Womens Hormone Check - Advance

Specific medical conditions and other related issues in women often tend to occur due to hormonal irregularities. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Frequent or recurring episodes of acne
• Excessive hair growth or hair thinning
• Obesity

In addition, hormonal imbalances can also result in clinical complications such as diabetes, thyroid disease and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). As such, a PCOD panel test can accurately detect the presence of the condition alongside other related issues.

Apollo 24|7 hosts a PCOD profile blood test package that includes 37 individual assessments, broadly categorised into the following:

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Analysis
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Examination 
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) Evaluation
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test 
• Prolactin Examination
• Testosterone Test
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Lipid Profile

Each of the listed categories deals with specific biological markers of PCOD. For instance, symptoms such as excessive hair growth or hair loss and thinning may be due to abnormalities with the FSH. Meanwhile, the DHEAS evaluation involves an assessment of the associated hormone to determine any irregularities with oestrogen production.

Note that while a PCOD panel test is primarily used to detect the condition, it is also helpful in pinpointing specific hormonal deviations unrelated to PCOD. The included CBC, for instance, can highlight any abnormalities in the white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) count.

In addition, doctors can use the test results from a lipid profile to determine the risk for cardiovascular conditions in women. In some cases, such clinical assessment can also detect the presence of specific types of pancreatitis.

A PCOD profile blood test is deemed to be a comprehensive women’s wellness or hormone test. Nonetheless, it may be challenging to recognise when you need to opt for such medical examinations. However, certain symptoms always manifest in the initial stages of hormonal imbalances. These clinical markers include:

• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Unusual menstrual bleeding (heavier flow than usual)
• Weight gain 
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• Formation of dark patches in the neck, groin or under the breasts
• Persistent or recurrent headaches

Foregoing a clinical examination when at least two of the mentioned symptoms begin to manifest can result in severe medical complications and mental anxiety. For example, individuals with PCOD often experience infertility.

The condition can also increase your risk for metabolic disorders, diabetes, strokes and other heart diseases.
In rare cases, PCOD may result in endometrial cancer due to the uterine lining building up.

Thus, opting for a PCOD panel test can help identify the presence of related medical issues and prevent the development of other serious complications.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amitava Ray, Family Physician, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.

Frequently asked questions

Does excess FSH hormone cause imbalance?

Yes, elevated FSH hormone levels indicate diminished ovarian reserves. Less ovarian reserve amounts to less eggs and stimulating hormone production which can make ovulation uncertain. This may lead to complications in sexual health and conceiving a child difficult.

What is the role of serum prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Excess prolactin can make breast milk production high in women. Usually high levels of prolactin are found during pregnancy. Low levels of prolactin are found in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is the role of LH?

LH stands for luteinizing hormone which is made by the pituitary gland. In females LH is one of the most important hormones as it regulates the menstrual cycle and triggers the maturation of an egg from the ovary which also ensures proper growth, developement and sexual health.

Is it normal to produce breast milk in non-pregnant women?

No, non-pregnant women usually do not produce any breast milk for lactation. However, if excess serum prolactin is produced in the body females may secrete breast milk. Get a women�s hormone check basic package to know the serum prolactin levels and treatment by a gynecologist to ensure balance of hormones.