When you go to the hospital for issues such as infertility, miscarriage, amenorrhea, or menstrual disorders, doctors typically order a test: the six sex hormones. But do you know what the six sex hormones are? What is their relationship with women’s reproduction and fertility?
What are the six sex hormones?
1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): It is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, and its physiological function is mainly to promote the development, maturation, and secretion of estrogen from follicles.
2. Luteinizing hormone (LH): It is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary. Its physiological function mainly promotes ovulation and luteogenesis in women and promotes the secretion of progesterone and estrogen from the corpus luteum.
3. Prolactin (PRL): A polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, its main function is to promote the development and secretion of milk.
4. Estradiol (E2): Mainly secreted by the ovaries, with a small amount produced by the adrenal glands. Its main function is to stimulate the growth of the endometrium during the proliferative phase and promote the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
5. Progesterone (P): Secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, with a small amount produced by the adrenal glands. Its main function is to promote the transformation of the endometrium from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase.
6. Testosterone (T): Derives from the transformation of androstenedione secreted by the ovaries and adrenal cortex. Its main function is to promote the development of the clitoris and other male characteristics, stimulate the growth of pubic and axillary hair, and antagonize estrogen; it also has a certain effect on the body’s metabolic functions, such as promoting protein synthesis.
Who needs to check the six sex hormones?
The six sex hormone tests are mainly used to evaluate reproductive endocrine function.
They have significant clinical significance and reference value for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of menstrual disorders, sexual dysfunction, infertility, reproductive system tumors, and sex chromosome diseases, as well as for monitoring the effects of endocrine therapy.
Women in the following situations are advised to undergo the six sex hormone tests:
1. Women with menstrual disorders (amenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, etc.) or with symptoms like acne, obesity, and hirsutism;
2. Abnormal bleeding, gynecological tumors, and those entering perimenopause;
3. Female infertility and male infertility;
4. Plans to undergo assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization;
Testing times for the six sex hormones
For the six sex hormone tests, the testing times vary depending on different testing purposes and requirements:
1. Hormone tests on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation (menstrual phase): Focusing on ovarian reserve and baseline endocrine levels.
2. Hormone tests on the 12th or 13th day of menstruation (ovulation phase): Focusing on follicle growth, maturation, and ovulation status.
If menstruation has long been absent and one is eager to know the results, testing can be done at any time, with the assumption that it refers to the premenstrual time, and the results would correspond to the luteal phase test results.
Due to various factors affecting hormonal levels in the body, such as fullness, emotions, exercise, etc., test results may show physiological abnormalities.
Once the test results are received, it is advisable to consult a qualified doctor. The doctor will make a comprehensive judgment based on medical history, clinical manifestations, ultrasound, imaging data, etc. Patients should strictly follow medical advice and cooperate with treatment.
