How to interpret a six-item hormone test report

Under normal circumstances, a sex hormone panel (six-item hormone test) requires evaluation of the following indicators: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL). The specific details are as follows:

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH is a gonadotropin secreted by the pituitary gland that regulates ovarian follicular development and ovulation. The normal range during the follicular phase is 5–10 U/L; during the ovulatory phase, 15–25 U/L; during the luteal phase, 5–10 U/L; and after menopause, 40–100 U/L.

2. Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that promotes ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The normal range during the follicular phase is 5–20 U/L; during the ovulatory phase, 20–100 U/L; during the luteal phase, 3–20 U/L; and after menopause, 30–80 U/L.

3. Estradiol (E2): E2 is a type of estrogen that promotes the development of female reproductive organs. In adult women, the normal range during the follicular phase is 91.75–275.25 pmol/L, fluctuating with the menstrual cycle.

4. Progesterone (P): P is a steroid hormone. In women, the normal range is 0.6–4.7 nmol/L during the follicular phase; 2.4–9.4 nmol/L during the ovulatory phase; 5.3–86.0 nmol/L during the luteal phase; 64–1280 nmol/L during pregnancy; and 0.3–2.5 nmol/L during menopause. In men, the normal progesterone level is less than 3.2 nmol/L.

5. Testosterone (T): T is the primary male androgen. The normal range in adult males is 300–1000 ng/dL, and in adult females, 200–800 ng/dL.

6. Prolactin (PRL): PRL is a peptide hormone secreted by lactotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland. The normal level is less than 20 μg/L.

If any of the above indicators are abnormal, it is recommended to promptly identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.