All You Need to Know About Hormone Testing

Hormones are the chemical messengers that play a pivotal role in regulating a wide range of physiological functions in the human body, from reproductive development and fertility to mood, metabolism, and bone health. When these hormones fall out of balance, they can trigger a cascade of health issues—from irregular menstrual cycles and infertility to low energy, mood swings, and even chronic conditions. Sex hormone testing is a powerful diagnostic tool that helps healthcare providers assess hormone levels, identify imbalances, and tailor personalized treatment plans. In this guide, we’ll break down the six key hormones included in a standard sex hormone panel, their roles, and what your test results might mean.

The 6 Key Hormones in a Standard Panel

Each hormone in the panel serves a unique purpose, and their interactions are critical to overall health. Below is a detailed breakdown of each one:

1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Role: Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH is a cornerstone of reproductive health. In women, it stimulates the growth and maturation of follicles in the ovaries—each follicle contains an immature egg. As follicles develop, they release estrogen, which signals the pituitary to regulate FSH levels. In men, FSH promotes sperm production in the testes by supporting the function of Sertoli cells, which nourish developing sperm.

2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Role: Another pituitary hormone, LH works in tandem with FSH to regulate the reproductive cycle. In women, a surge in LH (known as the “LH surge”) triggers ovulation—releasing a mature egg from the ovary. After ovulation, LH stimulates the remaining follicle tissue to form the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. In men, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.

3. Estradiol (E2)

Role: The primary female sex hormone, estradiol is a type of estrogen produced mainly by the ovaries (in women) and in small amounts by the adrenal glands and testes (in men). In women, it drives the development of female secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breasts, hip width) during puberty, regulates the menstrual cycle, maintains uterine lining health, and supports bone density. In men, estradiol (converted from testosterone) helps regulate libido, bone health, and sperm production.

4. Progesterone (P)

Role: Produced by the corpus luteum (after ovulation in women) and the adrenal glands (in both sexes), progesterone is often called the “pregnancy hormone.” In women, it prepares the uterine lining (endometrium) for implantation of a fertilized egg and maintains the pregnancy in its early stages. It also helps balance estrogen’s effects, supporting mood and sleep. In men, progesterone is a precursor to testosterone and helps regulate sperm maturation.

5. Testosterone (T)

Role: The primary male sex hormone, testosterone is produced by the testes (in men) and the ovaries and adrenal glands (in women). In men, it drives puberty (e.g., facial hair, deepened voice), maintains muscle mass, bone density, libido, and sperm production. In women, testosterone plays a role in libido, muscle strength, and menstrual cycle regulation—though levels are much lower than in men.

6. Prolactin (PRL)

Role: Produced by the pituitary gland, prolactin’s primary role is to stimulate milk production (lactation) in women after childbirth. It also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle and libido in both sexes by inhibiting FSH and LH secretio

Who Should Get a Sex Hormone Test?

You may benefit from a sex hormone test if you experience any of the following:

•Irregular, heavy, or absent menstrual periods (women)

•Fertility struggles (both men and women)

•Low libido or sexual dysfunction (both men and women)

•Unexplained fatigue, mood swings, or irritability

•Unusual hair growth or loss (e.g., facial hair in women, male-pattern baldness in men)

•Weight gain or loss that’s hard to explain

•Symptoms of menopause (women) or andropause (men), such as hot flashes or muscle loss

•Galactorrhea (unusual milk production in non-breastfeeding women or men)

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