Why do we check six hormone levels

We all know that the body's hormone balance is very important for the body's health. If the hormones are out of balance, it will show up on our skin, so we should understand the balance status of each hormone. There are six items in the hormone test, mainly luteinizing hormone, estradiol and progesterone. These six hormones are the overall components of the endocrine system, and we need to understand the examination methods.

Purpose

By measuring the levels of sex hormones, we can understand the female endocrine function and diagnose diseases related to endocrine disorders. The six commonly used sex hormones, namely follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL), basically meet the needs of clinicians for screening for endocrine disorders and general understanding of physiological functions.

The six-item sex hormone test has many tests that can detect many diseases. Therefore, as a common examination item, the six-item sex hormone test is a commonly used examination method for patients with endocrine disorders. Through the six-item sex hormone test, it can be determined whether the patient has endocrine diseases, and then the treatment method can be determined according to the examination results.

Inspection method

The inspection items are different and the attention methods are also different. The inspection content can be a full check or a single item check.

1. To check estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, 2 ml is required for each test, also after venous serum separation.

2. To check testosterone, 2 ml of venous serum is drawn. The commonly used method is radioimmunoassay, which can be measured after the serum is separated.

3. Prolactin should be checked on an empty stomach, with serum drawn around 9 a.m.

4. Check luteinizing hormone. Although it is also a radioimmunoassay test, because luteinizing hormone is secreted in a pulsed manner, it is best to collect samples 3-4 times within 1 hour and then mix them together for measurement, which is more accurate.

Check time

The best time to check endocrine system is 3-5 days after menstruation. This period belongs to the early follicular stage and can reflect the functional status of the ovaries. However, for those who have not had their menstruation for a long time and are eager to know the test results, they can have the test at any time. The time will be taken as the time before menstruation, and the results will refer to the test results of the luteal phase.

The most accurate result is obtained by having a fasting blood test at 9 a.m. on the 3rd to 5th day after the onset of menstruation. For those who are infertile or have amenorrhea, or have not had menstruation for a long time, the examination can be done at any time, but it is best to do it on an empty stomach.

As long as men do not do strenuous exercise and lead a regular life, they can check at any time on an empty stomach between 8 and 11 a.m.