Hormone Tests
What Are Hormones?
What Are the Different Types of Female Hormones?
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Women may experience hormonal imbalance at different stages in their lives such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. It is also natural for hormones to ebb and flow during the monthly menstrual cycle during the reproductive years of a woman’s life. The most dramatic shifts in hormone levels are experienced during pregnancy. As a woman ages, however, reproductive hormones in the body tend to decline.
A slight imbalance even in any one of the hormones may affect the function of your reproductive system making it a bit tricky to get pregnant. Hormonal imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little release of any hormone in the body.
Common Causes of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Signs and Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
Hormone Tests
- Ovulation testing
- Luteal Phase testing
Testing will evaluate progesterone levels, more extensive hormone testing, and possibly an endometrial biopsy(not done routinely now)
Ovarian function tests
These tests are looking to see how the hormones are functioning and working during your ovulation cycle. The most important test is AMH or Anti Mullerian Hormone. This helps to determine the number of eggs remaining at any given point of time in the ovaries. Other tests include the Day 3 FSH (measuring follicle stimulating hormone), Day 3 Estradiol (measuring estrogen) and blood tests to determine the levels of inhibin B.
An ultrasound is done to confirm the number of follicles seen in the early or first few days of the menstrual cycle. This is called Antral Follicle count or AFC. AMH and AFC are the two most important tests used to determine ovarian reserve.
Hormone tests
Most all of this testing will revolve around thorough hormone tests. In addition to the above, hormone tests for fertility may include checking thyroid hormones, elevated androgen levels, and prolactin hormone assessment.
If you think you could be suffering from hormonal imbalance, consult with us at Xenith. Untreated hormonal problems can hamper you from leading a quality life. It is also the leading cause of infertility issues in women. At Xenith, our greatest desire is to help women be able to conceive and one of the primary treatments is balancing your hormones. Schedule an appointment with us today.