Prolactin Test

Free testosterone is the bioavailable form of testosterone. Estimating the levels of free testosterone is important in the diagnosis of many diseases, most importantly disorders of androgen deficiency in men (i.e., hypogonadism) and androgen excess in women (i.e., polycystic ovary syndrome and hirsutism). Maintenance of these levels is necessary for development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics, libido, growth, prevention of osteoporosis, and spermatogenesis in men.

The total testosterone test measures the testosterone levels (free and bound) in the blood. Testosterone is the key male hormone responsible for male characteristics, the production of sperms, and fertility. Testosterone total test can be useful in diagnosing erectile dysfunction, infertility, and decreased sex drive. It also aids in detecting virilization (masculine physical features) and hirsutism (excess body hair)

Progesterone blood test helps assess the levels of progesterone hormone produced by female ovaries. This hormone makes the lining of the uterus to grow thicker. If an egg is fertilized, it can attach (implant) inside of the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, levels of progesterone will decrease, and the lining of the uterus breaks down and will become thinner again. Concerns in normal progesterone levels can lead to menstrual irregularities, miscarriage and early labour, and declined fertility. A progesterone test is done to determine the cause of female infertility, and check the effect of fertility treatments, risk of a miscarriage (loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks), diagnose an ectopic pregnancy (a condition where the fertilized egg grows outside a woman’s uterus).

The semen analysis test is performed to assess male fertility. Semen is a thick fluid released from men's genitals after ejaculation. Semen contains sperms along with proteins, sugar, and other substances. This test is also known as a sperm count/male fertility test, and its results show how many sperms are released, their shape, and sperm motility (movement of sperms). Semen analysis checks for the presence or absence of fructose that provides energy for the movement of the sperm. It also helps in seeing whether a vasectomy (a small operation to block the sperm from getting to the semen when a man ejaculates) has been successful.

The sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) test determines the amount of SHBG in the blood. The liver produces the protein known as SHBG. It firmly attaches to three sex hormones, estrogen, DHT, and testosterone, present in both men and women. The test can identify several ailments and illnesses, including hypogonadism and androgen insufficiency. Low SHBG levels may be associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and acromegaly. At the same time, high SHBG levels may be related to hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, and HIV.

The Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a blood test to evaluate ovarian reserve (quality and quantity of follicles produced in ovaries) in women. Females can produce thousands of eggs at the childbearing age, but as the age increases, the ovarian reserve decreases. The Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test is helpful in determining the fertility status of women. The AMH test is indicated to evaluate the functioning of ovaries and diagnose conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS - a hormonal disorder that causes cysts in the ovaries), amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), and monitoring ovarian cancer. The test also helps assess the efficacy of assisted in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

FSH blood test measures the levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. FSH levels are helpful in investigating menstruation irregularities (periods), fertility issues (difficulty in getting pregnant), menopause (natural cease of periods), and cases of early or delayed puberty.

The Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in the normal functioning of male and female reproductive systems. Its levels are measured by a blood test. FSH level is mostly measured along with LH. The LH test is advised for infertility in women (difficulty in getting pregnant), irregular menstruation and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS – a hormonal disorder were ovaries get enlarged due to cyst formation) in women.

The Prolactin test or serum prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin hormone present in the blood. Prolactin hormone is responsible for milk production during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Prolactin levels are usually high in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. High levels of prolactin in men or non-pregnant women may indicate underlying health conditions. The prolactin blood test [PRL test] is indicated in cases of abnormal lactation or breast milk discharge, menstrual irregularities, infertility in males and females, erection problem, or testicular failure.

FSH blood test measures the levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. FSH levels are helpful in investigating menstruation irregularities (periods), fertility issues (difficulty in getting pregnant), menopause (natural cease of periods), and cases of early or delayed puberty.

The Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in the normal functioning of male and female reproductive systems. Its levels are measured by a blood test. FSH level is mostly measured along with LH. The LH test is advised for infertility in women (difficulty in getting pregnant), irregular menstruation and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS – a hormonal disorder were ovaries get enlarged due to cyst formation) in women.

The sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) test determines the amount of SHBG in the blood. The liver produces the protein known as SHBG. It firmly attaches to three sex hormones, estrogen, DHT, and testosterone, present in both men and women. The test can identify several ailments and illnesses, including hypogonadism and androgen insufficiency. Low SHBG levels may be associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and acromegaly. At the same time, high SHBG levels may be related to hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, and HIV.

The FSH-LH-Prolactin-Testosterone test evaluates the group of hormones necessary for both male and female sexual and reproductive health. The tests look for any hormonal imbalances that might lead to infertility. FSH and LH hormones belong to the glycoprotein family and play an important role in follicular development and estrogen production.

The semen analysis test is performed to assess male fertility. Semen is a thick fluid released from men's genitals after ejaculation. Semen contains sperms along with proteins, sugar, and other substances. This test is also known as a sperm count/male fertility test, and its results show how many sperms are released, their shape, and sperm motility (movement of sperms). Semen analysis checks for the presence or absence of fructose that provides energy for the movement of the sperm. It also helps in seeing whether a vasectomy (a small operation to block the sperm from getting to the semen when a man ejaculates) has been successful.