The Male/female extended Hormone Panel tests, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinising Hormone, Prolactin, Testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin(SHBG) and Free Androgen Index The purpose of each of these is described below: • FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Evaluates ovarian function in women and sperm production in men. Higher levels of FSH are often a sign of a condition in the reproductive glands (ovaries or testicles) that prevents them from making normal levels of sex hormones. Lower than normal levels of FSH in women and men are often a sign of a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. • LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Regulates the menstrual cycle in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. High levels of LH during nonovulatory times in the menstrual cycle may mean menopause, a pituitary disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome. Low levels of LH may mean a pituitary disorder, anorexia, malnutrition, or are under stress. • Oestradiol: Measures oestrogen levels, essential for reproductive health and secondary sexual characteristics. Oestradiol measurements are of value in: – induction of ovulation, amenorrhea, testicular dysfunction, gonadal dysgenesis and monitoring Hormone Replacement Therapy. Pathologically high values are seen in ovarian tumours, adrenal tumours, precocious puberty, gyneacomastia and testicular tumours with adrenal hyperplasia. Low values are found in Sheenans syndrome, ovarian insufficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, polycystic ovaries and anorexia nervosa. • Testosterone: Assesses the levels of this male sex hormone, influencing muscle mass, bone density, and libido. The most common causes of high testosterone levels in women are hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. High testosterone levels in men can be a sign of an underlying health issue such as acromegaly or Cushing syndrome, benign or cancerous adrenal tumors or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. • Progesterone: Crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. Low progesterone may cause abnormal uterine bleeding, headaches, or mood changes. High progesterone levels may also be a sign of a molar pregnancy, which is an abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus. • Prolactin: Evaluates prolactin levels, impacting breast milk production and reproductive function. Normally, men and nonpregnant women have just traces of prolactin in their blood. High levels can be caused by prolactinoma (a benign tumour), anorexia, anti-depressants, high blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting, pain relievers with opioids, and birth control pills. Chest injury or irritation (for example, scars, shingles, or even a bra that’s too tight). SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin): Binds to sex hormones like testosterone and oestrogen, affecting their availability in the body. Increased SHBG levels can be seen in anorexia, pregnancy, ageing, growth hormone deficiency, androgen deficiency, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, hyperprolactinaemia, active porphyria and also with oestrogens. Decreased SHBG levels can be seen in obesity, hyperinsulinaemia, hypothyroidism and growth hormone excess, as well as with glucocorticoids, androgens, progestins. Free Androgen Index (FAI) is calculated as the ratio of total testosterone to SHBG and has proved a useful indicator of abnormal androgen status in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and hirsutism. FAI is only reported in female patients.
