Sex Hormone Tests
Sex hormone tests are laboratory analyses that assess the levels of key hormones regulating reproductive function, menstrual cycle, sexual development, and overall body condition. These tests are important for diagnosing menstrual irregularities, infertility, hormonal imbalances, as well as for therapy monitoring and assessment of reproductive health in women and men.
Main sex hormones:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) — regulates follicle growth in women and spermatogenesis in men.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) — stimulates ovulation and estrogen synthesis in women, regulates testosterone production in men.
- Estradiol and estrogens — responsible for development of female secondary sexual characteristics, menstrual cycle, skin and bone condition.
- Progesterone — essential for preparing the endometrium for pregnancy and maintaining gestation.
- Prolactin — regulates lactation and affects reproductive function.
- Testosterone — primary male sex hormone, also present in women; influences libido, muscle mass, and metabolism.
Indications for testing:
- Menstrual cycle disorders, amenorrhea, irregular or heavy menstruation.
- Infertility, miscarriage, preparation for IVF.
- Symptoms of hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism, alopecia).
- Assessment of sexual development in adolescents, delayed or precocious puberty.
- Monitoring hormonal therapy and treatment effectiveness.
- Suspected tumors of ovaries, testes, pituitary gland.
Preparation guidelines:
- Blood should be drawn strictly on an empty stomach, on specific days of the menstrual cycle (usually days 3–8 or 19–21 for women; for men, any day).
- Inform the doctor about any medications that may affect hormone levels.
What the test shows:
- Assessment of hormonal balance and detection of endocrine disorders.
- Causes of infertility, miscarriage, and sexual development disorders.
- Condition of the reproductive system and treatment effectiveness.
Sex hormone tests are an important tool for diagnosing and correcting reproductive health disorders, as well as for individual treatment planning in women and men.