Doctors advise parents-to-be to take a very responsible approach to conceiving a child. For this, a couple in love should definitely carry out several tests. This article will help you figure out what kind of laboratory tests for the determination of hormones you need to pass when planning a pregnancy.
What is it for?
Hormones are biologically active substances that have a huge effect on internal organs. Of course, hormonal substances also have a very strong effect on the reproductive system. If it works optimally, then the probability of conceiving a baby is very high.
The hormonal background is very labile. The concentration of hormones in the blood changes every minute. In the morning, the level of hormonal substances can differ significantly from the evening values.
Preparing to conceive a baby is a very crucial period. In order for the sperm and egg to fuse, certain hormones are required. In the future, in each of the trimesters of pregnancy, the hormonal background will constantly change.
The importance of hormone testing cannot be overstated. With different pathologies that a man or woman has, the level of hormones in the blood can change. This leads to the fact that it becomes quite difficult for a couple to conceive a baby.
If the fusion of the sperm and the egg does occur, then with a decrease in the concentration in the blood of the level of some hormones, various disorders may occur in the future during the intrauterine development of the baby.
The endocrine system is a complex well-coordinated mechanism. The synthesis of hormones occurs in several organs at once, which are located in different parts of the body. Hormonal substances are synthesized in the brain, adrenal glands, thyroid gland, as well as in the testes (in men) and ovaries (in women).
There is no set deadline when such a comprehensive study is required. Doctors advise to undergo such an examination at least 6-8 months before the planned conception toddler... This term was not chosen by chance. If, during the course of a complex of studies, any of the couples are identified with any hormonal disorders, then in this case there is enough time to correct them.
In such a situation, the intervention of several specialists is often required. The leading one is, as a rule, an endocrinologist. If the problem is caused by an imbalance in sex hormones, then in such a situation, a specialized specialist conducts treatment and supervision. For men, such a doctor is an urologist-andrologist, and for women - a gynecologist.
Research List
The list of laboratory tests can vary. This largely depends on what diseases the future parents have.
If a man and a woman consider themselves completely healthy, then in such a situation the doctor will prescribe complex of basic research. With their help, a comprehensive health assessment will be made. After that, the doctor will be able to make full-fledged recommendations necessary for the conception of the baby to happen as it should. Male and female physiology differ significantly from each other. This feature leads to the fact that the list of studies for men and women will be different.
Woman
Women's health is very important when planning a baby. The stronger it is, the better the baby will develop during its stay in the mother's tummy for all 9 months of its intrauterine development. The hormonal background in a woman is very complex. Numerous hormones affect his condition. It changes significantly according to the days of the menstrual cycle. So, the norms of concentration of sex hormones before ovulation differ significantly from those in the postovulatory period.
With the help of hormonal examinations, many dangerous pathologies can be identified, such as infertility, dyshormonal disorders, diseases of the reproductive organs.
Doctors also distinguish several separate decreed groups, which include women, who simply need to undergo this diagnostic test. You should undergo a comprehensive hormonal examination if:
- the woman has persistent menstrual irregularities;
- the age of the expectant mother at the time of conception is over 35 years old;
- she has chronic diseases of internal organs that significantly disrupt her health;
- aggravated gynecological history (previous abortions or spontaneous miscarriages);
- a woman suffers from hyperandrogenism, that is, she has an increased concentration of male sex hormones in the blood:
- there are serious difficulties with conceiving a baby.
Luteinizing
LH is one of the most important hormonal substances needed when planning a pregnancy. He is involved in the conception of a baby. With the help of this hormone, prolactin begins to be produced in the female body.
It is very important that a woman donate blood for the determination of this hormone at a certain time. Doctors recommend taking this study 2-4 days from the start of menstruation.
Normal values of this hormone in the first phase of the menstrual cycle (from the beginning of menstruation to the day of ovulation) are 1.69-15 mIU / ml. In the middle of the monthly cycle, the level of this hormone normally reaches values equal to 21.9-56.6 mIU / ml. After ovulation, its concentration in the blood reaches 0.61-16.3 mIU / ml.
Follicle-stimulating
FSH is an equally important measured indicator. Under its influence, there is a regular maturation of female germ cells - follicles. The concentration of estrogen in the blood also significantly depends on the FSH indicators.
The level of this substance in the blood also significantly depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. In the first half of it, its concentration in the blood is 1.37-9.9 mMED / ml. During ovulation, the level of this hormone in the blood reaches 6.18-17.2 mIU / ml. In the postovulatory period of the menstrual cycle, the concentration in the blood is 1.09-9.2 mIU / ml.
Progesterone
Better known as a specific pregnancy hormone. Indeed, after the conception of the baby, the level of this hormonal substance begins to increase. With the help of it, implantation of the fetus to the wall of the uterus will occur in the future.
Donate blood for the hormonal substance should be in the second half of the menstrual cycle. A woman can go to the laboratory for an analysis on the 22-24th day after menstruation.
As with many sex hormones, progesterone concentrations are different at different times of the menstrual cycle. So, in the first half of it, the level of 0.3-2.2 nmol / l is considered the norm. During ovulation, the concentration of the hormone in the blood is 0.5-9.4 nmol / l. In the final period of the menstrual cycle, the level reaches 7-55.6 nmol / l.
If a woman's concentration of this hormone changes before pregnancy, then this may be evidence of the presence of various pathologies in her. Quite often, the cause of this condition is some diseases of the kidneys, liver and reproductive organs. It is also important to remember that an increased level of progesterone in the blood can also be if the woman is already pregnant.
Estradiol
This hormonal substance is necessary for the uterine lining to function optimally. This physiological response contributes to the regular renewal of uterine epithelial cells.
Doctors recommend determining the concentration of this hormone in the blood for 2-4 days from the beginning of menstruation. An increase in this clinical indicator may indicate various pathologies. Thus, neoplasms and tumors of the ovaries, as well as dyshormonal disorders, can appear.
The normal concentration of this hormone in the first phase of the menstrual cycle is 68-1269 pmol / l. During the ovulatory period, its level is 130-1655 pmol / l. In the luteal phase, this clinical indicator reaches 91-862 pmol / l.
Prolactin
This hormonal substance is synthesized (formed) in a special part of the brain - the pituitary gland. It is necessary so that every month a very important process occurs in the female body - ovulation.
Also, this hormone has a strong effect on the mammary glands. He prepares them for a very important process - lactation. The normal concentration of this hormone in the blood is in the range of 109-558 mU / ml.
A variety of pathologies can lead to a change in the level of this substance in the blood. Its concentration increases in some diseases of the thyroid gland. A decrease in the level is possible with pathologies of the liver, kidneys, as well as dangerous eating disorders (anorexia).
To obtain reliable results, it is very important to rest a little before drawing blood. This takes about ½ hour. Do not donate blood immediately. It is better to sit in the corridor for about 20-25 minutes before entering the treatment room. In this case, the indicators of the analysis will be more reliable.
Anti-Müllerian
AMH are specific hormonal substances that are formed in the female genital organs (ovaries). They are synthesized before menopause.
Normally, the concentration of the hormonal substance is 1.0-2.5 ng / ml. If a woman has an increased anti-Müllerian hormone, then she should undergo additional research. They are appointed by the gynecologist who observes her.
Man
Luteinizing
LH is not only formed in the female body. This substance also appears in the blood and in men. With its help, testosterone, the basic male hormone, appears in the bloodstream in men.
The normal level in the blood of this substance leads to the activation of sperm. A decrease in his concentration will lead to the fact that infertility may occur... The norm is a level equal to 1.15-8.76 mIU / ml.
Anti-Müllerian
AMH can also be tested in men. In the male body, this substance is no less important. With the help of it, you can determine various pathologies associated with impaired spermatogenesis. A persistent change in the concentration of this hormone in the blood can even lead to the development of male infertility.
In a man's body, this hormone is formed in special cells - Sertoli. If its concentration in the blood falls, then this may be the result of cryptorchidism, inguinal hernia, various reproductive disorders.
Doctors recommend not to carry out hormonal examinations immediately after a viral or bacterial infection. Also, donate blood for analysis should not be done after an intense physical training.
Testosterone
This hormone has a very important effect on spermatogenesis. Under its influence, male germ cells become active and mobile. It is these properties that are necessary in order for the conception of a baby to occur.
In men aged 19-50 years, the norm of this clinical indicator is 8.9-42 nmol / l. A significant decrease in the level of the hormone in the blood can lead to male infertility and other diseases of the reproductive organs.
Thyrotropic
It is also a very important clinical criterion. This hormone is formed in the pituitary gland. Under its direct influence, the thyroid gland works, as well as the production of its main thyroid hormones.
For both the expectant mother and the dad, the concentration in the blood of this substance should normally be 0.4-4 mU / l. If this indicator changes significantly, then this can lead to various difficulties with conceiving a baby.
To compensate for the violations that arise, drugs will be required. They are prescribed by an endocrinologist after the main diagnosis has been established. For the purpose of additional diagnostics, the doctor may also prescribe an additional ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
How to donate blood correctly?
To determine the level of hormones in the blood, biochemical studies are carried out. For this it is necessary to donate venous blood. It is rented in the morning hours. Better to go to the lab immediately after waking up.
You cannot have breakfast before donating blood. You can drink some water. Also, 2-3 days before the study, it is very important to carefully monitor the diet. Fatty and fried foods should be completely excluded from your menu.
Dinner before the study should be as light as possible, but nutritious. The drinking regime does not need to be limited in any way. This is necessary in order for the blood to be sufficiently liquid.
It is very important to stop smoking and not drink alcohol 2 days before the hormonal tests. Violation of this may lead to the fact that the obtained indicators of the analysis performed may be unreliable. In this case, their mandatory rechecking will be required.
To obtain reliable results, the exclusion of intense physical activity is imperative. Fitness enthusiasts or professional athletes should definitely reduce their training intensity.
Taking some medications also affects the results. Women taking oral contraceptives be sure to discuss with your doctor the possibility of canceling them at the time of delivery of the hormonal comprehensive examination. It is possible that the doctor will recommend an alternative method of contraception if necessary.
How to properly prepare for pregnancy? What tests need to be passed? You will learn about this and much more by watching the following video.
