What gynecological hormones? How to prepare for hormone tests in gynecology and what studies are carried out to prescribe competent therapy. How to get tested for female hormones correctly

Hormones are biologically active substances that are produced by endocrine glands. They are transported throughout the body in the bloodstream to ensure its proper functioning. The concentration of these substances in a woman depends on the following factors:

1. Times of Day.
2. Age.
3. Day of menstruation.

The result of the study depends most on the last indicator. Therefore, a woman should understand which day of the cycle is best to undergo the test. This is especially important during pregnancy planning.

This event plays a very important role in diagnosing infertility in married couples. Hormones help the gynecologist calculate the approximate date of ovulation, calculate the optimal time for conception and protect the woman from problems during pregnancy.

If the transcript of the study showed a violation of the norm, this is not a reason to be upset and forget about the desire to have children. By understanding the state of hormones, it will be easier for the doctor to choose the most appropriate treatment for the patient and monitor her health.

If there are no positive treatment results, the patient will be offered to try IVF fertilization technology, which has helped many families experience parental happiness.

Does not depend on cyclicity

According to the generally accepted standard, the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone should be checked from 3 to 8 or from 18 to 22 days of the menstrual cycle. A man can undergo such an analysis at any time. The material is collected only on an empty stomach, otherwise the result will be unreliable.

Calculating the quantitative indicator of this substance will be rational when donating blood during the first or second phase of the cycle. The study requires standard preparation: do not eat 12-13 hours before the procedure, donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach.

A prerequisite is to sit quietly for forty minutes before visiting the laboratory assistant. Prolactin reacts sensitively to emotional arousal, so with the slightest surge it can show the wrong level in the analysis.

Prolactin is very important for a woman’s body: it ensures ovulation and stimulates the development of lactation after the birth of a child. In addition, it greatly affects the concentration of FSH. When a woman is pregnant, prolactin prevents the formation of follicles, which is normal.

If a non-pregnant woman experiences unusual spikes in prolactin concentrations, she will not ovulate.

In the female body, prolactin has different concentrations depending on the time of day. During night sleep, its levels are increased.

In the period after waking up in the morning and before lunch, it drops sharply. After 12-14 hours of the day, the indicators “creep” up again.

The concentration of prolactin in the luteal phase is higher than in the follicular phase.

For greater convenience, we present to your attention a table with hormone testing on cyclic days.

In order for the interpretation of the hormone analysis to give the most accurate picture of the patient’s health status, it is necessary to take biological samples in the morning, from seven in the morning, no later than nine.

Scientists have found that during this period the concentration of any hormones in the blood is at its highest, which means the results will be reliable. However, attention is also paid to the following point: no matter what time the tests were taken, you should not try to analyze the result yourself.

Without special education, it will not be possible to decipher even hormones taken at the appropriate time of day.

If a TSH study is prescribed, which allows a correct conclusion about the state of the endocrine system, then the highest concentration in the blood for such a compound is typical in the morning between seven and eight.

A smooth decrease is observed up to 11. Poor timing can provoke an error by the specialist involved in deciphering the hormone analysis.

This will not be due to the low level of qualifications of the doctor, but rather due to the peculiarities of the biological rhythm of the human body.

If tests are prescribed for hormones produced by the organs of the female system, there will almost always be a link to the cyclical functioning of the body. It is important to consult a doctor and only then go to the laboratory.

The period of menstruation is accompanied by changes in hormonal levels. These adjustments are quite specific, so doctors often recommend doing an analysis to get the most complete picture of a woman’s health status.

The most revealing information is reflected on LH and FSH.

Reasons for ordering tests

The nature of LH release depends on the phase of ovulation. During puberty, hormone levels increase.

The maximum LH value is diagnosed during ovulation. In pregnant women, the concentration of the hormone decreases.

The doctor pays special attention to the value of the LH/FSH ratio. Normally, before menstruation the indicator should be 1, a year after the first menstruation - 1-1.5.

Excessive amounts of estrogen should be a reason to take serious action. Too much of this hormone is released into a woman’s blood for completely different reasons.

Every woman wants to preserve her youth and health for a long time. Hormones are responsible for the physical and emotional state, appearance, the possibility of conception and pregnancy. Correct hormonal levels are the basis for a strong and healthy body. If a girl has a desire to become a mother, hormones will also be mainly responsible for this. If you have hormonal imbalances, you should contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist. A specialist will help identify the causes of disorders and prescribe the correct treatment.

Causes and dangers of hormonal disorders

There are a number of hormone tests that are performed in gynecology.

Hormonal imbalances very often cause gynecological diseases. Therefore, women are advised to be attentive to their health and monitor their menstrual cycle.

Most people are sure that the health of the reproductive system can only be affected by sexually transmitted infections. But that's not true. Hormonal imbalances can also lead to very sad consequences.

As a result of a disruption in hormonal balance and reduced immunity, a woman can acquire:

• infertility;
• uterine fibroids;
• polyps;
• polycystic disease;
• neoplasms;
• menstrual cycle disorder (MCI).

Today, diseases that do not show their symptoms have become widespread.

Representatives of the fair sex may not suspect the presence of any disease for a long time. Sometimes even sexually transmitted infections cannot be diagnosed by a gynecologist. In this case, tests will help.

In gynecology, tests are taken for various hormones, infections, and microflora. Hormone tests can reveal the causes of irregular menstruation, infertility, and various non-communicable diseases. Also, with the help of tests, you can determine the early stages of pregnancy and monitor its normal course.

You should know that there are several reasons for the occurrence of hormonal imbalance. Firstly, these are congenital, genetically determined malfunctions that are inherited from parent to child. There are also acquired causes of hormonal imbalance:

Changes in hormones in the female body can be influenced by both internal and external factors. This is not always associated with infections or reduced immunity. If a woman is constantly exposed to stressful situations, is emotionally unstable, and is in a bad mood, her hormonal levels will change, which will lead to a number of diseases associated with the reproductive system.

General indications for hormone testing

A referral for hormonal testing is given by a gynecologist. He can also be a part-time endocrinologist. In order to diagnose a woman with hormonal imbalance, tests alone are not enough. I use new methods:

• ultrasound diagnostics;
• hysteroscopy.

They mainly test for estrogen and progesterone. These are one of the main hormones that are responsible for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system. It should be borne in mind that hormone levels may vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and the presence of pregnancy.

The following conditions and pathologies are indicators that you need to donate blood for hormones:

A gynecologist can send a woman to donate blood to determine hormone levels for other diseases: fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, cysts. These disorders and diseases are dangerous because if not treated in a timely manner they can develop into malignant neoplasms. Also, if treated incorrectly, hormonal imbalances lead to cancer of the uterus, ovaries, malfunction of the reproductive system, and infertility.

Hormonal testing also reflects the functioning of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland and makes it possible to assess the condition of the adrenal glands and ovaries. During pregnancy, the analysis makes it possible to identify various abnormalities in the fetus. Today's modern methods for determining hormone levels make it possible to see even the most minimal deviations.

Anemia and decreased performance are also indications that tests need to be taken. For women who cannot get pregnant for a long period of time, checking their hormonal levels is a key and primary study. A decrease in progesterone or estrogen will indicate the causes of infertility or the inability to bear a child.

Testing is mandatory for problems with skin and hair, as well as during menopause in women. A gynecologist-endocrinologist may prescribe hormone tests for obesity or kidney failure. Hormonal studies must be carried out before prescribing COCs.

Which hormones and when to test?

When a gynecologist-endocrinologist prescribes tests, special preparation is needed. The woman's venous blood is taken for the study. Tests for various hormones in gynecology are taken on certain days of the menstrual cycle. But there are general rules for all analyses:

If a woman is planning a pregnancy, then mandatory preparation is needed. This can exclude many diseases and identify various abnormalities. First of all, when planning a child, the following hormone tests are taken:

It is important for every woman that her hormonal levels are normal. This is especially concerning for those girls who are planning a pregnancy. Very often, experts note violations with the LH hormone. Since it is responsible for the process of ovulation and the release of the egg from the ovary, its norm should be in order. Problems with PH lead to infertility and the inability to get pregnant. There is simply no ovulation and the sperm is not able to fertilize the egg. Anovulation may also occur, which also results from insufficient LH.

Blood tests for hormones depend on a woman's menstrual cycle.

It is important to know that different hormones are released on certain days.

If you take tests on days that do not correspond to the schedule, the interpretation of the results will be unreliable. Days on which certain hormones should be taken:

You should know that progesterone is one of the most important hormones during pregnancy. Its deficiency leads to miscarriage, premature birth or miscarriage. To preserve the fetus with a lack of progesterone, the gynecologist prescribes a course.

There are also many different hormone tests that are prescribed to a woman. It is recommended to adhere to the rules before taking tests so that the interpretation of the results is reliable and does not distort the actual picture. It is also advisable to contact qualified specialists to decipher the analyses.

It is very important for every woman to be attentive to her health and listen to the signals that the body sends.

By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent many diseases and learn to live in harmony with yourself and your body. And also become a happy mother and give birth to a healthy child.

Problems with hormones can be congenital or acquired. They can be transmitted to a child from parents genetically or arise as a result of abortions, infections, vitamin deficiencies, respiratory diseases, endocrine pathologies. Lifestyle plays a huge role in maintaining normal indicators. Frequent stress, bad habits (alcoholism, drug addiction, heavy smoking, unhealthy diet), constant lack of sleep, overwork, and long-term use of oral contraceptives negatively affect a woman’s health and reproductive functions.

Tests during pregnancy

Only a pregnancy in which the woman’s hormonal levels correspond to the norms can be carried to term and without problems. That is why, at the slightest pathological changes, the expectant mother is recommended to undergo hormone tests. 7 of them are most important for pregnancy and lactation:

1. Testosterone. This is a male hormone that is also produced in small quantities by the female body. Its excessive concentration in the blood of a pregnant woman can lead to fetal death or miscarriage.
2. Follicle stimulating agent (FSH). Its main task is to influence the growth of the egg. Thanks to him, menstruation and, accordingly, pregnancy itself become possible. However, when a mature egg is fertilized, the growth of subsequent follicles slows down significantly. FSH levels should decrease during pregnancy.
3. Estradiol. One of the most important hormones in gynecology. It is responsible for the normal functioning of the woman’s genital organs. During pregnancy, it is aimed at maintaining pregnancy and normal blood supply to the uterus. The longer the pregnancy, the higher the level of estradiol should be.
4. Luteinizing hormone (LH). Together with FSH, it makes fertilization possible. Without it, the normal maturation of the egg and its opening for the penetration of sperm would be impossible. During pregnancy, LH production does not differ in intensity.
5. DEA sulfate. It has no particular benefit for the female body, but in excess it can cause significant harm, in particular, lead to infertility or help terminate pregnancy.
6. Prolactin. One of those hormones that can perform a dual role in a woman’s body. The main task of prolactin is to reduce FSH (the hormone that is responsible for the menstrual cycle and preparing the follicle for conception). Excess prolactin in the body of a non-pregnant woman leads to infertility. In the body of the expectant mother, it helps preserve the fetus. Another important task of prolactin is to influence milk production after the baby is born.
7. Thyroid hormones. In excess quantities they make pregnancy impossible, and if conception has already occurred, they can even cause a miscarriage or significantly complicate the course of pregnancy.

What tests need to be taken if there is a hormonal imbalance?

These include:

• Stop taking all medications 2 weeks before taking a blood test. If it is impossible to do this, you must notify your doctor about taking the medication;
• refusal to drink alcoholic beverages 3 days before submitting the sample for analysis;
• quit smoking on the day of the test;
• abstaining from eating fatty and fried foods 3-5 days before the test;
• Submitting a sample for analysis should be done on an empty stomach, you should refrain from eating for 8-12 hours, drinking only clean water is allowed;
• compliance with the physical activity regime. You should avoid sports 3 days before the test;
• rest in the waiting room for 10-15 minutes before submitting the sample for analysis, you should calm down and take a breath;
• consultation with a doctor if an ultrasound, scan, or x-ray was performed 3-5 days before the test.

The results of hormone tests may vary if taken in different laboratories, so it is recommended to be tested in the same laboratory. If a repeat test is necessary, a blood sample should be given for analysis at approximately the same time.

It is necessary to take a blood test before starting to take medications or no earlier than 10-14 days after stopping them. To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment when using any drugs, it is necessary to conduct a study 7-14 days after the last dose of the drug.

Thyroid hormones include thyroxine, triiodotrionine, T3, T4, TSH. Blood donation for hormones is always carried out on an empty stomach. Before collecting a sample, it is recommended that you stop taking medications that contain iodine. In addition, before taking a test for thyroid hormones, it is advisable to exclude stressful situations.

Blood donation for free T3 is performed on any day of the cycle on an empty stomach. Before blood sampling, the patient is recommended to remain at rest for approximately 30 minutes. The normal level of the T4 hormone in men and women is relatively constant throughout life.

The hormone TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland. It can be taken on any day of the cycle.

Clinical practice involves testing the following sex hormones that may cause infertility:

• FSH – follicle stimulating hormone. This analysis should be taken on days 3-7 of the cycle. To determine the possibility of follicle growth, FSH is taken on days 5-8 of the cycle;
• LH – luteinizing hormone. LH in men is responsible for increasing the permeability of the seminiferous tubules to testosterone. LH in women ensures completion of egg maturation in the follicle and ovulation, secretion of estrogen and formation of the corpus luteum. Women should undergo a blood test for LH on days 3-8 of the cycle;
• Prolactin. If a man's prolactin levels are elevated, his sexual function may be impaired. In women, prolactin takes part in the ovulation process and stimulates lactation in the period after childbirth. To determine the level of this hormone, the analysis should be carried out in phases 1 and 2 of the menstrual cycle, and the sample should be taken only in the morning on an empty stomach. Before blood sampling, the patient is recommended to spend 30 minutes at rest, since prolactin is a stress hormone, as a result of which slight physical activity or anxiety can affect its level;
• Estradiol. In women, analysis can be taken at any phase of the menstrual cycle. Estradiol ensures the formation and regulation of menstrual function and the development of the egg in women;
• Progesterone. This hormone is responsible for ensuring the final preparation of the uterine mucosa so that the embryo can attach to it. Progesterone also provides optimal conditions for the normal development of pregnancy. The test is scheduled for days 19-21 of the menstrual cycle;
• Testosterone. Testing of this hormone in women can be carried out on any day of the cycle. If a man has a decreased concentration of testosterone in the blood, this entails a decrease in sperm quality and insufficient male strength;
• DHEA sulfate. If the concentration of the hormone is increased in a woman, this may cause ovarian dysfunction and infertility. Hormone levels can be checked on any day of the cycle.

To correctly take a blood test for pituitary hormones and obtain a high-quality, reliable result, the sample must be taken on an empty stomach. If possible, it is recommended to reduce sexual activity, physical activity and smoking are prohibited. During the period of analysis, sudden changes in temperature should be avoided.

By prescribing hormone tests in gynecology, the doctor seeks to diagnose the disease and determine how to cure the patient from it.

People are sent for a hormonal status study in connection with certain complaints and within a strictly established time frame.

The gynecologist issues a referral for an analysis that determines the concentration of sex hormones if a woman is concerned about the following:

• irregular periods;
• abdominal pain before and during menstruation;
• natural termination of pregnancy for up to 5 months;
• difficulties conceiving a child.

Often, a doctor asks for a test for sex hormones when he needs to decide which contraceptive is most suitable for the patient.

And whatever the reason for sending a woman for a special study, you cannot refuse the procedure.

It is the hormonal background that helps a girl look good and is responsible for her emotional and physical state.

The concentration of biologically active substances of organic nature in a woman’s blood is influenced by the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Therefore, the gynecologist obliges the patient to take the test within a strictly prescribed period. On what day you will have to go for the blood sampling procedure depends on the hormone whose level you want to know.

Due to the complexity of fulfilling the main condition for conducting a study, biological material often has to be submitted several times.

For a woman who wants to know when to take a testosterone test, the doctor will tell her to undergo the procedure 6-7 days after the start of her monthly schedule.

The concentration of this biologically active substance is often checked, because testosterone can be called a catalyst for the production of the female hormone estrogen.

On days 3–8 or 19–21 of the menstrual cycle, it is customary to do an analysis showing the content of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood and allowing you to assess how ready the ovaries are for the release of a mature egg.

If you need to get information about the onset of ovulation, the gynecologist asks the woman to take a test for luteinizing hormone.

The study is carried out either 3–8 or 19–21 days from the start of the regulation. If it is necessary to verify pregnancy or find out when fertilization of the egg occurred, the doctor asks to donate blood for an analysis of human chorionic gonadotropin. This study is carried out only on days 3–5 of a missed period.

The concentration of prolactin, which stimulates the development of milk-producing glands, is usually measured 3–5 days after the start of regulation, if the cycle duration is 29 days. An analysis that determines the level of estrogen in the blood is done when 5 days have passed since the first day of menstruation.

Women's biologically active substances studied

When planning to send the patient for analysis, the gynecologist has a detailed conversation with her. Questioning and examining a woman allows you to decide which hormone concentration should be determined.

So the doctor may reason that in order to find out the cause of a woman’s illness, she needs to find out what the level of luteinizing hormone is in the blood.

An increased level of this biologically active substance usually informs the doctor about early decline in the function of the reproductive system and damage to the ovaries by cysts.

A decrease in the concentration of luteinizing hormone is observed during injury, tumor formation, excessive physical activity and poor diet.

Perhaps the outcome of the conversation between the gynecologist and the patient will be that the woman is given a referral for a test that determines the level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood.

This biologically active substance helps form estrogen and maintains the health of paired female sex glands.

When little follicle-stimulating hormone is produced, there is no excitability, sexual development slows down, and the genitals become inflamed.

To check the level of estradiol in the blood, they are sent to assess the health of the organs that ensure sexual reproduction.

Typically, women experiencing menopause experience a deficiency of this hormone. If the level of estradiol decreases in girls, then their menstrual cycle is disrupted, their genital organs develop slowly, and pathological processes occur in the uterus.

The level of prolactin, a hormone responsible for the normal development and functionality of the mammary glands, may be assessed.

This same biologically active substance helps the formation of milk in the breasts of a nursing mother.

When there is an excess of prolactin, the ovaries stop functioning properly and the thyroid gland fails. Autoimmune diseases are accompanied by the release of large amounts of this hormone into the blood.

Testing for hormones in gynecology may be due to the appearance of acne and seborrhea in a woman. At the same time, the concentration of testosterone in the blood is determined.

If the thyroid gland is enlarged, the doctor sends the patient for a test to determine the content of thyroid-stimulating hormone.

The level of this biologically active substance of organic nature is unstable and depends on the time of day.

When it is necessary to monitor the functioning of the adrenal glands and paired female gonads, doctors determine the concentration of progesterone in the blood.

Norms for the concentration of sex hormones

For the results to be accurate, a woman needs to prepare for hormone tests, which involves skipping breakfast, since blood from a vein is taken in the morning and only on an empty stomach.

If you are going to undergo a specific study, you need to exclude alcoholic drinks from the menu and stop taking hormonal medications for several days. Before taking blood, you should not be nervous or perform strenuous exercise.

Having received the analysis result, the doctor begins to decipher the obtained values.

When deciphering the results of an analysis reflecting the level of estrogen in the blood, they are also based on age. No more than 22 pg/ml of this hormone should be detected in the girl’s blood.

At the onset of childbearing age, the estrogen level changes, that is, a blood level of 50 pg/ml of the biologically active substance under discussion becomes acceptable.

During the period of ovulation, the concentration of estrogen can be 90 – 300 pg/ml, which is completely natural. During menopause, the presence of 5–46 pg/ml of the hormone in a woman’s blood is considered normal.

The concentration of progesterone in the female body is determined by the day of ovulation and the menstrual cycle, the duration of pregnancy and the onset of the period of extinction of the function of the reproductive system.

The first half of the cycle is characterized by a release of 0.31 - 2.23 nmol/l of the hormone into the blood. When ovulation begins, progesterone levels rise to 0.5 - 9.41 nmol/l. After this, with the transition of the cycle to the second phase, 7.0 - 56.6 nmol/l of the hormone is formed in the blood.

Testosterone levels in a woman's body rise and fall depending on the time of day. A high level of this hormone is observed after waking up, a low level is observed before bedtime.

A change in testosterone concentration occurs at approximately 50 years of age, when the female body ceases to perform sexual function.

In a woman of childbearing age, the level of this hormone is determined by the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Reasons for violating established standards

Excessive amounts of estrogen should be a reason to take serious action. Too much of this hormone is released into a woman’s blood for completely different reasons.

Typically, excess estrogen levels are triggered by conceiving a child, dependence on cigarettes and alcohol, lack of nutrients, taking medications that protect against unwanted pregnancy, and heavy physical labor.

When an excessive amount of progesterone is detected in the blood, the gynecologist suspects that the woman is sick or pregnant.

An excess of this hormone is also detected during ovulation and does not mean anything bad. But if the doctor does not observe harmless reasons for increasing the level, then the patient is advised to mentally prepare for bad news.

The fact that a woman's health is facing serious problems is usually indicated by headaches, menstrual irregularities and pain in the lower abdomen.

With a lack of follicle-stimulating hormone, which is very important for women's health, people complain of scanty discharge during menstruation.

The problem may be associated with atrophy of the genital organs and glands responsible for milk production.

A critically low level of follicle-stimulating hormone in a woman’s blood is due to infertility or the absence of such a phenomenon as the release of an egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

These consequences are usually caused by obesity, polycystic paired gonads and disruption of the hypothalamus.

An increase in testosterone concentration is a sign of a failure in the maturation of the female gamete or oocyte. Because of this, a woman becomes like a man: the skin becomes oily, the hair on the head thins, acne appears on the face, and “vegetation” forms on the chest and above the mouth.

Excess testosterone makes behavior aggressive. In addition, violation of the hormone level affects a woman’s sexual arousal.

If a gynecological blood test shows that a woman’s blood does not contain the required amount of luteinizing hormone, then the doctor will diagnose a disease.

This disease may be pituitary cancer, polycystic disease or ovarian wasting syndrome. In some cases, a high concentration of luteinizing hormone is only a consequence of poor nutrition and treatment with hormonal drugs, the use of which is not standardized.

In gynecology, blood tests are used to assess hormone concentrations. A decrease or increase in the norm of one or another biologically active substance indicates various problems with a woman’s health.

When planning a pregnancy, a woman should definitely visit a doctor. At your appointment, the specialist will tell you what readings need to be taken to be sure that the body is ready. Of course, the patient will be explained on which day of the cycle to take hormones and which ones will be necessary. However, pregnancy is not the only reason when you need to get tested for hormones. Let's consider different situations.

And what is it?

Hormones are active compounds of natural origin that are produced by the cells of our body. The components enter the circulatory system, a reaction occurs with receptors at the cellular level, due to which metabolism and the physiological functionality of the body are controlled. It is necessary to take tests for female hormones in order to get an accurate idea of ​​possible disorders occurring in the condition of a particular person. This helps to determine the presence of a number of diseases and identify their causes. In particular, infertility always requires a detailed hormonal study to assess the woman's condition.

The accuracy and correctness of the result is ensured by the correct preparatory measures and the right choice of moment for the analysis. Each hormone, as doctors were able to identify during special studies, has a specific cyclical production. To get the most useful information from a study of a person’s health, it is necessary to know the cycle of a particular compound and choose the moment for the study, taking into account the concentration of hormones by day of the cycle. Some people mistakenly think that exclusively female cyclical menstruation is assumed, but in fact the concept is somewhat broader.

Features of the regulation of sexual function

Indeed, it is important to take into account the menstrual cycle, when hormonal characteristics are revealed in relation to a variety of active compounds, not only regulating sexual function. A detailed study of the situation and paying attention to all important aspects become the key to a successful result. When prescribing a specific event, the doctor will definitely explain to the woman on which day of the cycle the procedure will need to be performed, and will also tell how the level of hormones changes by day of the cycle, which indicators are within the normal range, which indicate the presence of deviations.

As can be seen from practice, most often studies are carried out on days 6-7 of a new cycle. Such timing is a key requirement for detecting blood concentrations:

• prolactin;
• progesterone;
• extradiol.

The information on which day of the cycle to take the FSH and LH hormones is general; in each individual case, the doctor can make small adjustments based on the condition of the patient who sought medical help. The specialist will also tell you how to properly prepare for the study.

Features of terms

Often, studies are prescribed on days 3-8, 19-20 of a new cycle. The exact decision always remains with the doctor, who knows exactly which days of the menstrual cycle to take hormones. If her regular sexual partner undergoes the study at the same time as a woman, there are no such strict restrictions for a man regarding the possible timing of taking biological samples. Delivery is allowed at a convenient time - whenever a person pleases.

If tests for female hormones that are not related to pregnancy are prescribed, then you can (usually) take them at a convenient time, without reference to the menstrual cycle. This applies to TSH, T3, T4. Similar requirements are imposed on the study of testosterone concentration in the blood. However, many modern doctors believe that the best results are obtained from studies of biological samples taken on the 5th day of the cycle. What hormones are released: all produced by the thyroid gland. It is not necessary to observe the interval from days 5 to 8; in each specific situation, the doctor evaluates how reasonable it would be to wait for this particular period. If information is needed urgently, then they can schedule a study as quickly as possible; if it is possible to wait, then they select a date based on the menstrual cycle.

Daily cycle

In order for the interpretation of the hormone analysis to give the most accurate picture of the patient’s health status, it is necessary to take biological samples in the morning, from seven in the morning, no later than nine. Scientists have found that during this period the concentration of any hormones in the blood is at its highest, which means the results will be reliable. However, attention is also paid to the following point: no matter what time the tests were taken, you should not try to analyze the result yourself. Without special education, it will not be possible to decipher even hormones taken at the appropriate time of day.

If a TSH study is prescribed, which allows a correct conclusion about the state of the endocrine system, then the highest concentration in the blood for such a compound is typical in the morning between seven and eight. A smooth decrease is observed up to 11. Poor timing can provoke an error by the specialist involved in deciphering the hormone analysis. This will not be due to the low level of qualifications of the doctor, but rather due to the peculiarities of the biological rhythm of the human body.

How to submit correctly?

In order for hormone tests when planning pregnancy to give the most accurate results, it is necessary to abstain from food and bad habits for several hours before taking samples. Morning fasting is required, but night fasting is often recommended as well. In some cases the condition is not met. This is typical for women experiencing a difficult pregnancy, as well as people in emergency situations.

In order for the result to be correct, it is necessary to prevent anxiety before submitting biological samples. Doctors usually recommend that women who are scheduled for hormone tests in gynecology come to the clinic in advance so that they have the opportunity to sit for at least a quarter of an hour waiting for an appointment and calm down during this time. Excitement, overstrain, and a nervous state can negatively affect the results, and medical conclusions will be unreliable.

What else influences?

When planning to take hormone tests in gynecology, you need to remember that the level of concentration of compounds can be affected by physical activity. If a study is prescribed, you should carefully avoid both nervous emotional experiences and exercise and heavy lifting. You need to plan your day well so that you don’t have to rush to the hospital - this can also affect the result. It is unacceptable to take tests if infection is detected, the temperature has risen, or inflammation has begun.

A variety of negative factors can have an unpredictable effect on the results, even if the woman knew exactly what day of the cycle to take hormones and followed the doctor’s recommendations on timing. You need to understand that alcoholic drinks also correct the processes occurring in the body, so the day before the test you should not take anything alcoholic. A week before the study, they refuse any antimicrobial drugs that strongly affect hormonal levels.

How to submit correctly?

Depending on the prescribed tests, the doctor will tell you on which day of the cycle to take hormones, and will also explain how the procedure itself occurs. The level of many active components produced in the human body is interconnected, so the insufficiency or excess of one hormone provokes a violation of the concentration of another, which in general causes large-scale disruptions in the activity of organs and internal systems.

If a hormonal test is prescribed to check the endocrine system, the TSH level is first examined. Donate blood if the patient has:

• heart rhythm disturbance;
• decreased sexual activity;
• inability to get pregnant;
• disruption of the child’s mental progress;
• depression;
• hypothyroidism;
• hyperprolactinemia.

Hormonal studies during pregnancy

The key to successful pregnancy is monitoring the woman’s health. This is especially true in the first three months, until the end of the tenth week, since during this period the rudiments of the future nervous and hormonal system are laid. The life of a child during this period is especially closely dependent on the health status of the pregnant woman. TSH increases and decreases during pregnancy. You can suspect a drop below normal by the urge to vomit. There are general normative values ​​for the level of the hormone in the blood. They are individual for each individual woman, and yet generally accepted boundaries are established by doctors.

If the doctor explained on what day of the cycle to take hormones, and the woman carefully followed the rules for preparing for the study, and yet the result turned out to be very different from the established average standards, this may be a reason to worry and take measures to maintain the pregnancy. Deviations from average values, as a rule, indicate insufficient functioning of the endocrine system. Based on the information received, the doctor suggests what kind of malfunctions are observed and prescribes additional studies.

Adolescence

The complexity of the study is due to instability, so it is not clear on what day of the cycle to take hormones: the body has not yet developed cyclicity as such. Normally, the system becomes stable only at the age of twenty. If a hormonal test is prescribed, tests can be taken on different days of the cycle. If the average cycle is 28 days, then, for example, TSH studies are done on the 21st day. But if the duration reaches 32 days, then tests are taken on the 25th day. The need for such a study arises with the following disturbing symptoms:

• too much weight;
• abnormal growth;
• hair grows too actively;
• Incorrect puberty is observed.

Tests in old age

A specific study may be prescribed for a variety of symptoms. So, hormones of the endocrine system are checked if a woman notes:

• anemia;
• chilliness;
• sweating;
• problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• increased blood pressure;
• sudden weight loss;
• insufficiency of the functioning of the cardiac system;
• weakness of muscle tissue;
• slow or too strong mental reactions (up to hysteria);
• violation of the physical functionality of the body.

There is no connection to cyclicity; the test is taken at any convenient time, chosen by the doctor based on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Some tests

Often, a doctor prescribes an anti-Mullerian hormone test for a woman. The doctor will definitely tell you at your appointment which day of the cycle you should take it. Normally, this is the period from the third to the fifth day. Such a study can be prescribed at different ages (up to menopause), since normally the compound should be produced by the female ovaries. If dysfunction of this organ or abnormal activity is suspected, specific studies are carried out.

In a healthy woman, the concentration of this hormone in the blood decreases with age. Depending on the results, the doctor can determine how many oocytes are contained in the patient's ovaries. The indicator is to some extent similar to FSH, but gives a more accurate idea of ​​the state of a woman’s body. When telling what hormones are released on the 3rd day of the cycle, the doctor will definitely pay attention to AMH, especially if IVF is planned. For the results to be correct, you need to come to the hospital after a short fast; you cannot exercise shortly before donating biological fluids. Physical, emotional, and mental stress can distort the results.

Some hormones and analysis features

If tests are prescribed for thyroid-stimulating, gonadotropic, and adrenocorticotropic hormones, such tests do not depend on menstrual cyclicity. The doctor chooses the best date, assessing the condition and individual characteristics of the patient’s body. Luteinizing can most accurately be studied on days 6-7, 20-21 of the female cycle. Normally, on day 3 of the cycle, follicle-stimulating hormone will show the most accurate results. For this compound, the study period is from the third to the eighth days, the second block of days is 19-21.

To test for prolactin, you will have to come to the hospital in the first or second phase of the cycle. Thyroid hormonal tests are carried out in the first phase.

Does not depend on cyclicity

These hormones, the date of analysis of which is chosen by the doctor, assessing various factors (but the menstrual cycle does not play a role), include:

• neurohormones;
• vasopressin;
• pineal gland;
• serotonin;
• melatonin;
• insulin;
• thymosin;
• thymic homeostatic;
• calcitonin;
• parathyroid hormone;
• adrenalin.

Completing the list

Testosterone is a hormone responsible for sexual characteristics characteristic of the stronger half of humanity, but it is produced in the body of all people. To check how adequate the concentration of the compound is in the female circulatory system, a study is usually prescribed for the first phase of the cycle. Progesterone is detected a week before the start of a new cycle. If it was not possible to “catch” this period, count down 19-23 days. from the beginning of the cycle and donate blood for testing.

To identify the characteristics of women's health, tests related to the activity of the ovaries seem extremely important. First of all, doctors' attention is focused on estradiol, due to which the genital organs can develop and function normally. A study of the characteristics of the glands responsible for the production of hormonal compounds is prescribed on days 6, 7, and 17.

Gender and cyclicity

If tests are prescribed for hormones produced by the organs of the female system, there will almost always be a link to the cyclical functioning of the body. It is important to consult a doctor and only then go to the laboratory. The period of menstruation is accompanied by changes in hormonal levels. These adjustments are quite specific, so doctors often recommend doing an analysis to get the most complete picture of a woman’s health status. The most revealing information is reflected on LH and FSH.

When do they do it?

The study of hormonal levels is not a planned one; the analysis is done only if there are obvious indications for such an event. More often, blood is taken for examination if a disease is suspected or when planning pregnancy or bearing a fetus. A comprehensive study in some cases helps to formulate the diagnosis as accurately as possible. This is especially true for difficult situations.

State analysis is necessary in the following cases:

• sudden, strong fluctuations in weight without obvious reasons for this;
• inflammatory processes affecting the skin;
• amenorrhea;
• cyclical disturbances;
• inferiority of puberty;
• development with delayed secondary characteristics of gender.

Both excess and lack of hormonal components in the body can lead to the most unpredictable and unpleasant consequences. If pathological processes are suspected, it is important to carry out a timely diagnosis, on the basis of which therapy is prescribed to restore the normal functionality of the hormone-producing organs.