Hormones Blood Work Flashcards
What is Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a precursor to various hormones, including sex hormones and cortisol. It plays a role in the body’s stress response and overall hormonal balance. In functional medicine, optimal pregnenolone levels are typically individualized based on factors such as age, sex, and specific health conditions
What is low value Pregnenolone
Low pregnenolone levels can indicate adrenal insufficiency or hormonal imbalances, potentially affecting the production of key hormones such as cortisol, progesterone, and estrogen, and leading to symptoms like fatigue, mood disturbances,
and impaired stress response
What is high value Pregnenolone
High pregnenolone levels may indicate adrenal or hormonal imbalances, potentially resulting from conditions such as adrenal hyperplasia or supplementation, and can affect the production of other hormones like cortisol and estrogen
What is DHEA-Sulfate
DHEA-Sulfate is a precursor to sex hormones and is
produced by the adrenal glands. It influences various physiological processes, including mood, energy levels, and immune function
What is low value DHEA-Sulfate
Low DHEA-Sulfate levels may suggest adrenal insufficiency, age-related decline in adrenal function, or chronic illness, potentially leading to symptoms like
fatigue, decreased libido, and impaired immune function
What is high value DHEA-Sulfate
High DHEA-sulfate levels may indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal hyperplasia, or adrenal tumors, where there is excessive production of this hormone, potentially leading to symptoms like hirsutism, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles
What is Progesterone
Progesterone is a female sex hormone crucial for menstrual cycle regulation and maintaining pregnancy. In functional medicine, optimal progesterone
levels vary depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle and reproductive stage (mostly
tested in the luteal phase)
What is low luteal phase value (low progesterone)
Low progesterone levels can indicate hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in conditions like luteal phase defects or early pregnancy loss,
potentially leading to symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, or an increased risk of miscarriage
What is high luteal phase value (high progesterone)
High progesterone levels may indicate pregnancy, as
progesterone supports the uterine lining, or could be due to certain conditions such as ovarian cysts or hormonal therapies, which might affect menstrual cycles or contribute to symptoms like mood swings or fluid retention
What is Estradiol
Estradiol is a form of estrogen and plays a key role in the
development and maintenance of female reproductive tissues
What is high value Estradiol
High estradiol levels can indicate hormonal imbalances, which may be associated with conditions such as estrogen dominance, polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS), or certain types of tumors, and can lead to symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, or increased risk of hormone-related cancers
What is low value Estradiol
Low estradiol levels can indicate hormonal imbalances, menopause, or certain medical conditions, leading to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hot
flashes, and decreased bone density
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
FSH is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the reproductive system, particularly in females. It stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles,
leading to the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle. FSH is essential for fertility and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Optimal FSH levels vary across the menstrual cycle and reproductive stages
What is low value FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
Low FSH levels may indicate conditions such as hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, hypogonadism, or premature ovarian failure, which can impair reproductive
function and disrupt menstrual cycles or fertility
What is high value FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may indicate ovarian insufficiency or failure, menopause, or testicular dysfunction, as the body compensates
for decreased hormone production by increasing FSH to stimulate reproductive functions
What is LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH is a hormone that, along with FSH, regulates the female reproductive system. It triggers ovulation, the release of the mature egg from the ovary, and
promotes the development of the corpus luteum. In males, LH stimulates the production of testosterone. LH levels are crucial for fertility and hormonal balance
What is low value LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) can indicate conditions such as hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, primary ovarian insufficiency, or disorders
affecting reproductive hormone regulation, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities,
infertility, or impaired sexual function
What is high value LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
High levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) can indicate conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency or menopause in women, or hypogonadism in men,
reflecting an imbalance in reproductive hormone regulation and potentially affecting fertility and reproductive health
What is Cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone that influences metabolism,
immune function, and the body’s response to stressors. In functional medicine, cortisol levels should ideally follow a diurnal rhythm, peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day. Deviations from this pattern, such as elevated or flattened cortisol curves, may indicate dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, suggesting chronic stress or adrenal dysfunction
What is low value Cortisol
Low cortisol levels can indicate conditions such as Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency, or pituitary dysfunction, leading to symptoms like fatigue,
weakness, weight loss, and difficulty handling stress due to reduced cortisol’s role in regulating metabolism and the stress response
What is high value Cortisol
High cortisol levels may indicate chronic stress, Cushing’s syndrome, or other conditions affecting adrenal function, potentially leading to symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood disturbances
What is HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
In functional medicine, HCG serves as a crucial marker for pregnancy detection and monitoring. It indicates the presence of a developing embryo and plays a vital role in maintaining early pregnancy by supporting the corpus luteum, which
produces progesterone necessary for sustaining the pregnancy. Additionally, abnormal
HCG levels can signify potential issues such as ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or developmental abnormalities
What is Non-Pregnancy Applications of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
While HCG is a hallmark of pregnancy tests, it can
also be measured in non-pregnant individuals for various functional medicine purposes. HCG has been explored in the context of weight management and fertility,
as its levels can be indicative of certain conditions
What is weight management in HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
In some functional medicine approaches, HCG may be
measured in the context of weight management programs. It has been hypothesized that HCG might aid in weight loss by influencing metabolism and appetite. However, the clinical evidence supporting this use is debated, and it’s essential to approach such interpretations with caution
