As a rule, blood hormone levels in women are tested on certain days of the menstrual cycle. Most often, studies are being conducted to determine the levels of prolactin, LH and FSH with hormonal imbalances and the inability to self-conceive
Prolactin is one of the main indicators, the level of which in the blood can determine the overall status of the female hormonal status. Its main function is to ensure the normal development of the mammary glands. The content of prolactin in the blood will depend on the lactation process.
In what cases is the analysis given for prolactin
The blood test for prolactin level is recommended in those cases when:
- can not establish the cause of infertility;
- there are malfunctions of the menstrual cycle;
- with mastopathy there are complaints of frequent headaches and blurred vision;
- despite the absence of pregnancy, in women from the mammary glands begins the allocation of colostrum( galactorrhea);
- there is a sharp set of weight.
A reduced level of prolactin in the blood, as a rule, does not pose a direct threat to health. The concentration of the hormone may decrease on the background of taking different medications, with a pregnancy overtaken and in case of X-ray therapy. If tests on the level of other pituitary hormones do not show abnormalities, a lower prolactin dose does not require any additional treatment.
Increased prolactin in the blood can directly affect the function of procreation. Its high content leads to a malfunction of the menstrual cycle. After childbirth, when a woman is breastfeeding, this hormone protects her from the onset of the next pregnancy. If the hormone level rises in a non-lactating woman, it significantly reduces the production of progesterone and estrogen in the body, which reduces the likelihood of conception.
Also, increased prolactin in the blood often indicates the presence of benign tumors of the pituitary or hypothalamus. When receiving test results stating an increased index of this hormone, an additional study is ordered in the form of CT or MRI.
On what day of the menstrual cycle you need to take the
test Although the amount of prolactin in women in the blood may vary depending on the menstrual cycle, the limits of the permissible hormone norm are the same for any menstrual phase. It is for this reason, it does not matter what day the woman will take the analysis. If the goal is to check the amount of prolactin after the end of breastfeeding, then it should be taken no earlier than 7 days after the last lactation.
What factors influence the level of prolactin in the blood
In order to get the correct results of studies, before donating blood it is necessary to study the factors that can influence the concentration of prolactin. The amount of this hormone can significantly increase under the influence of strong emotional experiences and the transferred stress. Reinforced physical activity can also trigger an increase in prolactin in the blood. The same result can result in the reception of thermal procedures the day before the analysis is given, or a long neck massage( in this place the nodes of the nervous system are located, the stimulation of which can provoke an increased production of prolactin by the pituitary).
How to properly pass the analysis of
In order for the results of the research to be correct, some preparation is required for the analysis:
- Before you donate blood, always inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. The level of this hormone can increase in those cases when a woman drinks contraceptives, antihistamines, antidepressants.
- One day before blood donation, it is necessary to exclude sexual intercourse, as well as to avoid the state of sexual arousal.
- Before taking the test, do not take a hot bath and visit the steam room.
- It is necessary to minimize the physical strain, to give up training and, if possible, to limit the lifting of weights, to avoid long ascents on the stairs;
- It is necessary to try to keep emotional stability, not to be subjected to stresses.
How to behave on the day of blood sampling
This test should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. Eating is stopped 8 hours before the blood is given for examination. It is also forbidden to smoke an hour before the analysis. Before direct blood collection, a woman is recommended to sit quietly in the reception laboratory for about 15-20 minutes so that she can rest and come to a state of complete rest.
Other tests to determine the hormonal status of women
Along with prolactin, hormones that are produced by the anterior pituitary gland and have the ability to influence the functioning of the gonads and the state of the reproductive system include follicle stimulating hormone( FSH) and luteinizing hormone( LH).Conducting a study on their concentration in a woman's blood can help in diagnosing the problems of her hormonal background.
The first indicator, follicle-stimulating hormone, which is known under the abbreviation of FSH, promotes the growth of the oocyte in the follicle. It surrenders when it is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of hormone therapy. FSH is also prescribed to be taken when the following problems are observed:
- infertility and absence of ovulation;
- polycystic ovary;
- menstrual cycle disorder;
- very sparse monthly;
- uterine bleeding;
- endometriosis.
Preparing for FSH testing
In order to pass this analysis correctly and, accordingly, to obtain correct data, a woman is recommended to have some preparation. In the days leading up to the analysis, it is desirable to abandon physical exertion and avoid stressful situations. Affect the FSH index can smoking, starvation and such circumstances as:
- radiography;
- contact with lead;
- kidney disease;
- surgical intervention.
If at least one of the above facts occurred at least a few days before the analysis, you should notify your doctor about this.
Blood sampling for determining the level of FSH is done 4-7 days after the onset of the menstrual cycle. It is during these days of the first phase of the cycle that the maximum activity of the hormone is observed. When the results show a low level of the hormone, this can mean hypothalamus of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. In cases where the indicator exceeds the norm - there are grounds to assume:
- ovarian depletion;
- polycystic;
- presence of endometrioid cysts;
- tumor of the pituitary gland.
To determine the causes of infertility, it is very important to trace the ratio of the amount of FSH to the level of luteinizing hormone, which is designated as LH.
Why go through the study to the level of LH
This hormone is also produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for the production in the female body of progesterone. Its concentration in the blood depends on the phase of the ovulation cycle. LH analysis is prescribed when a woman has problems such as:
- increased hair growth;
- underdevelopment of the genitals;
- no ovulation;
- infertility;
- polycystic ovary.
When the result of the LH level is below normal, a parallel increase in the amount of prolactin in the blood is often observed. This condition is called hyperprolactinemia. Increased LH, as in the case of an elevated FSH level, may indicate the presence of a pituitary tumor, a polycystic ovary or a serious kidney disease.
What day should I take the
test? The level of LH in the blood is correctly determined on the 4th-7th day after the onset of menstruation. If a woman has a non-regular mourning day, blood can be taken daily, for 10 days. For reliable determination of the LH index, the analysis is given between 8 and 18 days before the expected onset of menstruation.
