In the human body, a large number of various hormones are produced that affect the quality of life. Very often the violation of their interaction leads to infertility or problems with conception. In such cases, doctors are often advised to take a blood test for some of them. For example, FSH, LH, estradiol.
Follicle-stimulating hormone( FSH)
FSH is excreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It is formed in people of both sexes and affects the functions of the sex glands.
Due to this hormone, the formation and growth of follicles in the ovaries occurs in women. With ovulation in the middle of the cycle, the FSH level becomes greatest.
In men, follicle-stimulating hormone increases the vas deferens. In addition, its performance has an effect on the amount of testosterone in the body.
Lutein Hormone( LH)
This hormone is also excreted by the pituitary gland.
Thanks to the presence of LH in women, the process of completing the maturation of the oocyte and the subsequent ovulation take place.
In men, luteal hormone increases the formation of globulin. Testosterone penetrates the seminal tubules better, which leads to an increase in its level in the blood and the maturation of spermatozoa.
Estradiol
This is a female hormone that is synthesized in the adrenal cortex, the ovaries and the placenta of a woman. He is responsible for the proper development of the female reproductive system. In addition, it is necessary for normal ovulation and fertilization.
These hormones are very important for normal functioning of reproductive functions.
Why take tests for these hormones?
To hand over a blood test for these hormones, doctors are sent in those cases if any irregularities in the functioning of the body are revealed.
So, for example, there are certain reasons for women. These include:
- infertility;
- menopause;
- suspected of any pituitary or ovarian disease;
- if hormonal treatment is prescribed to monitor the required level of hormones;
- if there is a violation of sexual development - too fast or, conversely, slow;
- for any genetic abnormalities.
For men, there are also certain cases when it is necessary to take tests for FSH and LH.For example, they must be taken:
- if there is a maldevelopment of the genitals;
- with infertility;
- when the child has a delay in sexual development;
- if there are any problems with the formation or development of spermatozoa;
- in the treatment of hormonal drugs.
In addition, specialists can prescribe such analyzes for other reasons.
When to take?
FSH and LH levels have different indications in different phases of the cycle. That's why women often worry about the question: "When to take these tests, so that the result is the most correct?"
The doctor should prescribe the day, based on what woman's menstrual cycle is. FSH must be taken on a 3-7 day period. To determine the possibility of growth of the follicle, the analysis is scheduled for 5-8 days.
The level of LH is determined in the middle of the follicular phase, approximately 6-7 days.
Blood test for determining the level of estradiol can be taken on any day of the cycle. The maximum amount is ovulation.
For men there are no such restrictions , they can take a blood test to determine the level of hormones on any given day.
Preparing for
There are certain rules that must be followed so that a specialist can correctly determine all the indicators. For example,
- for women, several days before the test is done, it is necessary to abandon physical exertion;
- smoking and alcohol affect the level of hormones, so they must also be excluded;
- before the procedure can not be eaten. The last meal should be about 12 hours before the tests;
- the doctor must be sure to know about all the medications that a person takes. After all, they can also affect the indicators;
- age also has some effect on the result of a blood test.
Decoding of analyzes of
Analysis should be analyzed only by a specialist, do not try to find out the results yourself.
There is a certain norm for all hormones. Therefore, their level either corresponds to it, or differs in greater or lesser extent.
Norm of estradiol in different periods of the menstrual cycle will be different, for example:
- in its follicular index will vary from 198 to 284 nm / l ;
- in luteal - from 439 to 570 nm / l ;
- after menopause - 51-133nm / l .
If this hormone is increased, a woman can have ovarian tumors( testicles in men), liver cirrhosis. By the way, when taking some contraceptives, the level of estradiol also increases.
If, on the contrary, the indicator of this hormone does not reach the normal value, then the patient may have such diseases as underdevelopment of the genital organs, the threat of miscarriage. In addition, with vegetarianism, diets with a low fat content, but a large amount of carbohydrates, the level of estradiol also decreases.
The rate of follicle stimulating hormone is within from 4 to 150 units / l .Increased levels of FSH usually occurs with kidney failure, menstrual irregularities, exhaustion or ovarian cysts. In men, this indicator is elevated in hypogonadism - underdevelopment of the reproductive system.
Low FSH value usually occurs with obesity, amenorrhea, high prolactin levels, after surgical operations, abnormalities in the pituitary gland. In men - this is testicular atrophy, impotence, the absence of sperm.
The normal value of LH is within the from 0.61 to 94 units / l .This figure is significantly higher than normal with ovarian exhaustion, endometriosis, kidney failure, problems in the pituitary gland, starvation. Low level of LH occurs with high prolactin, excess weight, if a person smokes or experiences stress, insufficiency of the luteal phase.
Doctors prescribe to take tests for FSH and LH simultaneously, because their ratio in the blood of a person is estimated. The norm is their difference from 1.5 to 2 .
Specialists send blood to hormones, if this is really necessary, so do not be afraid of it. It is better to start treatment in time than to restore the body for a long time.
