This test measures pituitary hormone levels responsible for induction and regulation of menses.
Includes:
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Prolactin
The LH and FSH test are usually ordered together. For women, FSH levels are useful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders or diseases involving the ovaries or testes. In children, FSH and LH are used to diagnose delayed or precocious (early) puberty. LH levels are useful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders or diseases involving the ovaries or testes.
Prolactin level tests may be ordered when a patient has symptoms such as: unexplained headaches, visual impairment, and/or galactorrhea. They can also be ordered, along with other tests, when a woman is experiencing infertility or irregular menses; or when a man has symptoms such as: a decreased sex drive, galactorrhea, or infertility. Prolactin levels are also often ordered in men as a follow-up to a low testosterone level.
When a patient has a prolactinoma, prolactin levels may be ordered to monitor the progress of the tumor and its response to the treatment. They may also be used at regular intervals to monitor for recurrence. Prolactin levels may be ordered, along with other hormone levels such as growth hormone, when doctor suspects that a more general hypopituitarism (low levels of pituitary function that result in lowered levels of thyroid or adrenal hormones) exist.