Estrogens,Total - Test to evaluate for ovarian estrogen producing tumor in the premenarcheal and postmenopausal female; evaluate estrogen excess in males. Estrogen analysis can aid in establishing time of ovulation and optimal time for conception. Serial samples must be collected over a period of several days to evaluate baseline and peak total estrogen levels.
Progesterone - A progesterone test measures the amount progesterone in a blood sample. Progesterone, a female hormone produced by the ovaries during ovulation, helps prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive the egg if it becomes fertilized by a sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels will drop and menstrual bleeding begins. During pregnancy, the placenta produces high levels of progesterone as well, starting near the end of the first trimester and continuing until the baby is born. Levels of progesterone in a pregnant woman are almost 10 times higher than they are in a woman who is not pregnant.
Certain types of cancer cause abnormal progesterone levels in men and women.
Testosterone, Total, Serum - Testosterone testing is used in the evaluation of androgen excess or deficiency related to gonadal function, adrenal function, or tumor activity. Testosterone levels may be helpful in men for the diagnosis of hypopituitarism, hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, and impotence (low values). Testosterone levels may be requested in women to investigate the cause of anovulation, amenorrhea, hirsutism, virilization, masculinizing tumors of ovary, tumors of the adrenal cortices, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (high values). Testosterone levels in children may be helpful to investigate issues related to development and puberty as well as the aforementioned.
Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - The amounts of FSH and other hormones (luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and estrogen) are measured in both a man and a woman to determine infertility. The FSH level may help determine whether male or female sex organs (testicles or ovaries) are properly functioning
Thyroxine (T4), Free, Direct, Serum - Free T4 is the active form of thyroxine and is thought to be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function.
