Blood Testing for Women's Health: Hormone Balance and Fertility

by Dr Aaditi Ganguly Doctor

Women's bodies undergo a variety of changes during the course of their lifetimes, including hormonal shifts that may have an effect on their general health and well-being. Monitoring women's hormonal balance and fertility with blood tests is a useful way to catch any problems early and address them specifically.

Numerous symptoms of hormonal imbalances might appear, such as irregular menstruation periods, mood swings, weight gain, and even problems conceiving. Up to 10% of women of childbearing age may experience PCOS, a common hormonal condition characterised by irregular periods, an excess of androgens, and ovarian cysts.

Hormone levels can alter, and blood tests can detect these variations, providing vital information for diagnosis and treatment. The main hormones that blood tests can monitor are listed here, along with the information they can provide about the health of women.

Follicle-stimulating hormone

The pituitary gland secretes FSH, a hormone that promotes the development of follicles in the ovaries and initiates ovulation. FSH blood levels can be used to diagnose menopause and reproductive problems. Low FSH levels could be a sign of PCOS or dysfunction in the hypothalamus, whereas high FSH levels could signal a reduction in ovarian function.

luteinizing hormone

The pituitary gland also secretes LH, another hormone that controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Ovulation can be predicted and PCOS can be diagnosed using blood tests for LH levels. Low levels of LH could be a sign of pituitary failure or hypothalamic dysfunction, whereas high amounts could be a sign of PCOS.

Estrogen

The female sex hormone oestrogen, which is made by the ovaries, is important for the menstrual cycle, bone health, and cardiovascular health. Menopause, fertility problems, and some cancers can all be diagnosed with the aid of a blood test for oestrogen levels. High levels of oestrogen could be a sign of ovarian cancer or hormonal abnormalities, while low levels could be a sign of menopause.

Progesterone

The ovaries secrete a hormone called progesterone that gets the uterus ready for the implantation of a fertilised egg. Progesterone levels in the blood can be measured to determine early pregnancy, irregular menstrual cycles, and problems with fertility. Progesterone levels can suggest anovulation in low levels and pregnancy or luteal phase abnormalities in high ones.

Testosterone

Small amounts of testosterone, a male sex hormone that affects libido, muscle mass, and bone health, are produced by the ovaries. Testosterone levels in the blood can be used to identify PCOS, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and fertility problems. Low testosterone levels could be a sign of pituitary failure or hypothalamic dysfunction, whereas high testosterone levels could be a sign of PCOS or adrenal issues.

Prolactin

A hormone called prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and encourages nursing mothers to make more milk. Pituitary tumours and fertility problems can be identified using blood tests for prolactin levels. Low levels of prolactin are often not clinically significant, however high levels may signify a pituitary tumour or hypothalamic dysfunction.

Blood tests for women can be used to check their reproductive status and spot any potential problems.