HOW DO WOMEN'S HORMONES WORK

Estradiol

Estradiol is the main form of estrogen in people assigned female at birth (AFAB) and is produced by the ovaries. It is one of the main sex hormones responsible for ovulation, which is vital to reproductive health and pregnancy in people who can get pregnant. After menopause, levels of estradiol decline significantly. Estradiol also plays a role in the development of bones and female-associated secondary sex characteristics development, as well as the optimal functioning of the brain and reproductive system.

Progesterone

Progesterone helps to maintain the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, and helpsto support pregnancy. When an individual enters menopause and ovarian functiondeclines, progesterone production significantly decreases.

Luteinizing Hormone

Luteinizing hormone, or LH, is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that is responsible for the stimulation and maturation of ovarian follicles in the ovaries.Ovarian follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs in the ovary that contain an immature egg. When an egg matures during the menstrual cycle, the follicle breaks open and releases the egg from the ovary for possible fertilization.

HORMONES

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, which plays an essential role in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, as well as with ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Baseline FSH levels typically increase with age due to diminished ovarian reserve, and over time more FSH is then needed to stimulate ovarian function. A normal FSH level may imply that a person with a uterus has an appropriate egg quantity for their reproductive stage.

DHEA-S

DHEA-S, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is an androgen hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands, but in people assigned female at birth (AFAB), a small amount is also produced by the ovaries. It is a precursor to some other hormones in the body, such as testosterone and estrogen. Most DHEA circulates in the blood attached to a sulfate group and is called DHEA-S, which is the form measured by this test.

Cortisol

Cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands and is released in response to stressors like illness and exercise. Cortisol is often referred to as your body’s “stress hormone,” but it has many roles in the body, including helping to control blood sugar levels and regulating energy metabolism. In most people, cortisol levels peak in the morning and are lowest in the middle of the night. Your sample is collected 4 times throughout the day, and your results will reflect your cortisol levels during those times.

Thyroid Hormone

Thyroid-Stimulating HormoneThyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for controlling the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. The hormone TSH is considered the most sensitive marker for screening for thyroid diseases and conditions.

Free T3

T3 (triiodothyronine) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. While it is less abundant than T4, T3 is considered the more active of these two thyroid hormones. Together, these two thyroid hormones help determine the rate at which every cell in the body uses energy. Levels of T3 fluctuate when individuals have an under- or overactive thyroid gland. This test measures free T3, the free (not bound to protein), and biologically active form of the hormone.

Free T4

T4 (thyroxine) is the predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Together, T3 and T4 help determine the rate at which every cell in the body uses energy. Levels of T4 fluctuate when individuals have an under- or overactive thyroid gland. This test measures free T4, the free (not bound to protein), and biologically active form of the hormone.

Free Testosterone in people assigned female at birth (AFAB), testosterone is primarily produced by the ovaries, with a small amount produced by the adrenal glands. A large portion of this testosterone is converted to estrogen by an enzyme called aromatase. Free testosterone is not attached to proteins, whereas total testosterone includes free testosterone and testosterone that is bound to the proteins (e.g. albumin and sex hormone binding globulin) in the blood. While commonly regarded as the primary male sex hormone, testosterone is important for bone density, libido, body fat distribution, and supporting muscle mass across all sexes.

THYROID HORMONE

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are antibodies that can bind to thyroid enzymes, which can suppress thyroid function. They are usually elevated in a condition called Hashimoto's disease, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.