What are the six items of sex hormone tests during menopause?
Generally, the six sex hormones tested during menopause include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, androgens, estrogen, and progesterone. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. In women, its primary function is to promote the development and maturation of ovarian follicles. As menopause approaches, ovarian function gradually declines, leading to a reduction in the number of follicles and impaired follicular development. To enhance stimulation for follicle development, the pituitary gland releases more FSH. Therefore, during menopause, FSH levels in women typically rise.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Luteinizing hormone is another hormone released by the pituitary gland. In women, it triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum in the ovaries. During menopause, declining ovarian function may lead to an increased ratio of LH to FSH, manifesting specifically as elevated LH levels.
3. Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that primarily influences breast development and milk production. During menopause, prolactin levels may fluctuate, with specific changes varying from individual to individual.
4. Androgens
Androgens are male sex hormones, but they are also present at certain levels in women. During menopause, due to the gradual decline in ovarian function, androgen levels may increase. This could be related to a relative increase in androgen production by the ovaries.
5. Estrogen
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone and plays a crucial role in the development and function of the female reproductive system and other parts of the body. During menopause, reduced ovarian function leads to decreased estrogen secretion, which is one of the most common hormonal changes associated with menopause.
6. Progesterone
Progesterone is a female hormone mainly produced in the ovaries and plays various roles throughout different phases of the menstrual cycle. During menopause, declining ovarian function results in a significant decrease in progesterone levels.
The testing of these six sex hormones during menopause is typically performed around age 50 in women, although it can also be conducted earlier or later depending on individual circumstances and physician recommendations.