The LH (luteinizing hormone) test, also known as the luteinizing hormone assay, measures the amount of luteinizing hormone in the blood. LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in the menstrual cycle and in the production of estrogen and testosterone. In women, the LH test is used to determine ovulation and to diagnose conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause. In men, it is used to evaluate fertility and to diagnose conditions such as hypogonadism. Additionally, it can be used to help identify pituitary gland disorders.

The Estradiol test measures the levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen in the blood. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system, as well as in regulating the menstrual cycle. High levels of estradiol may indicate certain medical conditions such as ovarian or adrenal tumors, while low levels may indicate menopause or other hormonal imbalances. The test is typically requested along with other hormone tests such as FSH or LH to help diagnose and treat conditions related to the ovaries and testes.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test is a blood test that measures the FSH levels in the bloodstream. FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility in women, and sperm production in men.

In women, FSH levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, with higher levels indicating the start of a new cycle. The test is used to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve, which is the number of remaining eggs in her ovaries, and to check for ovulation problems such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), and menopause.

In men, FSH plays a critical role in sperm production. The test is used to evaluate testicular function, monitor sperm production-related issues such as hypogonadism, and track the effectiveness of infertility treatment.

Normally, FSH levels are low in the early stages of the menstrual cycle and increase as the cycle progresses. However, the normal range for FSH levels varies depending on the laboratory and the population being tested, and it can also change during the menstrual cycle. It is important to note that to have a comprehensive assessment of reproductive function, the FSH test should be done in conjunction with other hormone levels such as LH, testosterone, estradiol, and inhibin B.

The Free T4 test measures the amount of thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) in the blood that is not bound to proteins. T4 is one of the two main thyroid hormones (the other being T3) and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. T4 is found in the blood in two forms: bound to proteins such as thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and albumin, and unbound or “free” T4.

The Free T4 test is used to evaluate thyroid function, particularly to monitor hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and to follow up on the treatment of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance, while hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and intolerance to cold.

Test results are typically reported in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The normal range of Free T4 varies according to the laboratory, but is generally considered to be between 0.8-1.8 ng/dL. However, it is important to remember that the normal range can vary depending on factors such as age and health status, and that results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.

It is important to remember that the Free T4 test is not a definitive test for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and should be used in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical evaluations such as Total T4, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and T3 (Total Triiodothyronine) to diagnose thyroid dysfunction, in addition to symptoms and signs.

The Free T4 test measures the amount of thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) in the blood that is not bound to proteins. T4 is one of the two main thyroid hormones (the other being T3) and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. T4 is found in the blood in two forms: bound to proteins such as thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and albumin, and unbound or “free” T4.

The Free T4 test is used to evaluate thyroid function, particularly to monitor hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and to follow up on the treatment of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and heat intolerance, while hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and intolerance to cold.

Test results are typically reported in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). The normal range of Free T4 varies according to the laboratory, but is generally considered to be between 0.8-1.8 ng/dL. However, it is important to remember that the normal range can vary depending on factors such as age and health status, and that results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.

It is important to remember that the Free T4 test is not a definitive test for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and should be used in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical evaluations such as Total T4, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and T3 (Total Triiodothyronine) to diagnose thyroid dysfunction, in addition to symptoms and signs.

The Prolactin test measures the level of prolactin hormone in the blood. Prolactin is primarily produced by the pituitary gland and plays a role in various body functions, including lactation, fertility, and regulation of the menstrual cycle. High levels of prolactin can indicate a pituitary tumor or another condition affecting the pituitary gland, while low levels of prolactin can indicate hypopituitarism or other disorders. The test is used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, hypopituitarism, and pituitary tumors.

The progesterone test measures the level of the hormone progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries and is important in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The test is typically used to evaluate ovarian function, monitor the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy, and help diagnose infertility or other hormonal imbalances. It can also be used to check for certain types of cancer, such as endometrial and ovarian cancer.

The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test is a blood test that measures the level of AMH in the blood. AMH is a hormone produced by cells in the ovaries (especially granulosa cells) that plays a role in the development and function of the ovaries, as well as in regulating the menstrual cycle. It helps estimate a woman’s fertility potential and remaining ovarian reserve.

This test can be used to evaluate ovarian reserve, which is a measure of the number and quality of remaining eggs in a woman’s ovaries. In addition to determining a woman’s fertility potential, it can also help predict the response to fertility treatments. It can also be used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and early ovarian failure.

Normal AMH levels vary depending on a woman’s age and menstrual status, but in general, levels decrease as a woman ages and approaches menopause. Low AMH levels may indicate a decreased ovarian reserve and fertility potential, while higher levels may indicate a higher ovarian reserve and better fertility potential. Test results are typically reported as a numerical value in ng/mL or pmol/L.

A Free Testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone in the blood that is not bound to proteins. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of male characteristics such as muscle mass, bone density, and body hair. Testosterone exists in the blood in two forms: bound to proteins such as sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, and unbound or “free” testosterone.

The Free Testosterone test is used to evaluate a man’s testosterone levels who may have symptoms of low testosterone, such as low sex drive, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass (hypogonadism). It is also used to help diagnose conditions such as testicular dysfunction, pituitary disorders, and certain types of infertility.

Test results are typically reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). The normal range for Free Testosterone varies depending on the laboratory, but is generally considered to be between 0.5 and 5 pg/mL. However, it is important to remember that the normal range may vary depending on factors such as age and overall health status, and that results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.

It is important to note that the Free Testosterone test is not a definitive test for low testosterone and that it should be used in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical evaluations such as Total Testosterone, as well as symptoms and findings to diagnose hypogonadism.

The Free Androgen Index (FAI) test is a blood test that measures the level of free testosterone in relation to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels in the blood. Free testosterone is the portion of testosterone that is not bound to proteins such as SHBG, and therefore, is ready to enter cells and exert its effects.

The test is used to evaluate androgen excess or deficiency in women. Androgen excess can cause symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and menstrual irregularities and is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Androgen deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and muscle weakness.

The FAI test is calculated by dividing the free testosterone level by the total testosterone level and multiplying by 100. The normal range for FAI is typically between 15 and 70, but this may vary depending on the laboratory and population being tested. It is important to note that the FAI test alone is not a reliable measure of androgen status and should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and other hormonal measurements such as total testosterone, DHEAS, LH/FSH ratio, and SHBG.

The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test measures the level of a protein that binds to androgens (such as testosterone) and estrogens (such as estradiol) in the blood. The SHBG test is used to evaluate the levels of these hormones in the body and to help diagnose certain conditions.

SHBG binds to androgens and estrogens, making them less active. The amount of SHBG in the blood can affect the amount of “free” (unbound) hormones available to enter cells and exert their effects. Higher levels of SHBG can lead to lower levels of free hormones, while lower levels of SHBG can lead to higher levels of free hormones.

Test results are typically reported in nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The normal range for SHBG varies depending on the laboratory, but is generally considered to be 20-100 nmol/L for men and 20-80 nmol/L for women. However, it is important to remember that the normal range can vary depending on factors such as age and health status, and that results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.

The SHBG test is used to diagnose conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women, as well as to evaluate testosterone levels in men with symptoms of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism). It can also be used to monitor the treatment of specific conditions that affect sex hormone levels, such as hormone replacement therapy or hyperthyroidism. It is important to remember that SHBG levels can be affected by certain medications, diseases, and obesity, so SHBG test results should be interpreted in the context of the patient’s overall clinical picture.