Fertility Hormone Profile

There are many types of hormones that support different bodily functions and processes including growth, metabolism, appetite and fertility. Hormone imbalances or deficiencies may be to blame for a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

Oestradiol is a form of oestrogen and the main female hormone produced by non-pregnant women. The hormone has an important role in the development of female physical features and reproductive functions. Oestradiol tests are used for the evaluation of ovarian functions. It can also be used to diagnose the cause of precocious and delayed puberty in girls as well as used to monitor hormone replacement therapy in peri-pausal and menopausal women.

Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) a reproductive hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. FSH stimulates the growth and development of unfertilised eggs during the menstrual cycle in women and initiates the production of sex hormones such as oestradiol and progesterone. FSH is also used to stimulate the production of sperm in men. The FSH hormone is often tested with other sex hormones such as LH, testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone for diagnose infertility and pituitary gland disorders in men and women.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a reproductive hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation by stimulating the ovaries to produce other reproductive hormones in females whereas in men, LH stimulates and controls testosterone. The LH test is used to determine any reproductive problems.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary glands in the brain. The main role of prolactin is to promote lactation (breast milk production) in women during pregnancy and after childbirth. A prolactin test is used to diagnose infertility in both men and women as well as menstrual problems and erectile dysfunction.