Hormonal testing is normally done to measure levels of sex hormones in the body. Hormone tests are usually required by physicians to determine if the levels of these hormones are within their normal ranges.
Role of sex hormones in the body
Basically, sex hormones are responsible for the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. They regulate the sex-related functions such as the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs and sperm. There three main types of sex hormones:
- The female sex hormone or estrogen
- The progesterone hormones
- The male sex hormones, or androgen hormones
Female sex hormones are responsible for the normal menstruation of females and the development of secondary female characteristics for both men and women. Progesterone, on the other hand, is essential for the healthy functioning of the female reproductive system and testosterone induces puberty in males and maintains male secondary sex characteristics.
Estriol is the most important estrogen in the pregnant female body. It is produced in the placenta and contributes extensively in the maintaining the nutritional health of the fetus. Depleting levels of estriol during pregnancy suggest the possibility of fetoplacental deterioration, which requires prompt treatment as it can result to early or premature delivery.
Like estriol, progesterone plays an important role in pregnancy. Not only does it ensure the normal operation of the placenta, but also more importantly it is passed into the developing baby’s circulation, where it is converted into corticosteroid hormones.
Testosterone, on the other hand, is most important hormone to males. It is responsible for stimulating bone and muscle growth, and male sexual development. It stimulates sperm production and is responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics. In women, testosterone plays a vital role in bone development and the overall welfare.
Purposes of hormone testing
There are several types of hormone test used to evaluate sex hormones to help diagnose problems or disorders. They are also used to monitor hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly for women who have had histories of miscarriages or women have family history of fetal abnormalities.
Estrogen hormone tests are usually done to evaluate menstrual disorders, fertility problems in females and sexual disorders. They are also used to test for the existence of tumors that may excrete estrogen. For pregnant women, the determination of hormone levels allows the monitoring of the fetal-placental health. For men estrogen hormone tests are also used to determine causes of breast enlargement or other feminization syndromes.
Progesterone hormone tests, on the other hand, are required by physicians to women who have fertility dysfunctions, for women who have had previous miscarriages or women who physical conditions pose higher risk pregnancies.
Testosterone levels hormones test are conducted for the evaluation of precocious puberty, virilizing syndromes in females, tumors in the ovary and testicle, abnormal sex characteristics and infertility in males.
Proper hormone tests for each hormone type.
To determine levels progesterone and testosterone, the most accurate tests require blood samples. Since testosterone levels are highest in the morning testosterone hormone tests should also be taken from blood samples drawn in the morning. As per progesterone, blood samples can be taken at any time of the day.
The estrogen hormone test can be performed on blood and/or urine. The first urine specimens in the morning should be discarded and all other urine samples within the next 24 hours should be saved. Remember to place the samples on ice and to fill out the information sheet with the necessary information needed to determine your required hormone levels.
Generic Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) is the most well-known and commonly used medication for the treatment of female infertility. It is used in case of ovulation problems, such as if a woman has irregular cycles or anovulatory cycles (menstruation without ovulation). Generic clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) helps by releasing hormones necessary to induce the ovulation.
