Hormones

Oestradiol is a female steroid hormone that is produced in the ovaries of women and in the testes of men however in a much lesser extent. It is responsible for the female reproductive system as well as the growth of breast tissue and bone thickness. Oestradiol levels lower with age, culminating in the menopause when the ovaries stop producing eggs.

Raised oestadiolin women can cause acne, constipation loss of sex drive and depression it can also increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer.

Oestradiol can also be raised in men due to excess fat or in relation to testosterone levels which have declined with age. Raised oestadiol in men can cause the growth of breast tissue aswell as the loss of libido and infertility.

Lower levels of oestradiol in women can least to osteoporosis, problems with the menstrual cycle and fertility as well as fatigue and depression.

Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands and the corpus luteum.

Its purpose is to prepare the body for and support a pregnancy. Its levels will increase in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Levels are often measured to assess whether ovulation is occurring for women or to diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding.

Prolactin is a hormone which is made in the pituitary gland and plays a role in reproductive health. Its main purpose is to stimulate milk production after birth and in pregnant and breastfeeding women prolactin levels will soar.

Raised levels in a woman who is neither pregnant or breastfeeding can signal fertility problems as well as irregular periods.

Higher levels in men can cause reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and lack of energy and fertility problems.

Luteinising Hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and is important for male and female fertility. In women it governs the menstrual cycle, peaking before ovulation. In men it stimulates the production of testosterone.

Raised LH in women can signal that you are not ovulating, that you are menopausal or that your hormones are not in balance (as with polycystic ovaries).

Raised LH in men can signal that the testes are not producing enough testosterone.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and is important for women in the production of eggs by the ovaries and for men in the production of sperm. Levels of FSH rise in women as egg production declines, therefore raised FSH often coincides with the onset of the menopause and is a measure of ovarian reserve.

Elevated FSH in women indicates reduced egg supply whereas low levels can signal that you are not ovulating or are pregnant.

Levels of FSH in men rise with age, but can also indicate testicular damage and reduced sperm production. Low levels of FSH are detected when men are not producing sperm.

A cortisol test is done to measure the level of the hormone cortisol in the blood, which may indicate problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland.