Individual tests

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is synthesized and secreted by gonadotropes in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Along with the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), it is essential for proper reproductive function. In females, an acute rise of LH triggers ovulation; in males, it stimulates Leydig cell production of testosterone. This test typically finds the cause of infertility or irregular or stopped menstrual periods.
Progesterone is a hormone from the ovaries. During a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone prepares your uterus for pregnancy. This test is useful for those having trouble getting pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, or experiencing abnormal bleeding when not pregnant.
Prolactin is a pituitary gland hormone that causes the breasts to grow and produce milk. If prolactin levels are higher than normal, it often means there is a type of tumor of the pituitary gland. This test is often used to diagnose a prolactinoma, find the cause of a woman's menstrual irregularities and/or infertility, or determine the reason for a man's low sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction.
SHBG is a protein that attaches to sex hormones in your blood. When the SHBG protein binds to sex hormones, your tissues can't use those hormones. Your tissues can only use free sex hormones that aren't attached to SHBG. The test is most often used to gather information about how testosterone is working in the body.
Testosterone is known as a "male" sex hormone, but females have testosterone in smaller amounts. Testosterone causes body hair, muscle growth, and a deepened voice after puberty in males. It controls sex drive, maintains muscle mass, and helps make sperm. In females, testosterone is important for the growth of bones and muscles. A testosterone levels test may help diagnose early or delayed puberty.
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