What exactly do the six items of sex hormone tests include?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the term "sex hormone six items" refers to the six-item sex hormone test. Specifically, these six items include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and testosterone (T). It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in daily life, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and sufficient sleep. These habits help maintain the stability of the endocrine system and reduce the risk of abnormal sex hormone levels.
Generally speaking, the term "six sex hormone tests" refers to the six-item sex hormone panel. Specifically, this panel includes tests for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), progesterone, and testosterone. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and primarily functions to promote follicular development and maturation, as well as estrogen secretion. Measuring FSH levels helps assess ovarian reserve function and detect potential ovulation disorders.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is also secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its main functions include promoting ovulation and luteinization in females and working synergistically with FSH to facilitate follicular development. In males, LH stimulates the testicular interstitial cells to secrete testosterone, promoting sperm generation and maturation.
3. Prolactin (PRL)
Prolactin is a protein hormone secreted by lactotroph cells. Its primary functions include promoting mammary gland proliferation, milk production, and lactation. Excessive prolactin can suppress the secretion of FSH and LH, thereby inhibiting ovarian function and ovulation.
4. Estradiol (E2)
Estradiol is mainly secreted by the ovaries, with a small amount produced by the adrenal glands. It is the principal form of estrogen. Estradiol promotes the transformation of the endometrium into the proliferative phase, supports the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, and helps maintain bone health. Estradiol levels reflect ovarian function and estrogen secretion status.
5. Progesterone
Progesterone is secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum, with a small amount also produced by the adrenal glands. After ovulation in females, the corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which transforms the endometrium from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase, preparing for embryo implantation. During pregnancy, progesterone also helps maintain gestation.
6. Testosterone
In females, testosterone is mainly secreted by the ovaries and adrenal cortex in small amounts. Its primary functions include promoting the development of the clitoris, labia, and mons pubis, and influencing systemic metabolism. In males, testosterone is primarily secreted by the testicular interstitial cells and is a crucial hormone for maintaining male reproductive function, secondary sexual characteristics, and metabolic processes.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in daily life, including balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep, can help stabilize the endocrine system and reduce the risk of abnormal sex hormone levels.
