Sex Hormones Profile

Sex hormones profile measure levels of the estrogen (the female sex hormones), progesterone (which help the body prepare for and maintain pregnancy, and testosterone (the male sex hormones).
The sex hormones control the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. They regulate the sex-related functions of the body, such as the menstrual cycle or the production of eggs or sperm.

Estrogen

Estrogen is tested to evaluate sexual maturity, menstrual problems, and fertility problems in females. This test may also be used to test for tumors that excrete estrogen with certain ovarian tumors. E3 (estriol) is the major estrogen in the pregnant female. Estrogen fraction is also used to evaluate males who have enlargement of one or both breasts (gynecomastia), or feminization syndromes, where they display female sex characteristics.

Progesterone

Progesterone is essential for the healthy functioning of the female reproductive system. Progesterone hormone is produced in the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle, and by the placenta during pregnancy, small amounts of progesterone are also produced in the adrenal glands and testes. The test is ordered to evaluate women who are having difficulty becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy, and to monitor high-risk pregnancies.

Testosterone

Testosterone is essential male sex hormones. It is responsible for stimulating bone and muscle growth, and sexual development. It is produced by the testes and in very small amounts by the ovaries.

Testosterone stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis), and influences the development of male secondary sex characteristics. Overproduction of testosterone caused by testicular, adrenal, or pituitary tumors in the young male may result in precocious puberty.
Women also produce testosterone and DHT, though in far lesser amounts. The ovary and adrenal glands produce some testosterone, but the majority of the testosterone in women is derived from the peripheral conversion of other steroids.

Testosterone levels are ordered to evaluate:

1. Secondary sex characteristics
2. precocious (early or late) puberty
3. virilizing (male body characteristics) syndromes in the female
4. impotence and infertility in the male
5. rare tumors of the ovary and testicle
6. irregular menstrual periods in women
7. excess hair growth in women