Female Hormone List and Functions

[Nelson Vergel]

Below we will list the main female hormone tests and their importance in diagnosing and managing various endocrine and reproductive disorders. We'll go through the key hormone tests one by one:

1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test: FSH is a gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland, responsible for regulating the development, growth, and maturation of ovarian follicles in females. An FSH test measures the levels of this hormone in the blood. This test is crucial for assessing menstrual disorders, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and menopausal status. FSH levels may vary across the menstrual cycle, with the highest levels observed during the early follicular phase.
2. Luteinizing hormone (LH) test: LH, another gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland, triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone. LH test measures blood levels of this hormone and is essential in evaluating menstrual disorders, infertility, PCOS, and pituitary gland disorders. Like FSH, LH levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, with a mid-cycle surge triggering ovulation.
3. Estradiol (E2) test: Estradiol is the primary estrogen hormone produced by the ovaries and is vital for the development and maintenance of female reproductive structures, secondary sexual characteristics, and menstrual cycle regulation. The estradiol test measures the blood levels of this hormone and aids in diagnosing menstrual irregularities, menopause, infertility, ovarian cysts, and assessing ovarian function. Estradiol levels also vary across the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation and dropping afterward.
4. Progesterone test: Progesterone is a hormone produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy. It plays a critical role in preparing the endometrium for implantation and maintaining pregnancy. A progesterone test measures blood levels of this hormone, and it is essential for evaluating ovulation, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and early pregnancy complications. Progesterone levels rise after ovulation and remain elevated during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
5. Prolactin test: Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland, primarily responsible for breast milk production after childbirth. A prolactin test measures the levels of this hormone in the blood and is crucial for diagnosing hyperprolactinemia, which can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, and galactorrhea (inappropriate lactation). Elevated prolactin levels may also indicate a pituitary tumor (prolactinoma).
6. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test: AMH is a hormone produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and is a reliable marker of ovarian reserve. The AMH test measures blood levels of this hormone and is helpful in assessing a woman's fertility potential, diagnosing PCOS, and predicting the onset of menopause. Unlike other reproductive hormones, AMH levels remain relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle.
7. Thyroid function tests (TFTs): Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), influence various body functions, including metabolism and reproductive health. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland regulates thyroid hormone production. TFTs, including TSH, free T4, and free T3 tests, are essential for diagnosing thyroid disorders that can impact reproductive health, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Imbalanced thyroid hormone levels can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, and pregnancy complications. TFTs are also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement therapy or antithyroid medications.

Female Hormone Test List

This is Discounted Labs female hormone test list that women can buy online anywhere in the U.S. without a doctor's visit.

www.discountedlabs.com

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Summary​

Dr. Sara Gottfried discusses optimizing female hormone health for vitality and longevity in a podcast episode with Andrew Huberman. She shares insights on the gut microbiome, nutrition, exercise, and hormone testing. Dr. Gottfried emphasizes understanding intergenerational and genetic influences on hormone health.

Highlights​

• Dr. Gottfried emphasizes the importance of understanding intergenerational trauma and its impact on the endocrine system.
• Genetic factors play a role in the timing of puberty, pregnancy experiences, perimenopause, and menopause.
• Certain conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovarian syndrome can have a strong genetic component.
• Women in their teens should pay attention to biomarkers related to hormone health, such as menstrual patterns and hormone testing if needed.
• Women in their 20s and 30s can focus on optimizing nutrition, managing stress, and incorporating appropriate exercise routines for hormone health.
• Regular hormone testing, including blood, urine, and microbiome tests, can provide insights into hormone status and trajectory.
• Dr. Gottfried has authored books like "The Hormone Cure" and "Women, Food, and Hormones" to provide valuable information on hormone health.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Hormonal Fluctuations in Women's Lives

Hormonal fluctuation during (A) a normal menstrual cycle, (B) while taking an oral contraceptive (OC) containing both estrogen and progesterone, and (C) in the years before and after menopause. Ref: - Chidi-Ogbolu, Nkechinyere AU - Baar, Keith PY - 2019/01/15 T1 - Effect of Estrogen on...

www.excelmale.com

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Summary​

In this podcast episode, Dr. Joanne Manson discusses the Women's Health Initiative study, which examined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women. The study aimed to determine whether HRT could prevent chronic diseases, including heart disease and cognitive decline. Observational studies had shown potential benefits, but a randomized clinical trial was needed to establish causality.

Highlights​

• ️ Dr. Joanne Manson, a leading expert in women's health, was one of the principal investigators in the Women's Health Initiative study.
• Observational studies suggested that HRT might reduce heart disease, cognitive decline, and mortality rates in women.
• The Women's Health Initiative aimed to test HRT's preventive effects on chronic diseases through a randomized clinical trial.
• The most common HRT formulations in the 90s were conjugated estrogen with and without medroxyprogesterone acetate, tailored to women with and without a uterus, respectively.
• Women in the observational studies tended to be of higher socioeconomic status and health conscious, which could have influenced the results.
• ️ The average age of women in the Women's Health Initiative was around 63, more than a decade after menopause onset, whereas women in observational studies were typically in early menopause.

Please note that the transcription provided only covers a part of the podcast, and the full discussion with Dr. Joanne Manson may contain more comprehensive insights.

JoAnn Manson is a world-renowned endocrinologist, epidemiologist, and Principal Investigator for the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). In this episode, she dives deep into the WHI to explain the study design, primary outcome, confounding factors, and nuanced benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). JoAnn reflects on how a misinterpretation of the results, combined with sensationalized headlines regarding an elevated risk of breast cancer, led to a significant shift in the perception and utilization of HRT. From there, they take a closer look at the breast cancer data to separate fact from fiction. Additionally, JoAnn gives her take on how one should weigh the risks and benefits of HRT and concludes with a discussion on how physicians can move towards better HRT practices. We discuss: Intro [0:00] The Women’s Health Initiative: the original goal of the study, hormone formulations used, and potential confounders [4:15]; Study design of the Women’s Health Initiative, primary outcome, and more [16:00]; JoAnn’s personal hypothesis about the ability of hormone replacement therapy to reduce heart disease risk prior to the WHI [26:45]; The relationship between estrogen and breast cancer [30:45]; Why the WHI study was stopped early, and the dramatic change in the perception and use of HRT due to the alleged increase in breast cancer risk [37:30]; What Peter finds most troubling about the mainstream view of HRT and a more nuanced look at the benefits and risks of HRT [45:15]; HRT and bone health [56:00]; The importance of timing when it comes to HRT, the best use cases, and advice on finding a clinician [59:30]; A discussion on the potential impact of HRT on mortality and a thought experiment on a long-duration use of HRT [1:03:15]; Moving toward better HRT practices, and the need for more studies [1:10:00]; and More.