Babywunsch Check

Total ß-hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The laboratory value measures the concentration of ß-hCG in the blood and is used to confirm a pregnancy or diagnose certain diseases.

A ß-hCG test is recommended for: Women with suspected pregnancy Women with unclear bleeding or suspected miscarriage Diagnosis and monitoring of trophoblastic tumors (e.g. molar pregnancy, choriocarcinoma) Men with suspected germ cell tumors (e.g. testicular cancer)

The test serves to confirm a pregnancy, monitor its course, and diagnose certain types of cancer. During pregnancy, it is also used to clarify complications such as an ectopic pregnancy.

A raised ß-hCG level usually confirms a pregnancy. Very high values can indicate multiple pregnancies or trophoblastic tumors. Symptoms of pathological increases can be: Unclear vaginal bleeding Signs of pregnancy without a visible embryo (e.g. in molar pregnancy) A low ß-hCG value in early pregnancy can indicate an ectopic pregnancy or a threatened miscarriage.

The test can already be carried out a few days after the implantation of the fertilized egg. For a precise progress control, a repeated measurement at an interval of 48 hours is often recommended.

During pregnancy, ß-hCG rises exponentially in the first weeks and reaches its peak around the 10th week. Elevated levels can also indicate germ cell tumors or other rare conditions in men and non-pregnant women. The measurement can be detected both in urine in case of suspected pregnancy, as well as in the blood.

FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle in women as well as sperm production in men. The laboratory value measures the concentration of FSH in the blood.

A FSH test is recommended for: • Women with irregular menstrual cycles or absent menstruation • Women with suspected menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency • Men with suspected testicular dysfunction (e.g. infertility or low testosterone levels) • Adolescents with delayed or precocious puberty development • Patients with suspected pituitary disorders

The test serves the diagnosis of fertility disorders, the clarification of menstrual disorders, as well as the assessment of the function of the pituitary gland and gonads (ovaries or testes). It is also used for the monitoring of hormone therapies.

An elevated FSH level in women indicates a reduced function of the ovaries, as in: • Menopause • Premature ovarian insufficiency • Ovarian cysts or damage A low FSH level can indicate pituitary hypofunction or hormonal imbalances. In men, a high value often indicates impaired testicular function, a low value indicates pituitary problems.

The testing is ideally carried out in women during the first days of the menstrual cycle (start of the cycle, cycle day 3-5). In men or postmenopausal women, the test can be performed at any time.

• FSH is often measured together with LH (Luteinizing Hormone) to obtain a complete picture of the hormonal balance. • Stress, weight fluctuations, and certain medications can affect FSH levels. • Extremely low or high FSH levels can indicate pituitary or gonadal disorders.

LH is a hormone of the pituitary gland that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes in men. The laboratory value measures the concentration of LH in the blood.

Here is the translation: A LH test is recommended for: • Women with irregular cycles or difficulty getting pregnant • Women with suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) • Men with decreased libido or infertility • Adolescents with delayed or precocious puberty • Monitoring of ovulation induction during fertility treatment

The test serves to diagnose fertility disorders, to clarify hormonal imbalances, and to assess the function of the pituitary gland and gonads. In women, it is used to determine ovulation.

A high LH value in women can indicate PCOS, menopause or ovarian insufficiency. A low LH value indicates a pituitary hypofunction or hormonal disorders. In men, a high value can indicate a primary testicular insufficiency and a low value can indicate a pituitary disorder.

The testing is ideally carried out in women in the early follicular phase (start of the cycle) or to determine ovulation in the middle of the cycle. In men or postmenopausal women, the timing is freely selectable. (Day 3–5 → assessment of ovarian reserve. Day 10–14 → ovulation determination (LH peak before ovulation). Anytime → diagnosis of hormonal disorders or menopause.)

• LH shows strong fluctuations in women during the menstrual cycle, especially during ovulation. • The values should be considered in relation to FSH; a high LH/FSH ratio often indicates PCOS. • Medications for fertility treatment can affect LH levels.

SHBG is a protein that binds sexual hormones such as testosterone and estradiol in the blood. The laboratory value measures the concentration of SHBG in the blood, which influences the free portion of these hormones.

A SHBG test is recommended for: • Men with symptoms of low testosterone levels (e.g. loss of libido, muscle weakness) • Women with suspected androgen excess (e.g. acne, hirsutism, PCOS) • Patients with liver diseases, as the liver produces SHBG • People with thyroid disorders, which can affect SHBG

The test serves to clarify hormonal disorders and is often measured together with testosterone or estradiol to calculate the free hormone level. It helps to clarify the cause of symptoms such as infertility or androgen excess.

A high SHBG value can lead to a lower free testosterone level and is often observed in: • Liver diseases • Hyperthyroidism • Intake of estrogens (e.g. in the birth control pill). A low value indicates an increased free testosterone level, as in PCOS, obesity or insulin resistance.

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day and is independent of food intake.

• SHBG is often used to calculate the free androgen index (FAI), which indicates the ratio of testosterone to SHBG. • Changes in liver function, thyroid function, and insulin resistance strongly influence SHBG levels. • The test is particularly helpful in diagnosing androgen disorders in women.