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The right amount of individual hormones in the body guarantees its proper functioning. When we talk about hormone tests, we usually mean women, but men also submit to them. One of the most frequently performed hormonal tests is the test of estrogen and testosterone levels. Progesterone and prolactin are also very often measured. What do hormonal tests look like and when to do them?
Hormonal tests – when to perform?
There are a number of indications to follow hormonal tests. When do we make them? For example, testosterone levels are tested in menwho have been diagnosed with erection problems or infertility. Too low a concentration may indicate testicular failure or damage. It can also be a signal of a genetic disease. If your testosterone levels in men is too high, it could be caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland or testicle. When it comes to hormonal tests performed in women, they are most often used to check whether the menstrual cycle is running properly. In order to monitor the hormone levels in women, an estrogen test is performed. An elevated index may indicate, for example, liver disease or ovarian cancer. Very often, the level of estrogen increases while taking oral contraceptives. In turn, too low levels are observed in the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as Turner syndrome and pituitary insufficiency. The level of estrogen also drops when we are dealing with malnutrition. Hormonal tests in women, it is ordered in case of problems with becoming pregnant. In this case, they should always be performed on the appropriate day of the cycle so that the results are as reliable as possible.
Hormonal tests – what do they look like?
The doctor orders the tests, but they can also be performed privately if we suspect that something is wrong with our body. They are made from a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm. The day of the menstrual cycle, as well as the time of collection, affect the result of the concentration of female hormones. These tests are minimally invasive and can be performed frequently, there are no contraindications for this.
Hormonal tests – in men
There are entire hormone test packages designed specifically for men. They are usually slightly cheaper than performing all tests separately and allow for an in-depth assessment of the hormonal balance. For example, the less estrogen, the slower the sperm. In men The luteinizing hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, also plays a very important role. It is a regulator of progesterone production. Abnormal results are noted with pituitary insufficiency or its adenomas. The follicle stimulating hormone also plays an important role as it is responsible for the production of sperm.