When should I check the six hormone items?

The six hormone tests can be mainly done around the second to third day of the menstrual cycle. At this time, the female body hormones are at a level and it is better to check them. If you have missed this stage, don’t worry, you can wait for the new round to arrive and then test again. In addition, it also includes ovulation period tests, progesterone period tests, etc.

When to do the six hormone tests

1. Basic endocrine examination (2nd to 3rd day of menstrual cycle)

It is best to check a woman's basal endocrine hormone levels on the 2nd to 3rd day of menstruation. This period belongs to the early follicular phase and can reflect the functional state of the ovaries, but cannot predict whether ovulation will occur in this cycle. Generally, three sex hormones need to be tested, namely: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2).

2. Ovulation check (11th to 15th day of menstrual cycle)

Hormone measurement before ovulation is an indicator of whether the follicles are mature, whether ovulation will occur, and whether the endometrium develops synchronously. Generally, three items are checked: estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone (P).

3. Luteal phase examination (22nd to 25th day of menstrual cycle)

The best time to measure follicular development and corpus luteum is one week after ovulation monitored by B-ultrasound or 6 to 7 days after basal body temperature rises.

At this time, progesterone is at its highest level in the luteal phase, with a normal range of 9.5-89 ng/mL.

Testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) are also important hormones and can be checked at any time during the menstrual cycle. T levels are mildly to moderately elevated in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome; T levels are significantly elevated in patients with ovarian or adrenal tumors or hirsutism. Blood should be drawn between 9 and 10 am on an empty stomach.