Female Hormone Test List

Below we will list the main female hormone tests and their importance in diagnosing and managing various endocrine and reproductive disorders. We'll go through the key hormone tests one by one:

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test: FSH is a gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland, responsible for regulating the development, growth, and maturation of ovarian follicles in females. An FSH test measures the levels of this hormone in the blood. This test is crucial for assessing menstrual disorders, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and menopausal status. FSH levels may vary across the menstrual cycle, with the highest levels observed during the early follicular phase.

2. Luteinizing hormone (LH) test: LH, another gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland, triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone. LH test measures blood levels of this hormone and is essential in evaluating menstrual disorders, infertility, PCOS, and pituitary gland disorders. Like FSH, LH levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, with a mid-cycle surge triggering ovulation.

3. Estradiol (E2) test: Estradiol is the primary estrogen hormone produced by the ovaries and is vital for the development and maintenance of female reproductive structures, secondary sexual characteristics, and menstrual cycle regulation. The estradiol test measures the blood levels of this hormone and aids in diagnosing menstrual irregularities, menopause, infertility, ovarian cysts, and assessing ovarian function. Estradiol levels also vary across the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation and dropping afterward.

4. Progesterone test: Progesterone is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a critical role in preparing the endometrium for implantation and maintaining pregnancy. A progesterone test measures blood levels of this hormone, and it is essential for evaluating ovulation, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and early pregnancy complications. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and remain elevated during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

5. Prolactin test: Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, primarily responsible for breast milk production after childbirth. A prolactin test measures the levels of this hormone in the blood and is crucial for diagnosing hyperprolactinemia, which can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, and galactorrhea (inappropriate lactation). Elevated prolactin levels may also indicate a pituitary tumor (prolactinoma).

6. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test: AMH is a hormone produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and is a reliable marker of ovarian reserve. The AMH test measures blood levels of this hormone and is helpful in assessing a woman's fertility potential, diagnosing PCOS, and predicting the onset of menopause. Unlike other reproductive hormones, AMH levels remain relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle.

7. Thyroid function tests (TFTs): Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), influence various body functions, including metabolism and reproductive health. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland regulates thyroid hormone production. TFTs, including TSH, free T4, and free T3 tests, are essential for diagnosing thyroid disorders that can impact reproductive health, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Imbalanced thyroid hormone levels can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, and pregnancy complications. TFTs are also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement therapy or antithyroid medications.