Hormones are signaling biologically active substances released by the endocrine glands. They, being transported with blood, regulate various processes in the body. Hormones play a huge role in the conception of the child and his bearing. Analyzes for hormones during pregnancy are carried out in special cases.
In what cases are tests for hormones administered during pregnancy
When registering future mothers in a mandatory examination, hormone tests are not included. The given analyzes are made during pregnancy in the following cases. If there is a suspicion of spontaneous miscarriage. Causes for anxiety: irregular or late menstruation (often due to an insufficient number of female hormones in a woman), previous miscarriages. Experts identify the level of hormones such as prolactin, progesterone, cortisol, etc.
Analyzes on hormones to pregnant women are prescribed with the already existing threat of abortion. In this case, pregnant twice a week for an analysis of chronic gonadotropin (HG) between the fifth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy.
These tests are done in pregnancy if there are suspicions of incorrect fetal development. For example, hydrocephalus, Down's syndrome and other diseases. Between 14-18 weeks in this case, a triple test is done: analyzes for HG, estrione free, level of alpha-fetoprotein. With these combinations, the most correct results can be achieved.
How to take during pregnancy tests for hormones
The level of hormones depends on various external factors. This is physical activity, quality and quantity of food, medicine, etc.
To obtain accurate results, blood should be taken on hormones in the morning on an empty stomach. Before taking the test (12 hours), it is not recommended to eat sweet and fatty foods, and not to change your diet significantly. It is also not recommended to worry, overload yourself with work, and have sex. If these recommendations are not followed, the results of the analyzes may not be accurate.
Only a specialist does the analysis of hormones and makes the right conclusions. Taking into account various facts, a diagnosis is made. In addition to the analysis, examination data, anamnesis, etc. are taken into account.
What are the norms of hormone tests?
Progesterone is a yellow ovarian hormone. The level of this hormone grows up to the third trimester of pregnancy, and before birth drops sharply. The level of progesterone in a pregnant woman depends on the period of pregnancy. Each specialist has the data.
In the event that progesterone is below normal, there may be the following pathologies. This delay in fetal development, a problem with the placenta, uterine bleeding, the threat of spontaneous abortion.
Estriol is a hormone that is released by the placenta in large numbers, and after the fetal liver.
In the case of a low level of estriol, the following complications may occur. This is a threat of miscarriage, also premature birth, intrauterine infection, Down's syndrome, hypoplasia of the adrenal glands of the fetus. Also anencephaly of the fetus and fetoplacental insufficiency.
The main hormone of pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin. If the level of this hormone is below normal, then there may be the following problems in the pregnant woman. This ectopic pregnancy, the threat of spontaneous miscarriage, delayed development of the fetus, frozen pregnancy, and chronic placental insufficiency.
If estriol is higher than normal, gestosis, multiple pregnancy, malformations of the fetus and other pathologies of pregnancy can be observed.
In what other cases are hormone tests administered during pregnancy?
In the treatment of infertility, women are also prescribed hormone tests. A woman and a man are examined. In this case, the level of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol and other hormones is revealed. The findings help to determine the day of ovulation, and also to find out why the conception does not occur.
Hormonal examination many are still at the time of pregnancy planning. This helps to eliminate problems that prevent the child from bearing, as well as problems that are a threat to the proper development of the fetus.