What sex hormones to take. Brief characteristics of indicators
How to donate blood for hormones? It is important to follow a diet, not to overexert yourself, not to be nervous, and not to eat anything in the morning, not to take medications, not to smoke, etc.
How are tests done, how to donate blood for thyroid hormones, for female sex hormones? This analysis is very important; the well-being of a woman or man, her health, and her ability to become parents depend on the content of hormones. But, if you do not prepare for this analysis and take it incorrectly, this may distort the results. How to prepare for tests, how to properly donate blood for hormones, how to prepare for the procedure?
It is important for both women and men to properly prepare for testing. There are a number of rules that are important to follow for those who decide to get tested. For analysis, blood is taken from a vein. It will require no more than 5 ml of blood.
- It is done on an empty stomach. We all know that it is correct to donate blood on an empty stomach. But, when it comes to testing for thyroid hormones, everything is more complicated. How to prepare? You cannot eat all night; you should also skip breakfast on this day. Tea and coffee are prohibited. In the morning you can drink one glass of water.
- Choose the right time. The blood test is done between 8 and 9 am. And all because the wrong time of delivery can distort the results. Towards lunch or evening, the level of thyroid hormones decreases, so it will be difficult to decipher such results, they will be distorted. The best thing is to take blood 2 hours after the patient wakes up. The same rule applies when taking a test for female hormones.
- Choose the right day. If you need to take a test for female sex hormones, you should choose the right day: 5-7 after the start of the menstrual cycle in order to decipher the correct results.
- Eat right before the test. Many people know that they donate blood on an empty stomach, but diet is also important. 2 or 3 days before you go to get tested for thyroid hormones, you need to prepare. Eliminate all fatty foods, do not eat baked goods, give up alcohol and soda. Prepare low-calorie food, portions should not exceed 200 g. Those who are being tested for thyroid hormones should not eat iodized salt, seafood, or fish.
- Forget about physical activity. If you are taking tests for female sex hormones, forget about physical activity. How else to prepare? Try not to move on the day of donating blood, i.e. you can't rush. The right thing to do is to remain calm, so leave the house early. Calculate the time so that you have time to get to the clinic, undress and sit in front of the office doors for at least 20 minutes. Also, endocrinologists do not recommend making love before taking tests. Forget about a bath or sauna.
- Avoid stress. We cannot control our emotions, there are difficult days, but we can avoid stressful situations and not worry about trifles, for example, about our place in line. It’s especially difficult for women, who often take everything to heart, but will have to pull themselves together.
- On this day you should not brush your teeth or even chew gum, even if you do not feel comfortable going to the clinic with bad breath.
- It cannot be given to those who are sick. It is not correct to donate blood for hormones during a cold; it is taken only from a healthy person. This test is not prescribed for those who take hormonal medications. If you are taking other medications, you should not take them on this day in the morning, before you go to donate blood. You should not smoke before donating blood for hormones. It is worth giving up vitamins and preparations with iodine, even if you drink them every day.
- If you have recently had a tomography, x-ray or ultrasound, tell your doctor about it. He should order a test for thyroid hormones 5 days after the examination or a little later.
Preparing for a Specific Analysis
We wrote about how to take a blood test for hormones. These are general rules. Now let’s look at each type of analysis in more detail, for example, we’ll briefly talk about testing for female sex hormones.
Anti-Mullerian hormone test
Anti-Mullerian hormone plays an important role in the body. There is a lot of it in the blood of men, but it is also present in the ovarian follicles of women, in the resting phase. By the amount of this hubbub, you can find out the number of ovarian follicles that have not begun to mature. It is given to a woman to find out how long to wait for menopause and whether it is possible to conceive a child.
It must be submitted within a certain period, i.e. on day 3 of the cycle. But sometimes it is carried out a little later. How to prepare for the analysis? As soon as she started menstruating, i.e. 3 days before the test, you need to take care of yourself, avoid stress and physical activity. One hour before donating blood, you should not smoke, otherwise, after the specialist manages to decipher the results, they will be incorrect.
Analysis for female hormones
Female sex hormones are important, they are for normal ovarian function. They are taken by those who cannot conceive a child. If after 6 months of regular sexual activity pregnancy does not occur, this may indicate a malfunction of the endocrine system or ovaries. The most famous female sex hormones are estradiol and estriol. Their production requires normal functioning of the ovaries.
Progesterone is a male hormone, but it also plays a huge role, the moment is especially important when it is produced not only by the adrenal glands, but also by the ovaries, when the egg leaves the follicle. When taking a test for female sex hormones, it is important to prepare properly.
Women should not be nervous during this period, they need to reduce physical activity. For several days, do not eat fatty foods, which can affect the functioning of the ovaries, do not drink alcohol, do not smoke, and do not have sex. You can’t eat for 12 hours before she goes to get tested for female sex hormones; you can drink water that day.
Thyroid test
If you need blood for thyroid hormone testing, how do you donate it correctly? We have already covered the main points. Most often, attention is paid to thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH. This thyroid-stimulating hormone ensures that the thyroid gland is functioning properly.
How to get tested for thyroid-stimulating hormone?
- Stop hormonal medications a month before the test.
- Do not take iodine supplements for 3 days
- Give up bad habits and physical activity.
- It is taken on an empty stomach; during this period you cannot eat for 12 hours.
In any case, before going for this or that test, talk to your doctor, ask him in more detail about how to take these tests. He must also resolve issues regarding drug withdrawal.
Today there is an increase in the number of diseases that are associated with improper functioning of the human endocrine system. This is facilitated by unfavorable environmental conditions, a large number of genetically modified products and hereditary factors. In women, disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system often provoke various gynecological diseases. In such cases, hormone tests make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment. Therefore, it is very important to know when and which ones to take correctly in order to get the most reliable results. In addition, today tests for sex hormones are in great demand when planning pregnancy.
Causes of hormonal imbalances and when tests are prescribed
Tests may be ordered if there is any external sign of hormonal imbalance. They are recommended for:
- various delays in sexual development,
- multiple miscarriages,
- disruptions of the menstrual cycle,
- polycystic ovary syndrome,
- neoplasms in the ovaries,
- the appearance of excess weight without changing diet,
- occurrence of skin problems,
- baldness or accelerated body hair growth.
These tests need to be taken at different times. They are prescribed on certain days of the cycle, so you should definitely know when to donate blood in order to get a reliable result, which can also be used when planning the due date of your unborn child.
Preparing for tests
Whenever blood is drawn for research, it is imperative to prepare in advance:
- Within a few days, it is necessary to reduce physical activity and, if possible, eliminate stressful situations.
- The emotional state of a person on the day of blood sampling should be calm, otherwise the results will be distorted.
- Eliminate all fatty foods from your diet within a few days.
- Give up smoking, alcoholic beverages and sex in one day.
- For 12 hours, completely stop eating and drink only clean water in small quantities.
- It is necessary to stop taking hormonal medications, including contraceptives, a week before the scheduled examination.
Test results can also be influenced by reasons such as infectious diseases, use of dietary supplements, dieting, stress, sudden climate change, self-medication, and infections of the reproductive system. Try to eliminate these factors seven days before the test.
Blood for analysis is taken from a vein and sent to the laboratory. Results can usually be obtained the very next day.
Types of main female sex hormones and features of testing
A woman's body produces both female sex hormones (estrogens) and male sex hormones (androgens). It is their balance that ensures the normal development of the female body as a whole. Based on the resulting transcript, you can plan your pregnancy. Female sex hormones are represented by a large number of different substances, and they significantly influence the proper functioning of the reproductive system. Therefore, if there are any deviations, the endocrinologist must appoint a specific day when blood will be drawn for testing.
Estradiol and estriol
In the group of female hormones, the most significant are estradiol and estriol. They are produced mainly by the ovaries and partly by the adrenal glands. These substances are most indicative in determining the proper functioning of a woman’s reproductive function. Estradiol is considered the most active and powerful, but during pregnancy and its planning, estriol comes to the fore. Under the influence of these substances, the formation of a woman’s figure and character occurs. When an excess of these substances appears, an increase in fat deposits is observed, on the other hand, a deficiency leads to an increase in body hair and premature aging of the skin. The main functions of these substances:
- development of normal primary and secondary sexual characteristics,
- regulation of the menstrual cycle,
- development of the uterus during pregnancy,
- egg formation.
In case of any failure of these functions, the level of this substance in the blood must be checked. It is correct to take the test on days 21-22 of the menstrual cycle. A significant upward deviation in the level of these substances may indicate neoplasms in the ovaries. If it decreases, there may be a lack of ovulation and, as a consequence, the development of infertility.
Progesterone
Despite the fact that this hormone is a male hormone, it also plays a significant role for women. Progesterone is produced in small quantities by the adrenal glands, but a very important factor is its production by the ovaries at the time the egg leaves the follicle. This substance is directly responsible for normal gestation, and an insufficient amount of it can lead to miscarriage. During gestation, this hormone is produced by the corpus luteum for up to 16 weeks, and subsequently directly by the placenta. Progesterone deficiency does not allow planning a child. Deviations from the standard value are allowed only during pregnancy. In all cases, they are evidence of serious pathology.
It is correct to take a progesterone test on days 19-23 of the menstrual cycle and the indications for it are:
- absence of menstruation or irregular menstrual cycle,
- uterine bleeding,
- infertility,
- threat of miscarriage during pregnancy.
General hormonal examination
For a general examination, if a hormonal imbalance is suspected or when planning pregnancy, tests are prescribed for substances produced by the pituitary gland. In this case, donating blood for testing is required on days 3-5 of the menstrual cycle. Deviations from normative values can be caused by pituitary tumors.
Luteinizing hormone in women regulates the functioning of the gonads in terms of estrogen production; it affects ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum. In addition, this sex hormone is responsible for many functions of the female body, so analysis to determine its level can be prescribed in a wide variety of cases:
- with deviations from normal sexual development,
- in the absence of sexual desire,
- with polycystic ovary syndrome,
- with infertility.
Increased levels of luteinizing hormone can be caused by increased physical activity associated with sports training, fasting when following weight loss diets, and stressful situations.
Follicle-stimulating hormone ensures the formation and growth of follicles in the ovaries. The maximum level of this substance determines the moment of ovulation. During menopause, an increase in the level of this hormone is considered normal. In addition, a large amount of this substance appears after X-ray irradiation. The study is indicated for:
- disorders of sexual development, both delayed and accelerated,
- lack of ovulation,
- menstrual irregularities,
- obesity,
- periodic disruptions in the menstrual cycle,
- infertility.
Prolactin plays an important role in the production of progesterone in the female body during pregnancy. In addition, this hormone provides conditions for lactation. Deviations from the norm of this hormone are allowed only when carrying a child; in all other cases, this indicates the presence of serious pathologies. Tests are taken in the following cases:
- for mastopathy,
- in case of irregularities in the menstrual cycle,
- in the absence of ovulation,
- with decreased sexual desire,
- for obesity.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone and is produced in small quantities by the ovaries and adrenal glands in the female body. It is responsible for a woman’s sexuality, but in addition it influences the normal functioning of a wide variety of organs and systems of the body. But perhaps the most important function of the hormone is its influence on the maturation of the follicle in the ovaries, therefore, this study can be carried out when planning pregnancy.
When performing an analysis, the level of free testosterone is important, which can confirm the existing hormonal imbalance. You should donate blood to determine the amount of testosterone on days 6-10 of the menstrual cycle. Indications for prescribing the study are:
- amenorrhea or irregular menstruation,
- lack of ovulation,
- polycystic ovary syndrome,
- benign formations in the uterus.
A slight increase in testosterone can be observed during intense physical activity. A lack of testosterone is marked by a lack of sexual desire and, as a consequence, the development of frigidity.
Hormone analysis during pregnancy
The role of sex hormones during pregnancy is difficult to overestimate. However, such a study is not mandatory when registering a pregnant woman. As a rule, this test is prescribed by a doctor if there is a threat of spontaneous miscarriage any day. Also, decoding the data can clarify if fetal development is suspected with abnormalities.
Most often, you need to donate blood to determine the level of the following substances:
- Progesterone, which is responsible for the successful gestation of the fetus. In most cases, such an analysis is taken in the second half of pregnancy on any day in order to monitor how well the placenta copes with the production of this substance. In addition, it is recommended to take it in cases where the scheduled due date has passed and it is necessary to determine whether the fetus is post-term or pathological.
- Estradiol and estriol, which are responsible for the successful course of pregnancy. The day of the study is determined by the doctor as necessary. A drop in the level of these substances almost always causes spontaneous miscarriage.
- Alpha-fetoprotein, which is a very important hormone indicating normal fetal development. It is produced directly by the fetus and enters the woman’s body through the placenta. When there is a deviation from the norm, this indicates the presence of congenital pathologies.
When the results show significant deviations from the norm in any direction, then, as a rule, repeated studies are prescribed in order to exclude errors. It is important that they are carried out in the same laboratory. Very rarely there is a deviation from the norm of one specific hormone. And when the imbalance affects a group of hormones, this leads to serious hormonal imbalance and the inability to plan the timing of the birth of the unborn child. Accurate diagnosis, based on correct decoding of data, will allow qualified doctors of various specializations to carry out timely, adequate treatment and eliminate existing problems.
Hormones– biologically active substances that have a complex systemic effect on the body. Thanks to hormones, all types of metabolism in the body are regulated: protein, carbohydrate, lipid and water-salt.
Hormonal regulation ensures the constancy of the internal environment of the body and a rapid response to unfavorable external influences. Thus, due to rapid changes in hormonal levels, all the body’s forces are mobilized under stress factors. And this same system provides rest and restoration of expended energy.
Thanks to genetically programmed changes in hormonal levels, growth, development and maturation of the body occurs. A gradual decrease in the level of hormones in the blood leads to aging. The most complex changes in hormonal levels in a woman’s body provide the possibility of the birth of a new life, normal childbearing, childbirth and the process of lactation.
Most hormones are produced in specialized organs - endocrine glands. These glands received this name because they secrete their product inside - directly into the blood.
The endocrine glands are subject to the central complex of neuroendocrine regulation, the so-called hypothalamic-pituitary system, located in the brain.
Features of preparation for taking a hormonal analysis: one day before, it is necessary to exclude sexual contact and thermal procedures (sauna, bathhouse).
Human chorionic gonadotropin
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a specific pregnancy hormone, which is similar in action to gonadotropins (LH and FSH).
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone of the corpus luteum of the ovary, formed after the release of a mature egg from the follicle. This hormone is necessary for a normal pregnancy, so its concentration increases throughout gestation.
Outside of pregnancy, progesterone levels begin to increase immediately before ovulation, and reach a maximum in the middle of the luteal phase of the cycle (the interval between the release of the egg and the beginning of the next menstruation - days 14-28 of the cycle).
A hormonal blood test for progesterone is taken on the 22-23rd day of the cycle in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Estradiol
Estradiol is the most active female sex hormone, which is produced in the ovaries, placenta and adrenal cortex under the influence of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland.
A hormonal test for estradiol is taken on the 6-7th day of the cycle in the morning, on an empty stomach.
Estriol
Estriol is a female sex hormone, which is called the main estrogen of pregnancy. When taking a hormonal test for estradiol, it should be taken into account that taking antibiotics and some other medications can significantly reduce the concentration of estriol in the blood.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the main male hormone that determines the development of secondary sexual characteristics, puberty and reproductive function.
In men, most of the testosterone is produced in the testicle, and less in the adrenal cortex. In women, testosterone is partially formed during the transformation process from other steroids, as well as in the cells of the inner lining of the follicle and the reticular layer of the adrenal glands.
Hormonal tests for amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive age for 6 months or more. This is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in women. There are primary and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is when a woman has never menstruated, secondary is when the monthly cycle was present and then stopped.
It should be noted that in both primary and secondary amenorrhea, first of all, it is necessary to do a pregnancy test (determine the level of hCG (chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood).
Primary amenorrhea
Primary amenorrhea can be caused by a number of reasons, such as congenital abnormalities (including chromosomal), infectious or immune damage to the ovaries, adrenal tumors, pathologies of the pituitary-hypothalamic system. Depending on the characteristics of hormonal imbalance, there are four groups of primary amenorrhea:
1.
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.
2.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
3.
Eugonadotropic hypogonadism.
4.
Hyperandrogenemia.
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (increased levels of pituitary stimulating hormones with decreased levels of ovarian hormones) indicates ovarian pathology, which may be the result of primary agenesis (underdevelopment) of the ovaries or Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome. This is a chromosomal pathology in which the set of chromosomes (karyotype) is missing one sex chromosome (karyotype X0).
With hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, there is an increase in the secretion of gonadotropins FSH (the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is especially increased in Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome) and LH (luteinizing hormone). A stimulation test with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is negative.
To verify Shereshevsky-Turner syndrome, it is necessary to conduct a karyotype study. In addition, it is recommended to do hormonal tests that determine the level of testosterone (male sex hormone) and cortisol (adrenal cortex hormone) in the blood.
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (simultaneous decrease in the level of stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland and ovarian hormones) indicates damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary system. To determine the level of damage, a stimulation test with GnRH (gonadotropic-releasing hormone) is performed. If in response to stimulation the level of the hormone in the blood increases, then we can conclude that the cause of the pathology lies in the insufficient release of releasing factors by the cells of the hypothalamus. If the stimulation test is negative, then the cause of ovarian hypofunction is pathology of the pituitary gland.
Eugonadotropic hypogonadism (reduced level of ovarian hormones with normal concentration of gonadotropins in the blood). Occurs with anatomical defects, testicular feminization syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome.
With anatomical defects leading to amenorrhea, the hormonal status is usually normal.
Thus, with the onset of placental insufficiency, the level of hCG and progesterone decreases, and with the development of chronic placental insufficiency, when fetal suffering is pronounced, the level of estrogen also decreases.
During a frozen pregnancy, there is a sharp decrease in the concentration of hCG and estrogen (100% below the average norm).
An increase in hCG levels is also a very important sign, which may indicate a multiple pregnancy or incorrect determination of gestational age. In addition, the level of hCG increases in pathological conditions such as early and late toxicosis of pregnancy, maternal diabetes, multiple fetal malformations, and Down syndrome.
Fetal malformations may also be indicated by a reduced level of estradiol, which is observed with anencephaly, intrauterine infection, fetal adrenal hypoplasia, and Down syndrome.
Hormonal blood tests for thyroid pathology
The thyroid gland is an internal secretion organ that produces iodine-containing hormones that regulate basal metabolism (maintaining the energy constancy of the internal environment). So, with an excess of thyroid hormones, all metabolic processes accelerate, which leads to their mismatch, and with a deficiency, metabolic processes slow down, which negatively affects the activity of organs and tissues. Since thyroid hormones are necessary for the normal functioning of all cells of the body without exception, diseases of the organ have systemic manifestations (central nervous activity suffers, vegetative-vascular reactions are disrupted, dystrophic processes occur in the myocardium, and the coordinated activity of the entire endocrine system of the body is disrupted).
Hormonal tests for suspected thyroid pathology
There are characteristic signs of hyperthyroidism:- a sharp decrease in body weight;
- exophthalmos (bulging eyes);
- goiter (severe enlargement of the gland).
- bradycardia;
- myxedema (mucoedema);
- endophthalmos (sunk eyes);
- hypothermia.
- amenorrhea;
- infertility;
- depression;
- cardiac arrhythmias;
- delayed mental and physical development in children.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the secretion of thyroid hormones.The production of TSH is characterized by pronounced daily fluctuations with a maximum at 2-4 a.m. and a minimum at 17-18 p.m. This rhythm gets lost during night vigils.
The concentration of TSH physiologically increases during pregnancy and with age (in the latter case - slightly).
The production of TSH is inhibited by thyroid hormones, therefore, when the level of fractions of its hormones increases, the concentration of TSH decreases, and when the gland is hypofunction, it increases.
Fractions of hormones synthesized by the thyroid gland
Fractions of the hormones of this gland are formed under the influence of TSH, and stimulate the basal metabolism and absorption of oxygen by the cells of the body.All fractions are subject to seasonal and diurnal rhythms. A physiological decrease in the level of thyroid hormones is observed after the age of 65 years, an increase during pregnancy, as well as with a rapid increase in body weight.
An increase in the level of thyroid hormone fractions may indicate its hyperfunction, or the presence of other diseases (hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome, HIV infection, increased estrogen levels).
In addition to hypothyroidism, a decrease in thyroid hormone levels is observed in the following cases:
- low protein diet or fasting;
- adrenal insufficiency;
- severe general exhaustion of the body;
- chronic liver diseases.
Total thyroxine (T4 total) is the main iodine-containing hormone of the thyroid gland (the gland produces 93% thyroxine and only 7% triiodothyronine).
The concentration of total T4 has pronounced daily fluctuations with a maximum occurring between 8 and 12 o'clock in the afternoon, and a minimum between 23 and 3 o'clock at night.
Free thyroxine
Free thyroxine (free T4) is the fraction of T4 not bound to proteins. In women, the concentration of free thyroxine is lower than in men and increases during pregnancy, reaching a maximum in the last trimester.
Triiodothyronine total
Total triiodothyronine (T3 total) is formed in the thyroid gland from T4, and has the same effect, but is 4-5 times more active than its predecessor. This hormone is characterized by seasonal fluctuations: its maximum level is found in the blood from September to February, the minimum in summer.
Free triiodothyronine
The concentration of free triiodothyronine (free T3) is the fraction of triiodothyronine in the blood that is not bound to proteins. Free T3 levels physiologically decrease in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Hormones of the adrenal cortex. Symptoms indicating cortical pathology
adrenal glands
Biological action of adrenal hormones
The adrenal cortex produces several dozen different hormones, which can be divided into three groups:1. Glucocorticoids.
2. Mineralocorticoids.
3. Adrenal androgens.
Glucocorticoids are the most important hormones of the adrenal cortex and, as the name implies, regulate glucose metabolism, having an effect opposite to insulin. They help increase blood glucose levels, causing its synthesis and reducing its uptake by peripheral tissues. So, with an increase in the concentration of glucocorticoids, so-called steroid diabetes develops.
In addition, glucocorticoids are involved in protecting the body from stress and shock and have a powerful anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect.
Mineralocorticoids regulate water-salt metabolism, helping to maintain blood pressure and preserve water, sodium and chlorine in the body. With an increase in the concentration of mineralocorticoids in the body, hypertension and edema syndrome develop.
Adrenal androgens are secreted in small quantities, so their effect becomes noticeable only in the case of pathology (masculinization of women with tumors of the adrenal cortex, etc.).
All hormones of the adrenal cortex are secreted under the influence of the hormone of the anterior pituitary gland - ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). In this case, regulation occurs according to the feedback type: with a decrease in the production of hormones from the adrenal cortex, the secretion of ACTH increases - and vice versa.
Clinical manifestations of hormonal imbalance requiring analysis
level of adrenal hormones in the blood
Hypoproduction of adrenal hormones is called Addison's disease
. This is a fairly rare disease that has the following symptoms: - increasing muscle weakness, constant feeling of fatigue;
- decreased blood pressure with increased heart rate;
- irritability, tendency to depression, anxiety;
- loss of appetite and weight, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain;
- the formation of dark spots on exposed skin;
- craving for salty foods, constant thirst;
- excess urine in the presence of symptoms of dehydration.
Less commonly, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome develops with hyperplastic processes of the adrenal cortex, as well as with long-term treatment with glucocorticoid medications, and has very characteristic symptoms:
alcoholism, some neuropsychiatric diseases, sometimes during pregnancy. In such cases they talk about Pseudo-Cushing syndrome, or functional hypercortisolism.
We take hormonal tests if we suspect cortical pathology
adrenal glands
Adrenocotricotropic hormone (ACTH)
Adrenocotricotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the production of hormones from the adrenal cortex.Increased levels occur with primary adrenal insufficiency, as well as with tumors that produce ACTH.
A decrease in the level of ACTH is observed with insufficiency of its production by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, as well as with hormone-producing tumors of the adrenal cortex (inhibition of synthesis according to the feedback principle).
Cortisol
The main glucocorticoid of the adrenal cortex, which is characterized by a pronounced circadian rhythm with a maximum in the morning (6-8), and a minimum in the evening (20-22). It should be remembered that during pregnancy there is a physiological increase in the concentration of cortisol levels in the blood.
Aldosterone
The main mineralocorticoid of the adrenal cortex. A hormonal test for aldosterone is mandatory for high blood pressure, and during the diagnosis of renal failure, as well as to monitor treatment in patients with heart failure.A physiological increase in aldosterone levels is observed during pregnancy, a salt-free diet, and increased water and physical activity.
Before donating blood, many people are interested in how to donate blood for hormones. There are several rules that must be followed to ensure that the analyzes are correct and accurate. First you need to figure out where to donate blood for hormones. Not every hospital does this kind of testing, so you'll need to get a referral from your doctor. After this, the doctor will dictate all the conditions that must be met before donating blood fluid.
How to donate blood for hormone analysis
Blood for hormones (the price of the test depends on the clinic, its methods and other factors) is donated at the request of the doctor or at the request of the patient. Raw materials for analysis must be taken from the veins. Most often, the doctor makes a puncture in the elbow area. In most cases, no more than 5 ml of liquid will be needed for the study.
How does diet affect blood tests?
Food that has been previously eaten can contaminate the raw material, making the data less accurate than needed. Many people wonder whether they should donate blood for hormones on an empty stomach or not. Of course, there are special cases where raw materials need to be analyzed as quickly as possible. In this case, it is taken very quickly, without paying attention to whether the patient has eaten before or not. However, according to the conditions of the study, it is necessary to hold out on an overnight fast the day before donating fluids. In addition, the patient is also prohibited from eating in the morning.
Many people do not know how to properly donate blood for hormones, so they make mistakes after having breakfast. This distorts the data obtained during the study, so that it will be impossible to establish a clear diagnosis after deciphering the parameters. It is forbidden to even drink coffee or tea. It is acceptable to drink a glass of pure water without any additives. The day before the day of donation of liquids, it is prohibited to drink alcoholic beverages. I'll have to give up smoking.
How does the time of donating blood affect tests?
Particular attention is paid to the time of donation of fluid for research. It is very important to complete the entire procedure in the morning. For example, the optimal hours would be from 8 to 9 am. This is due to the fact that many hormones have a specific regime according to which they are released. For example, blood testing for thyroid hormones (as the doctor tells you to donate) is necessary for the analysis of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
This is what is needed to analyze the functionality of the thyroid gland. This substance will have its maximum volume in the human body, more precisely in its blood fluid, between 7 and 8 o'clock in the morning. Then its volume will gradually begin to decrease. Moreover, by noon the volume will decrease several times, which is inconvenient for conducting an examination. If the fluid for analysis was collected after 11 a.m., the data will be incorrect, and this may mislead the doctor, because he will make an incorrect assessment of the data, so that the study will be meaningless.
How does the menstrual cycle affect tests?
Women often think about what blood test for hormones should be taken on what day of the cycle. For example, women should remember before donating fluids for hormonal testing that the individual hormones that are responsible for the sexual functions of the body are clearly dependent on the woman’s menstrual cycle and its phases. These substances include FSH, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone and LH. Standards for the study and analysis of these substances are developed exclusively for a specific phase. The beginning of the cycle is called the follicular stage. The middle part of the cycle is known as the ovulatory period, and the final period is called the luteal period. If the doctor did not give any clear instructions regarding the examination, then it is understood that the fluid must be donated approximately 5-8 days from the beginning of the entire cycle, and it must be counted from the first day of menstruation.
How physical activity affects hormonal levels
Many hormones and their secretion depend on physical activity. For example, such compounds include cortisol, prolactin, catecholamine, insulin and others. Their volumes in human blood vessels can change dramatically with different loads on the body. The same applies to stressful situations. For example, changes in hormonal levels can be dramatically affected by hypothermia, emotional stress, infectious infection, frostbite, mental or physiological trauma, etc.
In this regard, you will have to give up physical exercise a few days before donating the fluid for testing. In addition, it is necessary to refrain from mental and emotional stress. It is also prohibited to donate fluid for examination if he has an elevated body temperature due to an infectious disease.
How does taking medications affect hormonal levels?
Blood for thyroid hormones or sex hormones must be donated in such a way that you have not taken various medications beforehand. All medications contain foreign substances that can change hormonal levels. If you take medications before the examination, then you should not donate blood for hormones, the interpretation of which will be incorrect. For example, Cerucal affects prolactin. As a result, the amount of the hormone in the blood fluid increases sharply. Because of this, the diagnosis will be incorrect. Phenazepam and other medications have the same effect. If possible, all medications should be stopped a week before the scheduled day of blood fluid collection. If it is impossible to stop the drugs, then the doctor must be warned about their use.
How diseases affect the production of hormones and analysis of hormonal levels in blood fluid
If the patient is sick, then the doctor must also be notified about this. This is important because various diseases change the patient’s hormonal levels, so the data obtained during the examination will be incorrect. It is best to cure the disease and only then proceed to donate blood fluid for analysis. But if this is not possible, then the doctor should be warned about this. Many diseases have been identified that affect internal organs and at the same time lead to an increase or decrease in the production of various hormones. For example, such diseases include chronic kidney and liver diseases. Some connective tissue diseases that are systemic in nature also lead to changes.
It is best to donate blood fluid early in the morning, and this should be done no later than 2 hours after the woman wakes up. The volume of production of hormones that are responsible for the functions of the reproductive organs may largely depend on the menstrual cycle and its phases.
For example, prolactin must be taken on the 22nd day of the cycle, if the cycle has only 28 days. Otherwise, you can calculate the 7th day after ovulation if a study on ovulation was previously done. Dihydrotestosterone can be studied on any day of the cycle. But estradiol, androstenedione, LH, FSH and others are best taken between the 2nd and 5th day, counting from the first day of menstruation. But this must be done if the cycle is 28 days. If the cycle contains more days, then you can count between days 5 and 7. If the cycle is only 21-23 days, then you need to donate fluid 2 or 3 days after the start of menstrual bleeding.
Male sex hormones
Male hormones include dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and testosterone. Many women believe that they need to study these hormones, but in reality this is not the case. They are also necessary for a woman’s body, although, of course, they affect it to a lesser extent. For example, all androgens affect the sexual desire of individuals of both sexes. So if their number in the circulatory system decreases sharply, this leads to disturbances in a person’s libido. In addition, testosterone affects the functionality of many organ systems. For example, it affects the sebaceous glands, skeleton, muscles, brain, etc. In addition, it is necessary to take into account that female sex hormones are formed on the basis of testosterone. During menopause, the normal level is 1.7 pg per ml. But for women who are of reproductive age, the norm is 4.1 pg per ml.
Thyroid hormones
Your doctor may order blood fluid to test your thyroid hormones in some cases. Firstly, this is necessary when there are disturbances in the functionality of the gland mass. The doctor has determined this based on symptoms, but further testing is needed to confirm hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Secondly, repeated tests are prescribed in order to check the effectiveness of treatment therapy, and then carry out its correction. Thirdly, such an analysis may be prescribed after surgery. In addition, it is necessary for pregnant women, as well as people who live in areas with iodine deficiency. In some cases, such a study is required when a woman uses hormonal contraceptives or is being treated for infertility.
Hormones influence various processes occurring in organs and physiological functions. The amount of hormones depends on many factors: age, period of the woman’s menstrual cycle, nervous, physical, mental stress and many other circumstances, among which, oddly enough, even the time of day and the period of the last meal. Hormonal imbalance can be an indicator of diseases of the endocrine system and serious health problems. Tests are performed to determine hormonal levels. With their help, for example, you can determine the state of the organs responsible for reproduction. What hormones are blood tested for?
Prolactin
The production of this hormone promotes ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the ovary as a result of rupture of the follicle). It also plays an important role in lactation after childbirth. Deviation from the norm in the intensity of prolactin production can affect the period of egg maturation and lead to infertility. The production of the hormone during the day is pulsating. Its level rises during sleep and decreases sharply upon awakening. In the follicular phase of the cycle, its level is lower than in the luteal phase. A woman can take a blood test twice a month, and she must be completely at rest for at least half an hour before the procedure.
Follicle stimulating hormone
The tasks of this hormone in the body of the expectant mother are to stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles (components that include an egg surrounded by epithelial cells and connective tissue) and to secrete estrogens.
In men, it affects the development of the testicular efferent tubules, as well as the production of testosterone.
Luteinizing hormone
Its amount is inversely related to the follicle-stimulating agent: an increase in the production of one leads to a decrease in the production of the other.
In women, the formation of the corpus luteum of the ovary after ovulation and the production of progesterone (corpus luteum hormone) depend on luteinizing hormones; in men, the rate of seed maturation and the intensity of testosterone production.
Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone
In women, sex hormones manifest themselves differently during certain periods of the cycle. Thus, estradiol (one of the estrogens) is produced in the first half of the cycle by the ovarian follicle, and in the second by the corpus luteum that appears in its place.
Estrogens are hormones belonging to the steroid group. They are produced by the ovarian follicles in women; in small quantities they are also secreted in the male body by the adrenal cortex and testicles.
The main and most active hormone related to estrogen is estradiol. In the female body, it is responsible for the development of the egg and the formation of the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone is a hormone produced by a woman’s corpus luteum and is responsible for maintaining the fetus in the womb. You should take a progesterone test 2-3 weeks after the start of your cycle.
Testosterone is secreted in men in the testicles. Its deficiency causes sexual dysfunction. Testosterone is also produced in women (by the ovaries and adrenal glands). Its excess in the female body can lead to miscarriage.
Thyroid
A very common cause of many diseases is a lack of substances produced by the thyroid gland. These elements influence the nervous system, the functioning of the genital organs, the formation of germ cells, the course of pregnancy and the body as a whole. Blood testing for thyroid hormones can be done at any clinic.
Proper analysis
How to donate blood for hormones? It is taken from a vein. The main purpose of this analysis is to identify the level of thyroid hormone, adrenal glands and pituitary gland. Other studies are prescribed individually.
To obtain a more accurate result, when taking a hormone test, you should follow several rules:
Blood sampling is carried out on an empty stomach;
. the test result can be affected by nervous tension, so immediately before the analysis you need to be at rest for some time;
. about a week before donating blood, you will have to forget about alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, tea, the body must be completely cleansed of substances that have a psychotropic effect;
. you should not take medications a week before donating blood (if you cannot refuse to take vital medications, be sure to tell your doctor about this);
. on the eve of the analysis, you should not overexert yourself physically or mentally;
. It is important for women to remember that the results of the analysis depend on the period of the menstrual cycle (a certain group of hormones is studied only in a certain period of the cycle);
. Representatives of the fair sex should be tested for follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones on days 3-8 and 19-21 of the monthly cycle (men do not need to adhere to any deadlines for taking the test).
Important points
Hormonal substances are the most important regulators of normal human life. A method for studying the functioning of the organs responsible for their production is a blood test.
Based on the content and concentration of certain hormones, the presence of abnormalities can be detected and the disease can be diagnosed. How to donate blood for hormones? The main factors influencing test results are the following: food intake, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, sexual contact. You should definitely inform your doctor about pregnancy, menopause, and taking hormonal medications, even if the course of treatment has recently completed. The timing of the tests is also important: different hormones in women are tested on specific days of the menstrual cycle. The countdown starts from the day the bleeding begins.
Let's take a closer look at how to donate blood for hormones.
Progesterone is a sex hormone that ensures the normal course of pregnancy. It is taken on days 20-22 of the cycle. On the eve of the analysis, it is worth excluding sexual intercourse. Blood is drawn on an empty stomach, ten hours after the last meal.
Testosterone is the hormone of passion and sexuality. Being essentially male, in a woman’s body it provides attractiveness and eroticism. Analysis for sex hormones is perhaps the most unpretentious, and can be carried out both at the beginning of the menstrual cycle and in its middle.
Estradiol is the hormone of femininity. This estrogen creates not only an elegant figure, but also a gentle character. The study is carried out on the 2-5th or 19-20th day of the cycle. At least eight hours must have passed since your last meal. The day before, you should cancel physical exercises and stress, not conduct medical examinations such as radiography, ultrasound, FG, and also not smoke.
During the same period, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) are tested. In some cases, for an accurate diagnosis it is necessary to monitor the LH level over time. How to donate blood for hormones? Liquid tissue is taken for analysis daily for 10 days before the expected start of menstruation. The rules for preparing for the study are similar to those described above, however, physical activity should be eliminated even earlier - three days in advance.
Prolactin is a hormone that ensures proper development of the mammary glands and lactation. One day before the test, it is necessary to avoid sexual contact, a hot bath or other thermal exposure, and for one to two hours before blood sampling - do not smoke or worry.
Cortisol is an adrenal hormone that affects water-salt balance and blood pressure. During the day, the level of hormones in the body changes, so medical examination is carried out strictly in the morning, on an empty stomach. An hour before the test, avoid smoking, as nicotine increases cortisol levels. After consulting with your doctor, stop taking the prescribed medications two weeks in advance. One day before, you need to give up sports training.
Why donate blood for thyroid hormones? Their presence determines normal homeostasis in the human body. The rules for preparing for tests can be reduced to the following fundamental principles: you should stop taking hormonal medications a month before, iodine-containing medications a week before, you should avoid sports activities the day before, do not perform X-ray contrast procedures, avoid stressful situations, donate blood for TSH hormones in the morning on an empty stomach .
Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and unforgettable periods in the life of a family. Every woman dreams of spending this time in joyful and calm anticipation of the baby. To avoid worries and worries about the health of the unborn child, it is better to approach pregnancy planning with all responsibility.
First of all, visit your doctor and tell him in detail about your health condition. Hormone testing is not mandatory when planning a pregnancy, but can be prescribed to spouses who have problems conceiving.
You will be referred for testing if you have the following symptoms:
Menstrual irregularities.
. Overweight.
. Male pattern hair growth.
. Frequent mood swings.
. Sleep problems and chronic fatigue.
. Previous unsuccessful pregnancies (miscarriage, etc.).
. You have been unable to conceive a child for a year or more.
. Age over 35 years.
. Other symptoms (decreased libido, headaches, painful menstruation).
Below is a list of hormones responsible for a smooth pregnancy:
Progesterone is produced in women in the 2nd half of the menstrual cycle. One of its names is “pregnancy hormone”. During this period, its concentration in the blood increases approximately 100 times. The hormone prepares the inner layer of the uterus for bearing a fetus and also prevents muscle contraction, which significantly reduces the likelihood of miscarriage. Progesterone can also be credited with the presence of maternal instinct in women.
The level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the body of the fair sex is one of the important indicators of the health of the reproductive system. This element is responsible for the development of the egg, as well as for the production of equally important hormones for women's health - estrogens. In men, FSH is involved in spermatogenesis.
Estrogens are responsible for the growth and development of the fetus and for preparing the female body for breastfeeding. Estradiol, part of the group of estrogen hormones, has an important effect on the development of the placenta and the prevention of miscarriage.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) affects reproductive function in both men and women. In women, the LH surge in the middle of the cycle stimulates ovulation and promotes the production of progesterone. During pregnancy, LH levels should be low.
Prolactin ensures the process of milk formation and reduces the mother's sensitivity during breastfeeding. The production of prolactin in large quantities during lactation inhibits the ovulation process. This prevents a woman from becoming pregnant while breastfeeding.
Testosterone is a male hormone, but is also produced by the female body (in a significantly smaller amount). A large amount of testosterone in a woman can lead to a lack of ovulation. If a woman is already pregnant, then an increase in the level of the male hormone can lead to such unpleasant consequences as miscarriage, fading of pregnancy (excess hormone inhibits and even stops the growth of the uterus), as well as “habitual miscarriage”, in which a representative of the fair sex constantly loses children various terms.
Hormones have a huge impact on the development and life of the fetus, so during pregnancy planning you need to take examinations seriously to reveal their levels in the body of the expectant mother.
There are some rules that are very important to follow so that the hormone analysis is as informative as possible. The material is given in the morning and on an empty stomach. The day before the examination, you should refrain from physical activity, avoid stressful situations, and give up fatty foods and smoking. If a woman is already pregnant, she may be prescribed a test to check the level of hormones in the body.
Please note that each laboratory uses its own methods. So, in order to ensure that the analyzes do not differ radically, it is advisable to do them in the same laboratory. Then adequate changes will be noticeable.
What to do before analysis
1. Stop taking all prescribed medications. If this cannot be done, tell the doctor about it.
2. Avoid drinking alcohol for at least a few days.
3. Before donating blood, do not eat high-calorie foods.
4. Don't smoke.
5. Do the test on an empty stomach. Half the day before, drink water without sugar and gas.
6. Do not expose the body to physical stress.
7. Before taking the test, when you enter the room, it would be good to rest, relax, calm down, and come to your senses.
8. If you had to undergo an X-ray, scan or ultrasound in the last 3-5 days before taking blood for hormones, ask your doctor whether it is really necessary to be examined at this particular time or you can wait a little. Keep in mind that hormone tests done by multiple laboratories vary widely. This happens because different equipment is used. It is advisable to take all the necessary tests in one place all the time.
It is not necessary to donate blood for sex hormones during pregnancy. Of course, this applies to healthy women who have no complaints. The doctor may decide that blood donation for hormones is still necessary in a number of situations:
1. If you suspect a threat of miscarriage. Among the main reasons for concern are a history of miscarriages and irregular menstruation. In such cases, they usually donate blood to determine the level of prolactin, progesterone, and cortisol.
2. If there is already an existing threat of miscarriage or fetal death. In such cases, the expectant mother should be tested for hCG (chorionic gonadotropin, hCG). It is taken between the 4th and 12th week, 2 times a week. If you donate blood for hormones so often, the norm will be easily regulated with medication, which, in turn, will help maintain the pregnancy.
3. If there is a suspicion of various defects in fetal development (Down syndrome, developmental delay, microcephaly), the woman takes a test at 14-18 weeks for the amount of three hormones in the blood: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hCG, free estriol. Their level can also be influenced by external factors, so do not forget about the rules:
Blood is donated in the morning and must be done on an empty stomach (it is allowed to drink tea without sugar, but you should not eat food within the previous 12 hours).
The quantity and quality of food can significantly affect the test results, so the day before the test it is not recommended to overeat, eat fatty, sweet, spicy foods, or significantly change your diet. You should give up alcohol and smoking.
The day before the analysis, you need to avoid stressful situations, reduce physical activity, do not have sex and be nervous. If these recommendations are followed, the analysis will show the most accurate results.
If you have already donated blood for hormones, the decoding will not take long. A diagnosis based on the results of a hormonal study can only be made by a doctor. The corresponding conclusions are made taking into account additional factors (data from the patient’s examination, medical history, etc. are analyzed)
Where to donate blood for hormones
If you have received a referral for testing from your local doctor, you can take it directly at the clinic in the morning. If for some reason you want to donate blood for hormones for a fee, the prices will pleasantly surprise you (the procedure will cost from 300 rubles). Plus, you won’t have to stand in line, and the results of the examination will be available much faster.
If you donate blood for hormones for a fee, you will not need a specialist’s interpretation, since the result of the analysis from a medical institution is understandable even to a person who does not have the appropriate education. The answer reflects both your indicator and the normal range.
They do not take tests after undergoing physical procedures, x-rays, or rectal examinations. The results of hormonal studies in women of reproductive age may be affected by the menstrual cycle. So this period is necessarily taken into account when donating blood for progesterone, prolactin, estradiol, estriol, as well as FSH hormones. When taking tests for sex hormones and growth hormone, you need to follow the advice of doctors about the recommended time for testing.
Other studies, for example, an analysis for growth hormone, do not require any special preparations. However, we note that consultation with a specialist before carrying out them will not be superfluous. One way or another, adherence to the basic principles of preparation will allow the test results to be more informative. Don't forget about your health. From time to time, for prevention, take tests and monitor the level of vital hormones.
