Hormone Test for Women

Estradiol is the main form of estrogen in women and is produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system during and after puberty. Estradiol levels increase during the first half of the menstrual cycle and stimulate the maturation and release of an egg, also known as ovulation. Additionally, estradiol causes the uterus lining to thicken so an egg can implant. The release of estradiol is triggered by follicle stimulating hormone. During and after menopause, less estradiol is produced, causing FSH levels to increase. Estradiol that is too high or low can cause unpleasant symptoms in women and impact ovulation.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced in the brain’s pituitary gland and plays an important role in controlling the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the growth and maturation of eggs in the ovaries. FSH levels naturally increase with age. As the number of available eggs or ovarian reserve decreases, more FSH is needed to stimulate ovarian function.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland of men and women. In women, LH is responsible for stimulating the ovaries to release an egg around the middle of the menstrual cycle, also known as ovulation. If fertilization occurs, LH also stimulates the production of other hormones to sustain the pregnancy. Both too high and low levels of LH can stop ovulation, causing irregular periods or a lack of period altogether. High LH is also linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and may be tested along with other hormones in the process of making a PCOS diagnosis.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain that causes the breasts to grow and produce milk during pregnancy and after birth. Prolactin levels are usually high in pregnant women and new mothers, and low in non-pregnant women and men. Higher-than-normal prolactin levels in women cause irregular or absent periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, discharge from the breasts, and in some cases infertility. High prolactin can be caused by tumors on the pituitary gland, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland in the brain. TSH regulates the thyroid’s production of hormones T3 and T4. If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), your thyroid produces too much T3/T4, and TSH levels will be lower than normal. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), your thyroid produces too little T3/T4, and TSH will be higher than normal. An over- or underactive thyroid can affect ovulation, metabolism, mood, and energy levels. TSH is the most sensitive biomarker for testing thyroid function.

Total testosterone is the overall amount of testosterone present in the bloodstream. Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes in males and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands of females. It plays a important role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues, as well as influencing secondary sexual characteristics such as the growth of facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, and increased muscle mass. It also contributes to sex drive (libido) and plays a role in mood and energy levels. In women, testosterone plays a role in bone density, muscle mass, and sex drive. It also influences mood and overall well-being. Measurement of total testosterone levels in the blood is important for diagnosing hormonal imbalances, assessing fertility issues, and investigating symptoms related to either low or high testosterone levels.