Hormonal Studies
Hormonal studies are laboratory tests aimed at determining the levels of various hormones in the blood to assess the function of the endocrine system and diagnose diseases. Hormones are biologically active substances produced by endocrine glands that regulate metabolism, growth, development, reproductive function, mood, and many other bodily processes.
Main types of hormonal tests
- Thyroid hormones: TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine). Used to diagnose hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other thyroid disorders.
- Adrenal hormones: cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), aldosterone, renin. Tested for suspected Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and other disorders.
- Sex hormones: in women — estrogens, progesterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); in men — testosterone. Help identify reproductive dysfunction, infertility, and hormonal imbalance.
- Pituitary hormones: growth hormone, prolactin, ACTH, LH, FSH. Assess pituitary and hypothalamic function.
- Pancreatic hormones: insulin, glucagon. Important for diagnosing diabetes and carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
- Pineal gland hormones: melatonin — influences sleep and biological rhythms.
Indications for hormonal testing
- Menstrual irregularities, infertility, conception problems.
- Symptoms of thyroid hypo- or hyperfunction (fatigue, weight changes, body temperature alterations).
- Suspected adrenal or pituitary diseases.
- Mood changes, chronic fatigue, hair loss, acne.
- Monitoring treatment of endocrine diseases.
- Hormonal assessment when planning pregnancy and during pregnancy.
Testing features
- Blood is usually drawn fasting in the morning, considering the menstrual cycle phase in women.
- Some hormones require repeat or comprehensive testing.
- Results are interpreted considering age, sex, and clinical presentation.
Significance of hormonal studies
These tests help detect hormonal imbalances that can lead to serious health disorders, timely diagnose endocrine diseases, and select effective treatment. Hormonal studies are widely used in endocrinology, gynecology, urology, and other medical fields.
Hormonal studies are an important diagnostic tool that allows assessment of endocrine system status, identification of disease causes, and monitoring of therapy effectiveness.