Hormone Blood Tests: Which Hormones Are Tested & How to Check Hormone Levels

Hormones act as chemical messengers and thus enable various parts of the body to communicate with each other. They control a number of vital functions, including growth, metabolism, reproductive health, thyroid activity, blood pressure, water balance, and the regulation of calcium.

Alterations in hormone levels can cause symptoms including irregular periods, fertility issues, unexplained weight changes, increased thirst, a frequent need to urinate, growth abnormalities, or symptoms linked to the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, or parathyroid glands.

A blood test for a hormone determines the quantity of a particular hormone or hormone-related substance in a blood sample; the healthcare

professional may suggest a single test or a number of tests depending on the symptoms and the reason for the testing.

What counts as a hormone blood test?

A blood test for hormones is a kind of laboratory test which is carried out in order to determine the amount of a specific hormone in the blood; the test usually involves drawing a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm and then having it analysed in a diagnostic laboratory.

Hormone levels may differ depending on age, sex, the time of day, the stage of the menstrual cycle, whether or not a person is pregnant, whether or not they have reached menopause, the medications they are taking, and other health conditions. For this reason, the results must always be understood in the relevant clinical context.

Hormones Included in the Genetic Test Hormonal Panel

The hormonal analysis that comes as part of the genetic test can evaluate the hormones associated with thyroid function, reproductive health, metabolism, appetite, the body's response to stress, and the maintenance of fluid balance and calcium regulation.

The panel includes:

• TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) - helps in the regulation of thyroid hormone production.
• T3 (triiodothyronine) – This is the active hormone produced by the thyroid and plays a role in metabolism.
• T4 (thyroxine) – This is the principal hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
• FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) - Helps with the development of ovarian follicles and with sperm production.
• Luteinising Hormone - Helps to regulate the process of ovulation and the production of testosterone.
• Estrogen/estradiol - It is important for reproductive function and for bone health.
• Progesterone - Helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy.
• Insulin - Helps control blood sugar.
• Ghrelin- It is involved in the signalling of appetite and hunger.
• Cortisol - Plays a role in the body's response to stress, in metabolism, and in the regulation of blood pressure.
• Aldosterone - Helps control sodium, potassium, and fluid balance.
• Testosterone - It is important for reproductive function and other physiological processes.
• Parathyroid Hormone - Helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus.
• Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) - The active form of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphorus.

The particular tests included will depend on the specific Hormonal test package and the laboratory.

Common Hormone Blood Tests: Types, Uses & Reference Ranges

Hormone blood tests help evaluate hormone levels and identify possible hormonal, endocrine, reproductive, thyroid, and metabolic disorders. Different tests measure specific hormones or hormone-related proteins, and results are interpreted based on factors such as age, sex, symptoms, medications, menstrual cycle, and the laboratory's reference range.

1. Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)

What is ACTH?

The pituitary gland produces ACTH, which in turn causes the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

What is the test and what is the reason for having it carried out?

The blood test for ACTH measures the levels of ACTH and can be used when investigating disorders of the adrenal or pituitary glands. It is important to note that ACTH levels vary during the day.

Approximate adult reference range: 10–60 pg/mL

2. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

What is an Anti-Müllerian Hormone?

The hormone AMH is made by the ovarian follicles and is generally used as a marker of the ovarian reserve.

What is the test and what is the reason for having it done?

AMH can be determined by means of a blood test and might therefore be part of fertility and reproductive health evaluations.

Reference range: There is not a single universal range since AMH varies considerably with age and individual factors.

3. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

What is ADH?

ADH, also known as vasopressin, contributes to the maintenance of water balance by regulating the way in which the kidneys retain water.

What is the test and what is the reason for performing it?

When looking into cases of excessive thirst, frequent urination, or suspected disturbances of water balance, an antidiuretic hormone blood test may be carried out.

Reference range: There is not a single universal range; the results are interpreted taking into account the level of sodium, the osmolality, and the hydration status.

4. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

What is FSH?

The pituitary gland produces FSH, which in women promotes the development of ovarian follicles and in men encourages sperm production.

What is the test and what is the reason for having it carried out?

FSH can be measured to investigate menstrual irregularities, fertility problems, menopause, and reproductive disorders. In women, the day of the cycle can influence the result.

Approximate reference range: During a woman's reproductive years, her adult female values are generally in the range of 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL, with higher levels being commonly observed after menopause.

5. Growth Hormone (GH)

What is GH?

GH is made by the pituitary gland and plays an important role in growth, in body composition and in metabolism.

What is the test and what is the reason for having it carried out?

GH testing should be considered in cases where there is a suspicion of either growth hormone deficiency or excess. This is because GH is released in pulses and therefore further testing may be necessary.

Reference range: There is not anywhere a single normal adult range since growth hormone levels vary with age, sex, the time of day, and the method of testing.

6. Luteinising Hormone (LH)

What is LH?

The hormone LH is made in the pituitary gland, and it causes ovulation in women as well as prompting testosterone production in men.

What is the test and what is the reason for having it done?

LH can be determined by means of a blood test, and it may be employed in investigating problems with the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility.

Approximate reference range: In adult men, the levels are usually between 1.7 and 8.6 mIU/mL, while in women they differ depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle.

7. Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

What is PTH?

The hormone PTH is made by the parathyroid glands and is responsible for regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorus.

What is the test and what is the reason for performing it?

A blood test for PTH may be suggested in cases where the calcium levels are abnormal or a parathyroid disorder is suspected.

Approximate adult reference range: 10–65 pg/mL

PTH is usually interpreted in conjunction with calcium, vitamin D, and kidney function.

8. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)

What is SHBG?

SHBG is a protein mainly manufactured by the liver and which binds sex hormones such as testosterone and estradiol.

What is the test and what is the reason for having it carried out?

SHBG is tested when there are concerns relating to the reproductive system or hormones, usually together with testosterone.

Approximate reference range: The ranges depend on age, sex, and the method used by the laboratory; a frequently quoted range for adult females is about 18 to 144 nmol/L.

9. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

What is TSH?

TSH is made in the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones.

What is the test and what is the reason for having it carried out?

TSH is determined by means of a blood test when it is necessary to evaluate thyroid function or to keep an eye on thyroid treatment.

Approximate adult reference range: 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L.

10. Ultrasensitive TSH (uTSH)

What is uTSH?

uTSH is a very sensitive method for measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone.

What is the test and what is the reason for performing it?

A sensitive TSH assay is used to evaluate or keep track of thyroid function by analysing a blood sample.

Approximate adult reference range: About 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, according to the test method used by the laboratory.

Understanding Hormone Reference Ranges

Reference ranges for hormones are not the same for all people; they can differ depending on age, sex, stage of the menstrual cycle, whether or not the person is pregnant, whether or not they have reached menopause, the time of day, the medications being taken, and the methods used for laboratory testing.

For instance, FSH and LH vary during the menstrual cycle, while ACTH and GH may change during the day.

When interpreting a result, it is necessary to use the reference range printed on the individual laboratory report.

Do blood tests for hormones require fasting?

Fasting is not necessary for all hormone blood tests since the required preparation varies according to the type of test; some tests need the sample to be collected at a certain time, whereas others do not require fasting.

You should adhere to the instructions given by the diagnostic laboratory or by the healthcare professional and let them know about any medicines, supplements, and hormone treatments that you are currently taking.

When Should You Get Hormone Testing?

Hormone tests may be recommended for:

• Reproductive concerns: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinising Hormone, Anti-Müllerian Hormone, estrogen and progesterone
• Fertility assessment: Anti-Müllerian Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinising Hormone and other reproductive hormones
• Thyroid concerns: Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, T3 and T4
• Growth concerns: Growth Hormone
• Adrenal or pituitary concerns: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and cortisol
• Water-balance problems: Antidiuretic Hormone
• Calcium or parathyroid concerns: Parathyroid Hormone and vitamin D

The right test to use will depend on the symptoms and the clinical reason for the testing.

Conclusion

Hormone blood tests give information concerning various endocrine, reproductive and metabolic systems, and tests including ACTH, AMH, ADH, FSH, GH, LH, PTH, SHBG, TSH and uTSH can assist healthcare professionals in assessing particular hormonal pathways.

A more comprehensive hormonal test will also cover T3, T4, estrogen, progesterone, insulin, ghrelin, cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone and active vitamin D.

You shouldn't interpret hormone test results on the basis of the number alone, since the laboratory reference range, the time at which the testing was done, the symptoms, the medical history, and other investigations all have a role in understanding the result.