Fertility can be affected by hormones as the level of predominant female hormones vary in potency. This test runs an in-depth analysis on the main hormones that can cause health and infertility problems if unbalanced.
1. Oestradoil
Oestradiol is a hormone and the more potent form of oestrogen in the body. It is mainly released by the ovaries, but the adrenals and testicles also release a small amount. Oestradiol is important for the growth and development of the reproductive system — it also helps thicken the uterine wall to allow fertilised eggs to implant.
2. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, an important gland for growth and development. In women, FSH regulates the menstrual cycle. It stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries and produces oestrogen. FSH levels can change in response to conditions which impact fertility. In women, such conditions include Primary Ovarian Insufficiency and Polysistic ovary syndrome.
3. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, an important gland for growth and development. In women, LH regulates the menstrual cycle. Following the rise in oestrogen by FSH, LH stimulates the ovaries to release the egg. LH levels can change in response to conditions which impact fertility. Similar to FSH, LH may be elevated due to Polysistic ovary syndrome or other conditions which impact the ovaries.
4. Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone which aids in the development of the reproductive system. The corpus luteum, an endocrine gland in the ovaries, produces progesterone. The main function of progesterone is to prepare the body for pregnancy. It thickens the lining of the uterus which helps accept a fertilised egg. Progesterone levels fall if fertilisation does not occur, causing menstrual bleeding to begin.
5. Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. The main function of prolactin is to stimulate the production of breast milk. In non-pregnant women and males, levels are commonly low. Levels increase during pregnancy and after childbirth. In women who do not breastfeed, levels drop to where they were before pregnancy. Difficulty getting pregnant, irregular menstrual cycles, and a decreased sex drive are common symptoms seen with altered prolactin levels.
6. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is a protein produced by the liver. SHBG helps transport sex hormones throughout the bloodstream to reach their target tissues. Therefore, alterations in SHBG can impact the actions of hormones in the body.
7. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) -Sulfate
DHEA is a precursor hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands, with a small amount produced by the ovaries and testicles. DHEA gets converted into oestrogen or testosterone where it can exert an effect on the body. High DHEA levels are often seen in women who suffer from Polysistic ovary syndrome.
