Hormone Testing

A hormone test is a blood test that measures the levels of hormones, which play a major role in sperm production.

As soon as a couple experiences fertility problems, hormone testing is one of the exams that the doctor recommends.

What is hormone testing?

A hormone test is a blood test that measures the levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH, estradiol and cortisol, i.e. the hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and testicles, which play a major role in sperm production.

Hormone testing and infertility

The body produces special hormones, known as gonadotropins, that help the testicles produce testosterone. This is of vital importance for releasing a satisfactory sperm count. If the pituitary gland does not produce gonadotropins, this has a direct effect on fertility. So, for example, reduced FSH production will affect the sperm count, while reduced LH production will affect testosterone production.

The normal function of the pituitary gland is often disrupted when a benign tumor develops in it. As it grows, it destroys the cell that produce hormones, including gonadotropins. The pituitary gland does not often function well if a man has a genetic disorder, such as Kallmann syndrome.

Preparation

Some substances, such as androgens, antiepileptic drugs, barbiturates, clomiphene and estrogens, can have a direct effect on the results of a hormone test. That’s why you must tell your doctor about any pharmaceutical treatment you may be following. In some cases, actually, it may be necessary to discontinue the medications before the test.

The doctor may also specify the time of day when the test must be performed. Hormone levels are higher in the morning. As a result, the best time for a blood draw would be between 7 and 10 am. You may be asked to have the test repeated at another time, so as to monitor hormonal changes throughout the day.

Procedure

The blood is drawn after the site has been cleaned. The blood is collected from a vein in the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand, using a sterile needle.

Results

The results are evaluated by comparing them to the lab’s reference range for each individual hormone. These results will help the doctor get a fairly clear picture of the reasons that negatively affect spermatogenesis and propose suitable treatment to restore the man’s reproductive health, offering a final solution in many cases.

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