Test : sex hormone test
Indications : The sex hormone test is useful in diagnosing a range of conditions including fertility-related issues,
puberty and
menopause related issues and in diagnosing sex-hormone producing tumors.
Some of the factors that affect the test include - the timing of test, recent nuclear scan and certain hormone based medications.
For the test, blood is drawn from a vein on the forearm through venipuncture and sent to the laboratory.
Physiology : Sex hormone test is carried out to test the blood level of the major sex hormones-
estrogen and
progesterone in women and
testosterone in men.
Estrogen stimulates sexual maturity in females. Progesterone helps to maintain
pregnancy. Testosterone stimulates
male fertility and secondary sexual characters.
Abnormal levels of sex hormones are often associated with endocrine dysfunction especially the pituitary and adrenal glands, hence this test is usually carried out along with other hormone tests.
Normal Range : Estrogen-24-149pg/ml,testosterone-300-1200ng/dL,progesterone-menopausal women-150ng/Dl-2000ng/dL,Premenopausal-1500-2000ng/dL
Interpretation : Normal
• Estrogen-24-149pg/ml,
• Testosterone-300-1200ng/dL,
• Progesterone:
Menopausal women-150ng/Dl-2000ng/dL,
Premenopausal-1500-2000ng/Dl
Estrogen
Low levels indicate ovarian failure, pituitary dysfunction, or menopause.
High estrogen levels could indicate estrogen-producing tumors or severe liver disease such as cirrhosis. In men it could indicate testicular tumors.
Progesterone
Low levels - ovarian or pituitary gland dysfunction or pregnancy-related problems.
High levels - linked to ovulation, pregnancy, ovarian cysts, adrenal gland disorders, or certain tumors.
Testosterone
Low levels - Pituitary gland dysfunction, testicular /
prostate cancer, orchiectomy (removal of the testes), estrogen therapy, liver cirrhosis.
High levels - Benign and malignant tumors of adrenal gland and
hyperthyroidism. In women, it may be caused by ovarian or adrenal tumors or PCO syndrome.
References :
1. http://www.healthcommunities.com/fertility-pregnancy-tests/sex-hormone-tests.shtml
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