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Anyone know what these hormone tests are for?

6 replies

nappyaddict · 08/01/2010 17:32

I went to the GP because I have missed 4 periods now. She has sent me for the following blood tests:

Serum FSH
Serum prolactin
Serum LH
Serum oestradiol

OP posts:
Mummy369 · 08/01/2010 22:59

Serum just means the levels in your blood.

FSH - Follicle Stimulating Hormone (basically checks for whether you are currently ovulating)
LH - Leutinising Hormone (surge in LH indicates that ovulation will occur in the next 1-2 days)
Prolactin - Hormone connected with Lactation
Oestradiol - Oestrogen Hormone connected with ovarian function

Some info. from other sites:

LH is often used in conjunction with other tests (including FSH and Estradiol) in the workup of infertility in both men and women. LH levels are also useful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders or diseases involving the ovaries or testes. The test may be ordered along with an FSH test if a women is having irregular menstrual periods to help determine if she has reached menopause. In women, LH and FSH levels can help to differentiate between primary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries themselves or lack of ovarian development) and secondary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries due to disorders of either the pituitary or the hypothalamus). Increased levels of LH and FSH are seen in primary ovarian failure. When a woman enters menopause and her ovaries stop working, LH levels will rise. When a woman enters menopause and her ovaries stop working, FSH levels will rise. FSH results can be increased with use of cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, and levodopa. FSH results can decrease with oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, and hormone treatments.
Non-pregnant women will normally have only small amounts of prolactin in their blood. Prolactin levels do, however, need to be evaluated based on the time of day that they are collected. The levels will vary over a 24-hour period, rising during sleep and peaking in the morning. Prolactin levels may be checked as part of a sex hormone workup, as elevated prolactin secretion can suppress the secretion of FSH.
Estradiol has not only a critical impact on reproductive and sexual functioning, but also affects other organs including the bones. During the reproductive years, most estradiol in women is produced by the granulosa cells of the ovaries. Estradiol levels are used to help evaluate ovarian function. Serum estradiol measurement in women reflects primarily the activity of the ovaries. As such, they are useful in the detection of baseline estrogen in women with amenorrhea (lack of periods).

Hope this helps. I used Wikepedia and Lab Tests Online.

nappyaddict · 18/01/2010 23:45

Well I got the results back and receptionist said all OK, so I guess that means my ovaries are working fine and I'm not having early menopause. So what on earth can it be?

OP posts:
Mummy369 · 19/01/2010 23:31

I wouldn't have thought the receptionist has any madical training to interpret the results. I suggest you arrange a follow-up appointment with the GP to discuss the results, and if they are normal you should ask what can it be?

Mummy369 · 19/01/2010 23:32

Sorry! medical

2ndDestiny · 20/01/2010 07:59

Sometimes these results are interpreted as 'normal' when they haven't been properly compared against each other. You should see your GP to discuss and make sure that LH and FSH are compared against each other - there should be roughly a 1:1 ratio, if LH is higher than FSH - 2:1 or greater, it can indicate PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which would explain your missing periods (but can be treated). You should also have your testosterone levels tested, and a thyroid function test since thyroid probs can also interfere with your cycle I believe. Also ask for an ultrasound of your ovaries. Sorry to bombard you with info - I have been through exactly the same though, and sometimes you have to arm yourself with info and be a bit pushy to get any kind of diagnosis or help. Best of luck.

nappyaddict · 22/01/2010 00:55

Mummy The doctor had seen the results and written in the "message book" all normal.

2ndDestiny How many periods did you miss and did you end up having PCOS?

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