5 Hormone Tests for Females to Know and Understand

Hormones, also known as the body’s chemical messengers. Hormones play an important role in the body's overall functioning. These are produced in endocrine glands and provide instructions to tissues and organs. Be it metabolism or reproduction, hormones control these processes. When your body ends up secreting either too little or an excess of hormones, hormonal imbalances are the result. These can affect major body mechanisms. Many symptoms can be indicative of a hormonal imbalance in your body. Some of the most common include abnormal weight gain, muscle aches, fatigue, excessive sweating, frequent urination, depression, increased thirst, and infertility. The above-mentioned symptoms commonly occur in men and women. However, females experience a classic hormonal imbalance called PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Hormone tests for females are important to check hormone levels and detect any abnormalities. Here are some of the common women’s hormone tests to help evaluate the levels of different hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin hormones. 

Below are a list of Hormone Tests for Females that need to be checked at regular interval.

Keep a Check on Your Estrogen Levels

Estrogen combines three hormones called Estrone or E1, Estradiol or E2, and Estriol or E3. Estrogens are primarily responsible for sexual development in females. Amongst all three hormones, the E2 hormone accounts for sexual functioning and the development of female characteristics.

E2 is a major sex hormone produced by the ovaries. The levels of this hormone are high during ovulation and dip during menstruation. You need to check your estrogen levels if you face irregular periods or difficulty getting pregnant. Low estrogen levels are indicative of PCOS, low body fat, and decreased pituitary function.

If your estrogen levels shoot up, common symptoms include heavy bleeding during menstruation, fatigue, or decreased sexual drive. Take an E2 blood test that gives the correct measure of estradiol levels in your body. [2,3,4,5]

Refer to the table below for an idea of normal female estrogen levels during different stages. 

Monitor the Progesterone Hormone Levels in Your Blood

Progesterone is another hormone produced by ovaries. It plays an important role in the body as it prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg. Progesterone helps glands in the endometrium supply nutrients to the developing embryo. Check your progesterone levels to know if your ovulation process is regular or in case of ectopic pregnancy.

If you face fertility issues, this female hormone blood test may help detect the cause. Low progesterone levels can result in premature labor and miscarriage. However, high levels indicate breast cancer. A value greater than 30 nmol/L on the 21st day of a monthly cycle indicates ovulation. If the value is less than 5 nmol/L, it determines that ovulation has not occurred. [3,4]

Test FSH and LH hormone levels for healthy body function 

FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, is important in sexual development. In women, FSH controls the menstrual cycle by stimulating the growth of eggs. This hormone works in combination with another hormone called LH, or luteinizing hormone. Like FSH, LH is also responsible for sexual development. Hence, both FSH and LH tests are often combined. Check the LH level in women if you have a low sex drive, fertility issues, and menstrual problems. [4,6]

The table below shows FSH normal levels in females,

The normal LH levels in females indicate proper functioning of the pituitary gland with a regular menstrual cycle and ovulation process.

• Check your prolactin hormone levels. 

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is responsible for breast growth and milk production after childbirth. Excess levels of prolactin can cause infertility issues and menstrual problems in women. In fact, high levels indicate hypothyroidism, liver disease, and prolactinoma. [7]

A blood test can help check these levels fairly quickly. Typically, prolactin normal levels in females are [10]: <25 ng/mL for nonpregnant women and between 80 to 400 ng/mL for pregnant women.

• Confirm your body’s nutrient levels with mineral deficiency test and nutritional deficiency test 

A nutritional deficiency test is essential to check the level of crucial nutrients in the body. These tests help diagnose various nutritional deficiencies. A mineral deficiency test involves checking calcium, iodine, magnesium, and copper levels in your blood. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D tests help check if there is any deficiency of these vitamins in your body. While Vitamin B12 is essential to keep blood cells healthy, Vitamin D helps build bones. [8,9]

Hormone tests for females are essential to detect anomalies that could interfere with metabolism and reproductive capabilities. What’s more, women’s hormone tests can help detect early signs of pregnancy as well. The female hormone blood test cost is very nominal and budget-friendly. Book lab tests online on the Bajaj Finserv Health platform and ensure you always stay in the pink of health with the right type of preventive care.