How to interpret a sex hormone 6-panel test report

Sex hormones can be evaluated through the six-item hormone panel report, which includes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and prolactin. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is a gonadotropin produced by the ovaries in women and testes in men. It promotes the growth and development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. The reference range is 1–7 U/L for men; for women, it is 1–9 U/L during the follicular phase, 6–260 U/L during ovulation, 1–9 U/L during the luteal phase, and 30–118 U/L after menopause. Elevated FSH levels may indicate hypogonadism, such as ovarian failure or reduced sperm production.

2. Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH is also a gonadotropin secreted by the ovaries in women and testes in men. In women, it triggers ovulation and the formation of the corpus luteum; in men, it stimulates testosterone production in the testes. The normal range is 1.24–8.63 mIU/mL for men; for women, it is 2.12–10.89 mIU/mL during the follicular phase, 19.18–103.03 mIU/mL during ovulation, 1.20–12.86 mIU/mL during the luteal phase, and 10.87–58.64 mIU/mL after menopause. Abnormal LH levels may suggest issues such as ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or testicular dysfunction.

3. Estradiol: Estradiol is the primary female sex hormone and plays multiple roles in reproduction and growth. In girls before puberty, the normal estradiol level ranges from 18.35 to 110.10 pmol/L. In adult women, the reference values are 91.75–275.25 pmol/L during the follicular phase, 367–1101 pmol/L during the luteal phase, and 734.0–2202.0 pmol/L at ovulation. Fluctuations in estradiol levels—either elevated or decreased—may be associated with menstrual cycle irregularities, ovarian disorders, or pregnancy-related conditions.

4. Progesterone: Progesterone is primarily involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy by supporting the stability of the endometrial lining. Normal progesterone levels in women are 0.6–4.7 nmol/L during the follicular phase, 2.4–9.4 nmol/L around ovulation, 5.3–86.0 nmol/L during the luteal phase, 64–1280 nmol/L during pregnancy, and 0.3–2.5 nmol/L after menopause. Abnormal progesterone levels may indicate problems with ovulation or pregnancy.

5. Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics, fertility, and libido. The reference range for adult men is 300–1000 ng/dL, while for women it is 200–800 ng/dL. Slightly elevated testosterone levels in women may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

6. Prolactin: Prolactin plays a key role in breast development and milk production. In men, prolactin levels are typically below 20 μg/L. In women, levels are usually less than 23 μg/L during the follicular phase, 5.0–40.0 μg/L during the luteal phase, less than 80 μg/L during the first trimester of pregnancy, less than 160 μg/L during the second trimester, and less than 400 μg/L during the final trimester. Abnormal prolactin levels may be linked to various conditions, including pituitary adenomas, amenorrhea, and menstrual cycle disorders.

It is recommended to consult a physician for interpretation to ensure accurate understanding of the results.