and manage thyroid disorders that can affect fertility and menstrual health8. These tests are invaluable for individuals experiencing menstrual irregularities, infertility, and pregnancy complications due to thyroid imbalances.
References
Footnotes
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"Testosterone in Women—its Role, Measurement and Replacement", Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022. ↩
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"Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: A Review of Form and Function in the Treatment of Infertility", Reproductive Sciences, 2019. ↩
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"Luteinizing Hormone and Its Role in Anovulatory Infertility", Fertility and Sterility, 2020. ↩
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"Role of Estradiol in Female Reproductive Health", American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018. ↩
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"Progesterone and Reproductive Health", Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 2021. ↩
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"Clinical Implications of Hyperprolactinemia", Endocrine Reviews, 2017. ↩
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"Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Marker of Ovarian Reserve and its Association with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome", Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2018. ↩
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"Thyroid Disorders and Reproductive Health: A Comprehensive Review", Thyroid Research, 2021. ↩
