Hormone Panel for Women

FSH

FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, is a hormone that plays an essential role in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, ovulation, and the menstrual cycle. Baseline FSH levels usually increase with age due to a smaller ovarian reserve, as more FSH is needed over time to stimulate ovarian function. A normal FSH level may imply a person has an appropriate egg quantity for their reproductive stage.

LH

LH, or luteinizing hormone, is a chemical that triggers important processes in the reproductive system. LH spurs ovulation and helps with hormone production necessary to support pregnancy. Abnormal LH levels may indicate fertility issues.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone that causes the breasts to grow and make milk during pregnancy and after birth. Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers, and normally low for nonpregnant women and men.

If prolactin levels are higher than normal, this often indicates a prolactinoma, a type of tumor of the pituitary gland. In women, excess prolactin can cause the production of breast milk while not pregnant or breastfeeding, menstrual problems, and infertility, or the inability to get pregnant.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and the ovaries. Testosterone bound to proteins in the blood is called Total Testosterone. Certain medications, like birth control, can increase those proteins and bind more testosterone, leaving less Free Testosterone floating freely in the blood.

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)

AMH, or anti-mullerian hormone, corresponds to a person’s egg count. Higher AMH levels mean more eggs and a higher ovarian reserve, while lower AMH levels mean fewer eggs and a lower ovarian reserve.

Both men and women produce AMH, but healthcare providers frequently use the test in women to provide a snapshot of a woman’s reproductive health. Abnormal AMH levels may also indicate an ovarian mass called a granulosa cell tumor.

Estradiol

Estradiol is the main form of estrogen and is produced by the ovaries. It is one of the main sex hormones responsible for ovulation and is vital to reproductive health and pregnancy. Estradiol also plays a role in the development of bones and secondary sexual characteristics, as well as the functioning of the brain and reproductive system.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone that helps maintain the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, and helps support pregnancy. When a person enters menopause and ovarian function declines, progesterone production significantly decreases.

TSH

Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, is a hormone responsible for controlling the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. TSH is considered the most effective marker for screening for thyroid diseases and conditions.

Free T3

T3, or triiodothyronine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It supports brain function, heart function, and digestion, and affects your metabolic rate and bone health. Levels of T3 fluctuate when individuals have an under- or overactive thyroid gland. A free T3 test measures the T3 that is floating free in the blood.

Free T4

T4, or thyroxine, is one of the two main hormones made by the thyroid gland. Together, T3 and T4 help determine the rate at which the cells in the body use energy. Levels of T4 fluctuate when individuals have an under- or overactive thyroid gland. A free T4 test measures the T4 that is floating free in the blood.