When hormones in a woman’s body begin to assert themselves too strongly, affecting well-being and daily comfort, one cannot remain indifferent. It is worth seeking help from a specialist. A good decision is to visit an endocrinologist who will examine the hormone levels – on the path to the correct diagnosis and therapy. What exactly does an endocrinologist do? When is it worth checking the levels of prolactin, progesterone, or estradiol, which directly affects female fertility? How to prepare for the first visit? Read our small “patient’s guide”.
What does an endocrinologist do?
Endocrinology deals with the examination and treatment of all types of hormonal disorders. Hormones are produced by the endocrine glands. They have a significant impact on the proper functioning of the body – in both women and men. In the case of women, a visit to the doctor and a set of tests are necessary when observing hormonal disorders and conditions such as:
- menstrual disorders / irregular bleeding / reproductive system disorders – such a prolonged condition can lead to difficulties in getting pregnant or even infertility. The female reproductive system is very delicate. Checking the FSH level allows the diagnosis of, among others, pituitary diseases.
- painful menopause – women in menopause may experience many disturbing symptoms: chronic fatigue, excessive sweating, palpitations. Female hormones and hormonal balance are disturbed. The functioning of the endocrine system is not natural at that time.
- excessive body hair or baldness,
- decreased libido,
- acne.
A hormonal test performed in a good laboratory allows the diagnosis or exclusion of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and other endocrine disorders. A good diagnosis is the basis for the path to recovery.
Hormonal disorders and the first visit to an endocrinologist. How to prepare?
First of all, one should not be afraid of visits to an endocrinologist. The endocrinologist’s task is to thoroughly examine the patient, find the cause of the problem, and propose the most appropriate form of treatment. Perfectly suited to the overall state of health. At the beginning, the doctor conducts a detailed interview with the patient, asking about symptoms experienced, diet, medications taken, supplements (in both cases, the doses of individual drugs are also important), lifestyle. It is worth taking medical documentation with you (results of previous urine/blood tests, hospital discharge summaries, etc.) It will facilitate the diagnosis.
How does the hormone / endocrine test proceed?
The first element is the aforementioned interview with the patient. Then, the doctor performs physical examinations, including examining the patient’s skin, assessing the distribution of body fat, measuring blood pressure, assessing pulse, sometimes performing a thyroid ultrasound. Then, the doctor directs the patient to the collection point to perform the necessary blood tests. The test recommended by the doctor should be done on an empty stomach, and with the results, the patient should return to the attending doctor. Then, they will propose therapy and adjust medications.
Hormonal test package for women – what to perform?
We present a list of tests that should be performed when experiencing specific symptoms or suspecting the onset of a specific condition.
Thyroid problems / Hashimoto’s disease
- morphology
- ferritin
- TSH
- FT4
- ATG
- ATPO
- vit. B12
- 25OH vitamin D
Obesity / excessive overweight
- TSH
- FT4
- 25OH vitamin D
glucose-insulin curve
- ALT
- creatinine
- 25OH vitamin D
Poor well-being / concentration problems / chronic fatigue
- TSH
- FT4
- 25OH vitamin D
glucose-insulin curve 0-1-2 hours. Article: How to prepare for a glucose tolerance test?
- ALT
- cortisol
- vit. B12
- magnesium
- calcium
- creatinine
- morphology
- iron
- ferritin
- 25OH vitamin D
Acne / hair loss
- morphology
- TSH
- FT4
- iron
- ferritin
- prolactin – recommended on days 3-5 of the cycle
- testosterone
- SHBG
- androstenedione
- cortisol
- DHEA-S
- 25OH vitamin D
Keep hormones under control – don’t delay seeing a specialist!
Experiencing worrying symptoms? Has your overall health deteriorated? Do you have menstrual disorders? Do not delay visiting a doctor. A quick reaction guarantees a correct diagnosis. Properly matched treatment improves well-being, life comfort, and restores female vitality and joy.