From the Guidelines
To evaluate female hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone, blood tests such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone are typically used, with the timing of these tests being crucial for accurate results. When evaluating female hormone levels, it's essential to consider the menstrual cycle phase, with most hormone tests ideally performed during the early follicular phase (days 2-5) of the menstrual cycle, except for progesterone which is best measured 7 days after ovulation 1. The following laboratory tests are used to evaluate female hormone levels:
- FSH and LH levels, which are measured by calculating the average of three estimations taken 20 minutes apart between day 3 and 6 of the cycle 1
- Progesterone levels, which are measured during the mid-luteal phase according to the menstrual cycle, with low levels indicating anovulation 1
- Other tests, such as thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4) and prolactin levels, may also be checked as these can affect female hormones 1 It's crucial to follow any pre-test instructions, such as fasting if required, to ensure accurate results. Hormone testing helps identify the underlying cause of symptoms and guides appropriate treatment, whether that's addressing fertility concerns, managing menopausal symptoms, or treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. In premenopausal females with fatigue, loss of libido, and mood changes, or oligomenorrhea, evaluating FSH and estrogen levels may be considered 1. Overall, a comprehensive hormone panel, including FSH, LH, progesterone, and other relevant tests, is essential for evaluating female hormone levels and guiding appropriate treatment.
From the Research
Laboratory Tests for Evaluating Female Hormone Levels
The following laboratory tests are used to evaluate female hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels 2, 3, 4, 5
- Estradiol (E2) levels 2, 3, 6, 4, 5
- Progesterone levels 3, 6
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels 2, 6, 5
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels 3, 4, 5
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels 4, 5
- Free thyroxine (T4) levels 4, 5
- Prolactin (PRL) levels 2, 3, 5
Sampling Methods
Both venipuncture and fingerstick sampling methods can be used to measure these hormone levels, with studies showing concordance between the two methods 5.
Hormone Level Measurements
Hormone levels can be measured using various assays, including radioimmunoassay 6 and immunoassays 5. These measurements can be used to evaluate ovarian reserve 3, 4, thyroid function 4, and other reproductive health factors.