DHEA-Sulphate is a male sex hormone found in both male and female. It is mostly produced in the adrenal glands however a small amount is produced in the male testes and the female ovaries. DHEA-Sulphate is used to control body function such as heart rate and blood pressure as well as being important in the production of sex hormones, testosterone and oestrogen. DHEA-Sulphate is measured for the diagnosis of tumours of the adrenal grands or diagnosis of disorders of the testicles or ovaries.
Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) a reproductive hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. FSH stimulates the growth and development of unfertilised eggs during the menstrual cycle in women and initiates the production of sex hormones such as oestradiol and progesterone. FSH is also used to stimulate the production of sperm in men. The FSH hormone is often tested with other sex hormones such as LH, testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone for diagnose infertility and pituitary gland disorders in men and women.
The free androgen index is a measure of the biologically active testosterone in the blood. It is a ratio of the total testosterone to the level of sex hormone-binding protein (called globulin). It gives an indication of the proportion of testosterone that is circulating freely and therefore able to have a metabolic effect in the body.
Free Testosterone Calculation is a measurement of the amount of free testosterone in the body. It is a steroid hormone produced by the male testes and the adrenal glands in both men and women. It regulates the male sex drive and maintains muscle mass. Free testosterone calculation is used in the diagnosis of various conditions such as erectile dysfunction and infertility in men.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a reproductive hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation by stimulating the ovaries to produce other reproductive hormones in females whereas in men, LH stimulates and controls testosterone. The LH test is used to determine any reproductive problems.
Oestradiol is a form of oestrogen and the main female hormone produced by non-pregnant women. The hormone has an important role in the development of female physical features and reproductive functions. Oestradiol tests are used for the evaluation of ovarian functions. It can also be used to diagnose the cause of precocious and delayed puberty in girls as well as used to monitor hormone replacement therapy in peri-pausal and menopausal women.
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary glands in the brain. The main role of prolactin is to promote lactation (breast milk production) in women during pregnancy and after childbirth. A prolactin test is used to diagnose infertility in both men and women as well as menstrual problems and erectile dysfunction.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver. Its main function is to bind and transport the hormones oestradiol, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the blood. The SHBG test is used to diagnose testosterone deficiency in men and is used to investigate the production of testosterone in women.
Testosterone is an important sex hormone for both men and women. In men, it is made in the testicles. In women, it is made in small amounts in the ovaries.
It is important for normal male sexual development. During puberty (in the teen years), testosterone helps boys develop male features like body and facial hair, a deeper voice, and muscle strength. Too much testosterone in men can cause shrinking of the testicles, impotence, an increased risk of heart attack and prostate enlargement with difficulty urinating. Too little can cause fatigue, irritability, depression, erectile dysfunction and reduced muscle mass.
Combined with oestrogen, testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman's reproductive tissues and bone mass. Too much can cause acne, excess hair on the face and body, irregular periods and mood changes. Too little can cause low libido and weight gain.
