Cangzhou Municipal People’s Hospital Laboratory Li Pengfei
Sex hormone six-item testing, as an important means for evaluating the health of the female reproductive system, helps doctors understand the endocrine function status of women by measuring the levels of six key hormones in the blood, and diagnose various diseases related to endocrine disorders. This article will detail the content, testing methods, clinical significance, and precautions of sex hormone six-item testing, in order to provide readers with comprehensive health knowledge.
I. Content of sex hormone six-item testing
Sex hormone six-item testing mainly includes the following six indicators:
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Its main function is to promote the development and maturation of ovarian follicles. A high FSH level may indicate ovarian function decline, where follicles do not mature; a low level may indicate ovarian hyperfunction, accelerating follicle maturation.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): Acts in synergy with FSH to promote ovulation and corpus luteum formation, and secrete pregnancy hormones. A high LH level is often associated with diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome; a low level may indicate decreased ovarian function, affecting ovulation.
Estradiol (E2): The main estrogen in the female body, promotes endometrial proliferation, development of secondary female characteristics, and maintains normal physiological activities. E2 levels vary in different menstrual cycle stages, abnormally low levels may reflect ovarian function decline or hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction.
Progesterone (P): Its main function is to shift the endometrium from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase, crucial for maintaining pregnancy. A low progesterone level may indicate inadequate corpus luteum function, leading to infertility or miscarriage.
Testosterone (T): Present in small amounts in the female body, mainly promoting the development of the clitoris, labia, and mons pubis. Abnormally high testosterone levels may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, adrenal cortex hyperplasia, and other diseases.
Prolactin (PRL): Its main function is to promote breast growth, milk production, and lactation. Elevated PRL levels may be related to pituitary prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, and other diseases; while physiological elevation can be seen after exercise or sexual intercourse.
II. Testing methods
Sex hormone six-item testing is usually done through venipuncture, with samples sent to the laboratory for analysis using specialized medical equipment to obtain specific values for each hormone. To ensure the accuracy of the test results, it is generally recommended to perform the test on the 3rd-5th day after the start of menstruation when the follicles are in the early stage, reflecting the ovarian function status more effectively. For patients with prolonged amenorrhea or absent periods, the test can be done at any time, but fasting is preferred.
III. Clinical significance
Assessing ovarian function: Combined testing of FSH, LH, E2, and progesterone can evaluate ovarian reserve function and ovulation status, aiding in the diagnosis of ovarian-related diseases like polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, etc.
Diagnosing diseases related to endocrine disorders: Abnormal sex hormone levels are important manifestations of various endocrine disorder diseases like hyperprolactinemia, hyperandrogenism, etc. Sex hormone six-item testing can timely detect and diagnose these diseases, providing a basis for treatment.
Guiding reproductive health: For patients with infertility, sex hormone six-item testing helps determine the presence of ovulation disorders, luteal insufficiency, etc., guiding the choice of treatment plans. Also, for patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments, sex hormone testing is an important indicator for evaluating treatment effectiveness.
Monitoring treatment effects: Regularly monitoring sex hormone levels during the treatment of endocrine disorders can promptly understand treatment effects, adjust treatment plans, ensuring treatment effectiveness and safety.
IV. Precautions
Timing of examination: The optimal timing is the 3rd-5th day after the start of menstruation to reflect ovarian function status effectively in the early follicular phase. For patients with prolonged amenorrhea or absence of periods, examination can be done at any time, preferably on an empty stomach.
Diet and lifestyle: Before the test, pay attention to a light diet, avoid spicy foods, maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue. These factors can affect hormone levels, thus influencing the accuracy of test results.
Emotional stability: Try to maintain emotional stability before the test, avoid intense exercise and emotional excitement. Especially during prolactin testing, emotional excitement and intense exercise can lead to elevated PRL levels, affecting test results.
Follow medical advice: If taking medications, especially hormone medications, inform the doctor in advance to adjust the test plan or interpret the results accordingly based on specific circumstances.
Regular hospital examination: Different hospitals may use different test kits and methods, so it is advisable to go to a reputable hospital for examination to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
V. Conclusion
Sex hormone six-item testing is an important diagnostic method for female reproductive system diseases, with wide application value. By understanding the content, testing methods, clinical significance, and precautions of sex hormone six-item testing, we can better focus on our own health, timely detect and treat endocrine disorders, and remind readers to maintain a healthy lifestyle in daily life, emphasizing dietary nutrition and regular schedules to maintain the balance and stability of the endocrine system.
