Hormone Combination 5

Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone (androgen), which is produced in the testes, but also in small amounts in the ovaries and the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics and the regulation of libido, muscle mass, and bone density. The laboratory value measures the concentration of total testosterone in the blood.

A testosterone test is recommended for: Men with symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction or muscle weakness Women with signs of androgen excess (e.g. increased body hair, acne, hair loss) Adolescents with delayed or precocious puberty Individuals suspected of hormonal disorders such as hypogonadism or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)

The test serves the diagnosis of hormonal disorders, such as testosterone deficiency in men or androgen excess in women. It also helps in the monitoring of hormone therapies or in the diagnosis of tumors of the reproductive organs and adrenal glands.

A low testosterone level in men can lead to the following symptoms: Decreased sex drive Erectile dysfunction Loss of muscle mass and bone density An increased testosterone level in women can indicate diseases such as PCOS or adrenal tumors and lead to symptoms such as acne, hirsutism (increased body hair) and menstrual disorders. An increased testosterone level can also occur with substitution.

The testing should be carried out in the morning for men, as testosterone levels fluctuate during the day and are highest in the morning. For women, the testing can be carried out regardless of the cycle, but for specific questions it is better to do it in the follicular phase (beginning of the cycle).

Testosterone levels are age-dependent and decrease in men with increasing age. Certain lifestyle influences, such as overweight or chronic stress, can negatively affect testosterone levels.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal cortex and plays a central role in the stress response, metabolism, and regulation of the immune system. The laboratory value measures the concentration of cortisol in the blood.

Here is the translation: A cortisol test is recommended for: Persons with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or changes in blood pressure Suspicion of adrenal gland dysfunction such as Addison's disease (underfunction) or Cushing's syndrome (overfunction) Patients with chronic stress or depressive symptoms Monitoring of patients receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy

The test serves to diagnose diseases of the adrenal cortex and to clarify symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. It is also used to identify the cause of stress symptoms and hormonal disorders.

A high cortisol level can indicate: Chronic stress Cushing's disease (overactive adrenal glands) Corticosteroid medication therapy. A low value indicates: Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) Chronic fatigue or hypopituitarism (pituitary gland underfunction).

The cortisol level fluctuates during the course of the day (circadian rhythm), with the highest values in the morning and the lowest values at night. A morning blood draw is therefore ideal. Additionally, we perform a second blood draw after a fasting period of 8 hours.

Cortisol is a stress-dependent hormone, and short-term stress situations can increase the values. Cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm (circadian rhythm) Chronically elevated cortisol levels can be harmful in the long term ("stress hormone effect")

Estradiol is the most important estrogen hormone in women of childbearing age. It is produced in the ovaries, the adrenal cortex, and during pregnancy in the placenta. The laboratory value measures the estradiol concentration in the blood and provides information about hormone function and the menstrual cycle.

Here is the translation: Östradiol test is recommended for: Women with menstrual disorders or suspected premature menopause Women with unfulfilled desire to have children Monitoring of hormone status during artificial insemination Men with symptoms such as breast growth (gynecomastia) or loss of libido Adolescents with delayed or precocious puberty

The test is used for the assessment of the menstrual cycle, for monitoring ovulation inductions or for the diagnosis of hormonal disorders in women and men. It also helps to clarify the cause of infertility or cycle problems.

A low estradiol level in women can indicate ovarian insufficiency or menopause. Symptoms may include: Hot flashes and sleep disturbances Dryness of the mucous membranes An elevated estradiol level can be caused by hormonal stimulation, tumors, or pregnancy. In men, an elevated level may indicate hormonal disorders or tumors.

The testing should be carried out in women during a specific cycle day, typically in the follicular phase (cycle start, cycle day 2-5) or during ovulation, depending on the clinical question.

Men and women with liver diseases can have elevated estradiol levels, as the breakdown of the hormone is impaired. Estradiol is often tested together with other hormones such as FSH and LH to obtain a complete picture of the hormone status.

DHEA-S is a steroid hormone that is primarily produced in the adrenal cortex. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of androgens and estrogens. The laboratory value measures the concentration of DHEA-S in the blood and is used to evaluate the function of the adrenal glands.

A DHEA-S test is recommended for: Women with signs of virilization (e.g. increased body hair, deep voice, hair loss) People suspected of hormonal disorders such as adrenal tumors or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Patients with unfulfilled desire to have children Men and women with chronic fatigue or decreased libido Adolescents with precocious or delayed puberty development

The test is used for the diagnosis of adrenal gland dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or tumors. It also helps to clarify the cause of symptoms such as hirsutism (increased body hair), acne, or infertility.

An elevated DHEA-S level can indicate adrenal gland hyperfunction, PCOS or rare adrenal cortex tumors. Symptoms of a high value can be: Increased body or facial hair Menstrual disorders or infertility Acne and oily skin A low value can occur with adrenal insufficiency or chronic stress.

The test can be carried out at any time of the day, as DHEA-S, in contrast to other hormones such as cortisol, does not have a strong circadian rhythm.

DHEA-S is more stable than DHEA and reflects the long-term hormone production of the adrenal glands. The value decreases with increasing age and is significantly lower in women after menopause. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or insulin, can influence the DHEA-S level.

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is mainly produced in the ovaries and during pregnancy in the placenta. It plays an important role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the maintenance of a pregnancy. The laboratory value measures the progesterone concentration in the blood serum.

A Progesterone test is recommended for: Women with irregular menstrual cycles or missed periods Women who have difficulty getting pregnant Women suspected of having a miscarriage or corpus luteum deficiency Monitoring hormone status during artificial insemination Pregnant women at risk of preterm birth or other complications

The test helps to confirm ovulation, check ovarian function, and identify possible causes of menstrual disorders or infertility. During pregnancy, it is used to monitor the course of pregnancy and detect risks.

A low progesterone level can indicate ovarian weakness, which can lead to problems with implantation of the egg or an increased risk of miscarriage. Symptoms of a low value are: Irregular or absent menstruation Difficulty getting pregnant Spotting during early pregnancy An elevated progesterone level can be caused by pregnancy, hormonal therapy, or rarely by cysts or tumors.

The testing should be carried out in the second half of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase), about 7 days after ovulation (cycle day 21-23). In pregnant women or in case of suspected cycle disorders, the test can be performed at any time.

Progesterone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and are highest in the luteal phase. The testing is often performed together with other hormones (e.g. LH, FSH, estradiol) to obtain a complete picture of the hormonal status. Progesterone plays a role not only in reproduction, but also has an influence on the skin, the brain and the immune system.