Analysis for hormones in women. Deciphering the result of a blood test for hormones

How often a woman when she visits a gynecologist or an endocrinologist, especially if she has problems with her health, hears about having to take hormonal tests. Where to run, how to take and what can be found out with their help in the end? A lot of information you will get from the doctor on the basis of the results. Therefore, there is no need to spare time and money for such a case.

What are hormones?

It is important to know that hormones are needed for the work of various cells and organs. They get there through the blood, lymph. They are also present outside the cells. These are, first of all, special substances that are produced by certain tissues and glands in each organism. Why are the analyzes for women at the level of hormones so important? Everything is simple: on this depends their ability to procreate, namely the possibility of becoming pregnant and bearing a child. Remember that there are a lot of different hormones, each of which has the ability to change its indicator depending on any external and internal influences. Therefore, the doctor will tell you which day of the menstrual cycle is best to donate blood and how to do it (meaning, on an empty stomach or not). The analysis for hormones in women is taken from the vein.

How to properly prepare for the study?

Preparation for the analysis of blood for hormones must be, since this directly affects the reliability of the result. Laboratory examination is performed in the appropriate medical office, strictly on an empty stomach. After all, any meal, even drinking ordinary water, can significantly change the results. When you decide to pass this analysis, remember what you need to do:

- At least one day before this does not have sexual relations, do not engage in active sports.

- Get rid of bad habits for a short time: do not drink alcohol (one day before the analysis) and do not smoke (about 1 hour).

- If you are taking or using topical preparations containing hormones, then be sure to check with the doctor who is assigning you this study. They can be canceled for a short time, or simply adjusted their reception.

- Be sure to discuss with the doctor the duration and regularity of your menstrual cycle, as the analysis on female sex hormones is surrendered on a certain day.

If these tips are not observed, the following situation can result: the results of the study will be greatly distorted, the wrong drugs are prescribed, as a result, the treatment will be useless. And it will be insanely insulting for uselessly spent money and time.

Female sex hormones

There are many cases when it is necessary to take tests for female hormones:

- harassing many girls during puberty and after it acne, which does not disappear after using even the newest skin care products;

- extra pounds often speak of hormonal failure in the body of a woman;

- benign disease of the mammary glands, including such as fibrocystic mastopathy;

Uncommon disorder in the menstrual cycle common in young girls;

- the recent inability of the entire female population to conceive and endure a baby, that is, the so-called infertility.

It is important to understand that the results of blood tests for hormones, in this case sexual, are always due to the correctness and literacy of their delivery. To do this, you need a doctor, you can not appoint them yourself. Let's designate some basic kinds of female sexual hormones:

1. Progesterone, estradiol: their delivery should be performed either after the 22nd day of the cycle, or between 5 and 9 in the afternoon. Deviations in the level of this type of hormones leads to mastopathy, and in neglected cases - even to cancer.

2. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and testosterone: Usually the doctor recommends checking the level of these hormones, as a deficiency or excess of them can lead to acne, excessive weight and hairiness, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and further to infertility. This hormone is recommended for delivery on the 8-10 day of the cycle.

3. Prolactin, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones: on the whole, this group is responsible for the process of conception of the child, ie maturation in the ovaries of the female follicles, the appearance of ovulation, etc. This process is thought out to the smallest detail by nature, but any malfunction in the organism of the expectant mother Is capable of violating her plans. You will try them on the 5th-9th day of the cycle, and some even several times. By the way, the FSH norm in women can vary significantly depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle :

- the stage when the girl is not yet capable of procreation, i.e., menstruation did not begin (pre-reproductive age): the value of the hormone is within the range of 0.01-6.0 mIU / ml;

- menstrual phase (1-6th day): the value of the hormone within the limits of 1,9-12,5 mIU / ml;

- follicular phase (the 3rd to 14th day is the time when follicles ripen in the ovaries): the value of the hormone is within the range of 1.9-12.5 mIU / ml;

- ovulatory period (13-15th day, when the follicle enters the uterine cavity, and after a certain time a mature egg leaves it): the value of the hormone is within the range of 8.7-76.3 mIU / ml;

- Luteal phase (the time from the end of menstruation and the onset of a new one, on average about 15 days): the value of the hormone within 0.5-16.9 mIU / ml;

- stage of pregnancy: the value of the hormone in the range of 0.01-1.5 mIU / ml;

- phase of postmenopause, when menstruation in a woman run out: 15.9-54 mIU / ml.

Its level decreases in the presence of problems in the pituitary and hypothalamus, and increases in the period of menopause, ovulation, as well as in diseases of the ovaries. Note that the FSH values often differ from each other if the tests are performed in different laboratories.

By the way, everything described above can serve as an example of how the decoding of tests for certain hormones is carried out. In the framework of one article, it is difficult to describe, and, in principle, it is not necessary, because it is only an expert who can objectively assess the situation and intelligently decipher the analysis. A woman only has to strictly follow all his requirements and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Male sex hormones

Above, the main types of female sex hormones were indicated. It is important to know that they are formed with the same name of male partners (androgens), it is due to the presence of a hormone such as testosterone in women. The analysis on it also appoints, first of all, the endocrinologist. This can be due to numerous causes: inability to bear and give birth to a child, excessive weight and the presence of secondary sexual characteristics, such as hairiness in uncharacteristic places for women and acne. The analysis for hormones in women, in this case male, will show either a decrease or an increase. The first option will testify to the poor performance of the kidneys, and the second - about the presence of a tumor or worsening of the functioning of the ovaries.

Thyroid hormones

Here the situation is more understandable. Give thyroid hormones in the event that there are problems in the work of the organ of the same name. Usually, the thyroid gland may break its functioning in two directions: an increase in hyperthyroidism, or a decrease in hypothyroidism. Most often, the latter is supplemented by taking appropriate medications. Therefore, before giving the test, remind the doctor about the dose of the drug, which he will necessarily correct. There are several main indicators that characterize the functioning of the thyroid gland:

- The amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): this hormone controls the general work of the thyroid gland.

- The main hormone is thyroxine, which is subsequently synthesized into free thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Those who closely monitor their health, it is important to note that the level of thyroxine in the human body depends on the amount of iodine that has entered it. Therefore, foods and vitamins containing this element should always be in your diet.

Pregnancy and hormones

Before the birth of the long-awaited baby, every woman has to go through three important stages: planning, pregnancy and childbirth. At all these stages the hormonal background undergoes significant changes. In fact, all those familiar mood swings and a set of excess weight in women in the situation are associated with this. Let's analyze each stage separately:

1. Planning. Most often, they are asked to take an analysis of the hormones in women who for a long time can not become pregnant, have already had several miscarriages or frozen pregnancies. Also, doctors recommend paying attention to this study to women who want to have a baby, but have excess weight or excess hair on the body. After all, this indicates the presence of a large number of male hormones. Of course, it is better, if they are appointed by a doctor, he will carefully study your medical history, calculate the favorable days of the menstrual cycle for research, perform such an action as deciphering the results of a blood test. Hormones in this case will be compared with the relevant standards in medicine.

Although hormones in the problem of conception play an important role, one should not focus only on them. Undoubtedly, if there are deviations, it is necessary to drink those homeopathic or synthetic drugs that an experienced doctor will appoint you. And then look for other reasons and try to get pregnant again.

2. Pregnancy is a special condition of the female body, because thanks to it you can soon experience the incomparable happiness of motherhood. In general, those who have these beautiful nine months are without problems and complaints, doctors do not prescribe such a study as the analysis on hormones in pregnant women. In other cases, it will have to be handed over. I want to note right away that the level of female sex hormones during pregnancy is significantly overestimated, and this is a perfectly normal condition. And what will be the deviation?

- Decreased estriol will talk about problems in the growth and development of the fetus.

- Lack of progesterone in a woman's body often leads to the impossibility of her own to bear the child.

- Prolactin: the hormone that must be raised during and after pregnancy, during breastfeeding, as it is directly responsible for this natural process. However, the rest of the time, it should be normal, because an increase in its rates will indicate signs of a pituitary tumor or infertility.

3. Delivery and lactation. Of course, after birth in the body of every woman there is a hormonal failure, because he was able to withstand the strongest emotional shock and no less complex physical activity. Therefore, during the first months of the baby's life, few of the mothers pay attention to their condition. Later, after the completion of breastfeeding, in the presence of such ailments as depression, excessive weight, brittleness of hair and nails, painful sensations in menstruation and much more, it is necessary to urgently apply for highly qualified help. It is a competent specialist who will offer you to take hormonal tests. Types, principles of carrying out them will be the same, as well as at planning and pregnancy. But the further your condition and health depends on the result and correct treatment.

Infertility - a verdict or a treatable disease

Probably, earlier this concept would be deciphered exactly as a verdict for a woman who wants to become pregnant and give birth to a healthy baby. Now, in the conditions of developing modern medicine, aimed at improving demography in the world, this problem has become easily solvable. When a woman turns to a gynecologist with such a question, he first sends her to take tests for hormones with infertility. Often it is the imbalance of the content in the body of these special substances that violates the entire reproductive function of women. Of course, more attention should be paid to those species that interfere with fertilization (LH, FSH, estradiol, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, DEA sulfate and all the thyroid hormones). Do not forget that everyone surrenders on a certain day of the menstrual cycle, the gynecologist will remind you of this. As a result, the doctor will actually have a scheme of your reproductive system, that is, of all genital organs. He can easily determine whether ovulation occurs, what are the most favorable days for conception. And if the cause is not in the hormonal imbalance, then the doctor will advise what to do next.

How correctly to use the results of the analysis for hormones?

It is important to understand that when we take hormonal tests, we need to do this under the guidance of an experienced expert (endocrinologist) who can use their result in your favor, namely, to improve health. There are several unspoken rules for conducting this study:

1. It is best to take this test several times, during 2-3 menstrual cycles. This is done, firstly, to exclude the error of the laboratory that carried out the tests, and secondly, to identify the regularity or individuality of the case of hormonal failure in the body.

2. On the basis of the results of the study, do not try to simply improve the hormones, try, of course, together with the doctor, to find the cause that led to such consequences.

3. Principal is the fact that any deviations, even in the hormonal background, do not indicate the presence in the body of some terrible diseases or dysfunctions. Simply there was a failure which can be easily eliminated at presence of the competent doctor and those medicines which he will appoint. For example, many women who for several years could not get pregnant had to drink only one course of hormonal drugs, and everything turned out absolutely naturally.

Manifestations of hormonal failure

Along with other diseases, the process of excessive raising or lowering the hormonal background may simply not be noticed. Therefore it is important to know, in time to react, the most basic symptoms of this imbalance in women:

- the inability to become pregnant for a long time (in fact, if there has not been enough time, do not think that there are any problems with health) and endure the child;

- a sharp decrease or increase in body weight with unchanged day regimen, schedule and diet;

- too much hair on the body of a woman, especially in the area of the beard and mustache, where they should not be at all;

- a prolonged state of depression and depression without the reasons for it;

- painful and irregular menstruation, as well as their complete absence at the end of puberty in girls;

- underdevelopment of the mammary glands and uterus (which can be determined by ultrasound of the pelvis when visiting a competent gynecologist);

- a state of apathy to the outside world and not passing a sense of drowsiness;

Excessive sweating of hands and feet;

- Any acne that does not go away with the use of modern cosmetics, and much more.

Girls, pay attention to the fact that at least once an abortion made in your life can lead to a severe hormonal failure. And this condition can not be remedied by any doctor, even with the use of the best drugs. As a result, you will not have to get pregnant and feel the joy of motherhood.

Causes of hormonal disorders

Of course, in the modern world, in conditions of abominable ecology and constant stress, it is difficult for any woman to maintain her health in a pristine condition. Therefore, in principle, will know about the existence of a number of reasons that can be easily avoided for the normalization of their hormonal background:

1. Any infections that your body tolerates, especially sexual ones, leave a hidden indelible mark on its future work.

2. Excessive physical activities, including heavy sports, can lead to very sad consequences, especially for the female body. For example, disregard for safety rules during sports during menstruation usually ends for a woman with uterine pathology, namely endometriosis.

3. Naturally, the previously noted adverse ecological situation in large cities does not benefit the health of the body.

4. Genetic predisposition, ie, the transmission of problems with the hormonal background by inheritance. Then it is difficult for doctors to quickly correct the situation, it is necessary to provide a supporting function.

5. Any protozoa, or so-called parasites, due to waste of their vital activity, adversely affect the body as a whole.

6. Lack of weight caused by diets. When women forcibly force themselves to lose weight, first of all the fat reserves of their body decrease. Therefore, the imbalance of estrogen is provided to them, because it is produced there.

7. Self-medication always ends badly. Remember, that any hormonal drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor in accordance with your state of health.

8. One of the most common causes of all diseases in the human body is stress. Women who are used to work, and give birth to children, and keep housekeeping, have forgotten how to feel sorry for themselves.

9. Phytohormones, which are found in most harmful products, have the most negative impact on health. For example, a woman drunk in a beer will increase the amount of male hormones in her body.

10. Night shifts, as well as the eponymous way of life lead to lack of sleep, depression and stress, and this, in turn, leads to hormonal failures.

Drawing a conclusion, we can say that the analysis of hormones in women is quite informative. Thanks to the results and well-conducted therapy, many women of the sex once and for all get rid of health problems that could not be cured for several years. So trust the doctor, he will help you.