Are you wondering why and how to carry out a hormonal assessment? Have you ever heard of it without really knowing what it is? You are in the right place. This test can be very useful for detecting hormonal imbalances, especially if you want to become pregnant. Fertility problems, menstrual disorders, mood changes... Understanding your hormonal levels helps you find suitable solutions. In this article, we explain everything about hormonal balance in women and men. Let's go !
Hormonal balance for women and men: definition
First of all, what are hormones? These are chemical substances produced by the endocrine glands, and which come from several organs:
- the base of the brain (where the pituitary gland and hypothalamus are located);
- both ovaries;
- thyroid.
They travel through our body via the blood circulation, and help regulate certain vital processes such as:
- the metabolism ;
- homeostasis;
- the growth ;
- Development ;
- sexual function;
- the reproduction ;
- the sleep-wake cycle;
- and mood.
The hormonal assessment, or endocrine assessment, is therefore a biological examination which measures these hormone levels in your body.
Why carry out a hormonal assessment?
Hormonal testing detects and diagnoses medical conditions that may affect your health. You can take this test if:
- You are having difficulty getting pregnant.
- You have menstrual cycle problems.
- You are experiencing unexplained weight loss.
The hormonal assessment can thus identify certain diseases or conditions such as:
- thyroid disorders;
- infertility;
- menopause (early or not);
- andropause;
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) ;
- diabetes.
This clinical examination therefore allows future parents to validate any absence of hormonal imbalance which could hinder the conception of their baby.
How is the hormonal assessment carried out in women and men?
Rest assured: carrying out a hormonal assessment is quick and easy! For women, this test often consists of a blood test to be taken at the start of the follicular phase, between the 3rd day and the 4th day of the period. This is when we can precisely measure certain female hormones or female sex hormones.
These samples are frequently taken in clinics, but can also be taken at home or in hospital. You generally do not need to make an appointment to have your exams. Just go directly to the laboratory with your prescription. For some dosages, however, you may need to fast or perform the test at specific times of the day.
Urine analysis, less common, is just as simple and painless. You will then receive the results within a few hours or days.
If the subject of male fertility interests you, discover our article: Until what age is a man fertile?
Interpretation of hormonal assessment results
Once your hormonal assessment results have been obtained, your general practitioner or specialist doctor will interpret them. He will determine if your hormone levels are normal or if there are imbalances that need to be corrected.
An example of a hormonal assessment in women
In women, a typical fertility assessment may include the dosage of:
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone);
- LH (luteinizing hormone);
- TSH (which stimulates the secretion of thyroid hormones);
- AMH (hormone which reflects ovarian reserve);
- estradiol;
- progesterone;
- prolactin.
These hormones are important for the regulation of the menstrual cycle and female fertility. The assessment therefore makes it possible to highlight a possible ovulatory disturbance. An abnormality may in particular indicate early menopause or low ovarian reserve.
In addition to these blood tests, the woman can also be prescribed an ultrasound examination, which allows the antral follicles to be counted and the ovarian reserve to be assessed.
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An example of hormonal assessment in men
Men are first referred for a spermiological assessment, particularly in the context of assisted reproduction. Depending on the results, they may be prescribed hormonal dosages for:
- testosterone (the male sex hormone);
- FSH;
- LH;
- and sometimes prolactin.
Abnormal FSH levels can indicate a problem with the sexual organs. Excessive prolactin levels can also be linked to sexual dysfunction or reduced libido. These results make it possible to identify hormonal imbalances, and therefore possible male infertility.
As you will have understood, the hormonal assessment remains very interesting to carry out to diagnose possible hormonal imbalances in men, as in women. This is therefore an opportunity for the respective future parents to take stock of the situation before the first baby tests!
