Do women need to fast to check their sex hormones?

Sex hormones are an important substance existing in the female body. If there is endocrine disorder in the body, we need to check the sex hormones. So, do you need to fast when checking the sex hormones? According to the answer given by the doctor, you need to be on an empty stomach to check your sex hormones, and there are many issues that we need to pay attention to. Next, let us understand whether you need to be on an empty stomach to check your sex hormones? Especially as women, we must pay attention to this issue.

The functions of various organs in the human body mainly depend on the stimulation of hormones. If the amount of hormone secretion is too much or too little, it will affect the normal operation of various organs in the human body. In severe cases, it will cause women to become infertile due to endocrine disorders. The six sex hormone tests are a commonly used method for detecting female endocrine function. By measuring sex hormone levels, diseases related to endocrine disorders can be promptly understood. Below I will give you some relevant content in this regard.

What do the six sex hormone tests check for?

The six-item sex hormone test consists of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL). It mainly looks at the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, progesterone, androgen and pituitary prolactin in the body. To interpret the test results, we must first look at the purpose of the test, because women have different sex hormone values ​​at different ages and stages of their menstrual cycle.

Experts point out that each of the six sex hormones plays a special role. Too high or too low hormone values ​​will affect physical health and lead to the occurrence of diseases.

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Its main function is to promote the development and maturation of ovarian follicles.

Significance of examination: Low FSH values ​​are seen during estrogen-progesterone treatment, Sheehan's syndrome, etc. High FSH levels are seen in premature ovarian failure, ovarian insensitivity syndrome, primary amenorrhea, etc.

2. Estradiol (E2): The main function is to promote the transformation of the endometrium into the proliferative phase and promote the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Significance of the examination: Low E2 values ​​are seen in ovarian dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, and Sheehan's syndrome.

3. Progesterone (P): The main function is to promote the transition of the endometrium from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase.

Significance of examination: seen in luteal insufficiency, ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding, etc.

4. Testosterone (T): The main function of testosterone in women is to promote the development of the clitoris, labia and mons pubis.

Significance of examination: Hypertestosterone can cause infertility. When suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, the blood T value also increases.

5. Prolactin (PRL): The main function is to promote breast hyperplasia, milk production and milk discharge.

Significance of the examination: Excessive prolactin can inhibit the secretion of FSH and LH, inhibit ovarian function, and inhibit ovulation.

6. Luteinizing hormone (LH): It mainly promotes ovulation. Under the synergistic effect of FSH, it forms a corpus luteum and secretes progesterone.

Significance of the examination: Low LH values ​​indicate gonadotropin insufficiency, which is seen in Sheehan's syndrome. If high FSH is combined with high LH, ovarian failure is very certain and no other examination is necessary. LH/FSH≥3 is one of the bases for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome.

Do I need to fast to check my sex hormones? The answer is yes, because this will make the test results more accurate. Of course, for us, the most important thing is to pay attention to our own health. It is best to go to the hospital less often, so that our life and work will not be hindered. It is also a very healthy lifestyle for us.