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Thyroid

Vitality

Normally, the result is:  

Reference values: 
- 19.0-85 ng/l) 

The PTH result must be assessed relative to the simultaneously measured calcium (S-Ca) concentration. If the PTH and Ca results are within the reference range, calcium regulation probably functions in the normal way in the body. 

The levels of vitamin D (S-D-25), phosphate (S-Pi), alkaline phosphatase (S-AFOS), and creatinine (S-Krea) should also be examined when investigating calcium balance. 

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

The reference values of this examination have changed 11.10.2021. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph.
Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.


When the parathyroid gland produces too much parathormone (hyperparathyroidism), the condition can be divided into primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In primary hyperparathyroidism, the overproduction of parathormone is caused by a tumour in the parathyroid gland, which can also be present in several parathyroid glands. An excessive amount of parathormone can cause hypercalcaemia, or an excessive amount of calcium in the blood. 

Secondary hyperparathyroidism can be caused by kidney failure. Kidney disease has a negative impact on the formation of the active form of vitamin D. The lack of vitamin D impairs the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Therefore, the blood level of phosphate increases, the amount of calcium decreases, and the level of parathormone increases. Secondary hyperparathyroidism, or overproduction of parathormone, can also be caused by an intestinal disease, which leads to calcium malabsorption and vitamin D deficiency.

Hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid) is a rare condition. Hypoparathyroidism causes low parathormone levels, which results in a low level of calcium, known as hypocalcaemia. Hypoparathyroidism can be caused by a thyroid gland surgery in which the parathyroid glands have been damaged or accidentally removed, for example.

- Vitamin D deficiency is a problem for many Finns (1220 D-25) 
- Calcium is critical for all cells of the body (2013 S-Ca, 6032 S-Ca-Albk) 
- Magnesium 
- Creatinine indicates kidney function (2143 S-Krea) 
- Phosphate is an important building block of bones, cells, and DNA (1432 fS-Pi) 
- Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in liver and bone diseases (1046 S-AFOS)

SYNLAB test list: Parathormone (fP-PTH) 
https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=292

Terveyskirjasto health library: Lisäkilpirauhasen liikatoiminta (hyperparatyreoosi) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=dlk01071&p_hakusana=parathormoni 

LabTest online: PTH https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/pth 

Suomen Kilpirauhasliitto: Lisäkilpirauhaset (Eeva Ryhänen) https://kilpirauhasliitto.fi/lisakilpirauhaset/

Suomen Kilpirauhasliitto: Lisäkilpirauhassairaudet https://kilpirauhasliitto.fi/lisakilpirauhassairaudet/ 

The parathyroid glands, the size of a pinhead and shaped like a bean, are located on the neck, next to the thyroid gland. There are typically four glands, but some people can also have a fifth parathyroid gland. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the calcium balance in the body. 

Parathormone has three kinds of effects on calcium in the body. It increase the release of calcium from the bone by activating bone-resorbing cells, increases the activation of vitamin D in the kidneys, and reduces the secretion of calcium from the kidneys (this, in turn, increases the secretion of phosphate from the kidneys). Increasing vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines and therefore increases the amount of calcium in the blood. 

When the level of calcium decreases, the parathyroid glands produce more parathormone into the bloodstream and the balance is restored. Correspondingly, when the level of calcium in the blood increases, the level of parathormone decreases. Parathormone has a short life in the bloodstream; the amount of the hormone halves in less than 5 minutes. 

## When should PTH be measured? 

PTH can be measured when investigating abnormal calcium or phosphate levels or when suspecting that parathyroid gland function is not normal. The symptoms of an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) are often quite subtle. In hyperparathyroidism, the PTH level in the blood is elevated. 

Measuring the level of parathormone can be appropriate in connection with the following symptoms:  

- Fatigue 
- Decreased memory function 
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity  
- Nausea 
- Thirst 
- Stomach pain 
- Urinary stones 
- Increased nerve irritability 
- Stinging in the fingers and toes  
- Numbness around the mouth  
- Muscle cramps and convulsions 

## What does a PTH test measure? 

The test measures the level of the PTH hormone in the blood. PTH, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and vitamin D each influence the regulation of the amounts of the others. If the balance among them is disturbed, this also causes changes in the levels of the others.

Hormones

Parathyroid hormone

Men's Health

Women's Health

Normally, the result is: 
Reference values:
- Men, Ages 17-39  4,6–27 nmol/l 
- Men Ages >40  2,2–16,3 nmol/l 
- Women, Ages 17-39  4,6–27 nmol/l 
- Women, Ages >40 2,2–16,3 nmol/l 

DHEAS is secreted into the bloodstream in a specific daily rhythm. The difference between the DHEAS levels in the morning and evening is about 20%. 

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

The reference values of this examination have changed 11.10.2021. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph. Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

An elevated DHEAS level can indicate a tumour in one of the adrenal glands, hyperplasia or enlargement of the adrenal glands, or ovarian cancer producing DHEAS hormone.

Low DHEAS levels can result from adrenal insufficiency or another malfunction of the adrenal glands. In addition, low DHEAS levels can be caused by hypopituitarism, an illness reducing the amount of stimulating hormones released by the pituitary gland.

SYNLAB test list: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (3166 S-DHEAS) https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=82

Lab Tests Online: DHEAS https://labtestsonline.org/tests/dheas 

Tiitinen A. Vaihdevuodet ja androgeenit. Terveyskirjasto health library. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk01154/vaihdevuodet-ja-androgeenit?q=dheas


The bloodstreams of men and women contain male hormones called androgens. Testosterone is the most powerful androgen. Testosterone is produced in the testicles, ovaries, and adrenal glands. Androgens are also produced in other tissue, particularly in fatty tissue where androgen precursors produced by the ovaries or adrenal glands is used as their source. 

Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEAS is one of the precursors of testosterone. It already possesses weak androsterone impacts. Even though DHEAS is a weak androgen, high concentrations may cause excessive secretion of androsterone, known as hyperandrogenism, in women. In men, high DHEAS levels may elevate the blood’s oestrogen levels as higher quantities are transformed into oestrogen. 

As DHEAS is primarily produced in the adrenal cortex, it can be used to examine the functions of the cortex. The ACTH hormone secreted by the pituitary gland regulates the secretion of DHEAS in the adrenal glands. 

## When should DHEAS be measured? 

DHEAS can be measured when examining the hormonal functions of the adrenal cortex. It also offers additional information when examining ovarian insufficiency and excessive hair growth or hirsutism in women. Testosterone, SHBG, and androstendione are usually tested at the same time.  

The DHEAS test can be carried out for women in the event of missing periods and exhibiting masculine characteristics, such as: 

- Acne 
- Hair loss on the top of the head, in other words “male-pattern baldness” 
- Deeper voice 
- Enlarged Adam’s apple 
- Muscularity 
- Excessive hair growth on the face or body  
- Reduced breast size 

In boys, DHEAS is usually tested if puberty begins early. 

## What does a DHEAS test measure? 

The test measures the level of the DHEAS hormone in the blood. The test indicates whether the adrenal cortex produces the DHEAS hormone in excessive or insufficient quantities.


Dehydroepiandrosterone, sulfate

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate affects fertility.

Bones and muscles

In women with menstrual periods, the level of oestradiol has to be proportioned to the current stage of the cycle. 

Normally, the result is:  

Women:  
-  Follicular phase  0,08 – 0,92 nmol/l 
-  Ovulation surge   0,14 – 2,38 nmol/l
-  Luteal phase     0,08 – 1,15 nmol/l 
-  Postmenopause    < 0,1 nmol/l 

Men: < 0,16 nmol/l

The reference values of this examination have changed 6.10.2022. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph.
Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.


In women, high oestradiol levels can be caused by:  

- a tumour in the ovaries 
- early puberty 
- bleeding during menopause.

Correspondingly, men’s high levels can indicate: 

- enlarging of the breasts 
- teratoma 
- an adrenal or testicular tumour.

Low levels of oestradiol are caused by:  

- disturbances of the menstrual cycle, such as missing a menstrual period 
- progesterone deficiency 


- Follicle stimulating hormone affects the growth and maturation of eggs (1422 S-FSH) 
- Luteinising hormone regulates gametes and sex hormones (2265 S-LH) 
- Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy (2502 S-Prog) 

SYNLAB tests: Oestradiol https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=119 

Avain Apteekit Terveys: Estrogeenien monet tehtävät  

Terveysportti: Kuukautisia edeltävä oireyhtymä ja dysforinen häiriö: https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo11201

Terveyskirjasto, Normaali kuukautiskierto https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00158/normaali-kuukautiskierto?q=kuukautiskierto

Terveyskylä, Raskauden alkaminen https://www.terveyskyla.fi/naistalo/lis%C3%A4%C3%A4ntymisterveys/hedelm%C3%A4llisyys/raskauden-alkaminen


Symptoms of menopause typically manifest as the stopping of menstrual periods, hot flashes, sweating, and thinning of membranes. When oestrogen levels decrease, the skin also loses flexibility, as oestrogens regulate the production of collagen. The body’s normal ageing-related changes can accelerate. The risk of cardiovascular diseases increases, as does the risk of osteoporosis.  

Oestrogens consist of hormones that regulate women’s sex characteristics and fertility. The name oestrogen is derived from the Greek “oistros”, meaning heat, and “genos”, meaning "producer of”. Oestradiol, oestrone, and oestriol are often the three main oestrogens. The most important of them is oestradiol (S-E2), which is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta. Oestradiol affects many functions in a woman’s body, such as reproduction, the brain, bone density, liver, heart, mammary glands, uterus, and vagina. 

Even though oestradiol is often perceived as a female hormone, men also produce small amounts of E2 hormone in the testicles and the adrenal cortex. In men’s bodies, the E2 hormone affects the muscles, bones, brain, fat, and cholesterol metabolism. 

## When is a good time to measure oestradiol levels?  

It is a good idea to measure the concentration of oestradiol in women when wanting to examine: 

- functioning of the ovaries 
- disturbances of the menstrual cycle 
- timing of ovulation 
- infertility 
- early or late puberty 
- unclear sweating and sleep disorders 
- monitoring of oestrogen therapy 
- a hormone-producing tumour in the ovaries 
- bleeding during menopause 

It is a good idea to measure the concentration of oestradiol in men when wanting to examine: 

- breast growth in men  
- possible testosterone deficiency 

## What does an oestradiol test measure?  

The test measures the level of oestradiol hormone in the blood at the time of sampling. The level of oestradiol varies according to the menstrual cycle and at different ages. In the early phases of becoming a woman, oestradiol influences the start of menstrual periods and breast development. When menopause begins, the level of E2 hormone first decreases and then its secretion stops altogether. In children, the level of E2 hormone is usually low.

Oestradiol

Oestradiol is the most important estrogen. It has effects on the brain, bones, organs, and reproduction .

Normally, the result is: 

Reference values:
- Women, follicular phase:		3.0–8.1 IU/l 
- Women, luteal phase:		1.4–5.5 IU/l 
- Women, ovulation surge:		2.6–17 IU/l 
- Women, postmenopause:	27.0–133 IU/l 

Men: 1.0–12 IU/l

The reference values of this examination have changed 11.10.2021. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph.
Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

- Menopause 
- Ovarian insufficiency 
- Premature puberty in young children 
- Premature menopause due to ovary removal surgery or ovarian damage as a consequence of radiotherapy 
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) 
- In men, reduced functioning of the testicles, or Klinefelter syndrome 
- Disease of the adrenal gland  
- Ovarian cancer


- Because of diminished functioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, the body can secrete low FSH and LH levels, causing ovarian insufficiency. 
- Contraceptive pills and hormone treatments also cause low FSH levels. 
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

- Anti-Müllerian hormone indicates the functioning of the ovaries (S-AMH) 
- Luteinising hormone regulates gametes and sex hormones (2265 S-LH) 
- Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy (2502 S-Prog) 
- Oestradiol affects the brain, bones, organs, and reproduction (1366 S-E2) 
- Testosterone has physical effects on social and sexual behaviour (2735 S-Testo)

SYNLAB test list: https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=132

Lab Test online: FSH test: https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/fsh-test 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Normaali kuukautiskierto https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=dlk00158&p_hakusana=fsh

Terveysportti:Kuukautisia edeltävä oireyhtymä ja dysforinen häiriö:  https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo11201


Fertility depends on a number of factors, with the functioning of the pituitary gland being the most essential of them. The pituitary gland produces hormones that influence fertility: luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). 

FSH is a protein that regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle through the growth and maturing of ovarian follicles. In men, the same hormone affects the production of sperm. 

In the first phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle, known as the follicular phase, FSH causes female hormone oestradiol synthesis in the follicle, which thickens the uterus lining. In the next phase, the luteal phase, FSH promotes the secretion of progesterone. Oestradiol and progesterone assist the pituitary gland in controlling the level of FSH. 

When the follicle is mature, it bursts, and the egg is released from the follicle, meaning that ovulation happens. Ovulation is influenced by a sudden increase in the luteinising hormone, LH (“luteus” is Latin for yellow). LH also supports the production and secretion of progesterone. If the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum decays and the menstrual period begins. During menopause, the ovaries stop functioning and FSH concentration increases. 

## When should FSH be measured? 

Measuring FSH levels can help in investigating infertility, irregular menstrual periods, and pituitary gland disorders. In children, FSH and LH levels are examined for diagnosing delayed or early puberty and examining growth problems. 

If a man has a low sperm count, FSH levels are measured to find out the reason. 

In women, FSH and LH levels can be of use in discerning between primary ovarian insufficiency (ovarian insufficiency because of the ovaries) and secondary ovarian insufficiency (ovarian insufficiency due to the pituitary gland or disorders of the pituitary gland). 

FSH may need to be measured when examining the causes of the following symptoms: 

- Disturbance of the menstrual cycle 
- Night sweats 
- Sleep disorder 
- Mental disorder 
- Loss of libido 
- Vaginal dryness 
- Infertility 
- Determining the time of ovulation 
- Testosterone deficiency in men (hypogonadism, a condition caused by diminished production of sex hormones) 

## What does the FSH test measure? 

The test indicates the level of FSH in the blood. The test is often taken when examining the cause of infertility or examining the functioning of the pituitary gland.


Follicle-stimulating hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone regulates the menstrual cycle.

Normally, the result is:

Reference values, testosterone:

Women:
- over 16 y:	0,4-2,0 nmol/l

Men:
- 16-60 y:	10-38 nmol/l
- over 60 y: Reference values are not usually reported to older men, but the value usually decreases with age. Hypogonadism usually appears when testosterone is below 10-12 nmol/l and is common when the value is below 7 nmol/l. 

Reference values testosterone, sensitive:
- Women: 0,4–2,0 nmol/l 
- Men, 16–60 y:	10–38 nmol/l 

We also recommend the following tests to check testosterone levels: dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (S-DHEAS), luteinising hormone (S-LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (S-FSH).

The reference values of this examination have changed 11.10.2021. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph.

In women, excessive production of testosterone can be caused by the ovaries and/or the adrenal glands. High levels of testosterone can be caused by:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Tumours in the ovaries, adrenal glands or the pituitary gland
- Certain medicines (e.g. contraceptives, antiepileptic drugs, anabolic steroids)

In women, excessive production of testosterone causes increased hair growth and menstrual disorders. 

In men, elevated testosterone levels are observed in the following situations:
- In connection with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Tumours in the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland
- In boys, in connection with early puberty

In men, low testosterone values can be caused by the following factors:
- Testicular hypofunction (hypogonadism)
- Hypofunction of the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
- An extra X chromosome in men (Klinefelter syndrome)
- Late puberty
- Long-term alcohol use and liver cirrhosis
- Strenuous physical stress
- Oestrogen therapy
- Orchiectomy (removal of the testes)
- Down’s syndrome
- Steroid use

The level of SHBG, protein that transports testosterone, increases in connection with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). As a result, the level of free testosterone decreases even if the testosterone level is within the reference range.

SYNLAB tests: Testosterone [https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=342](https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=342)

Terveyskirjasto health library: Testosterone (S-Testo and S-TestoVL) [https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk04080&p_hakusana=testosteroni](https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk04080&p_hakusana=testosteroni)
Labtests Online: Testosterone Test [https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/testosterone-test](https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/testosterone-test)


Testosterone (S-Testo) is a male sex hormone or androgen that is found in both men and women. Testosterone production is controlled by luteinising hormone (S-LH) secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Men produce testosterone in the testes and women in the ovaries but both sexes also produce testosterone in the adrenal gland. 

Testosterone affects the growth of the sex glands and external genital organs, body hair, muscle and bone development and deepening of the voice. In addition to physical effects, testosterone affects social and sexual behaviour. Boys start to produce testosterone in the testes during puberty, and development continues throughout life. Production declines in older age, however.  

The majority of testosterone is transported in blood, bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Only a small amount of testosterone, approximately 1–3% in men and 0.5–1.3% in women, is free in the blood. Because production of testosterone in the testes varies by the time of the day, blood testosterone levels are highest in the morning.  

## When is a good time to measure testosterone levels? 
A sensitive testosterone assay (hs-Testo) is recommended especially when the concentration could be low (<2–5 nmol/l). This method is appropriate for checking the testosterone level in women and children and examining hypogonadism (lack of testosterone) in men. 

Testosterone levels in males are measured when it is suspected that not enough testosterone is secreted (hypogonadism). It is also measured when examining the cause of infertility, lack of sexual desire and impotence. 

In women, testosterone levels are measured when examining the cause of infertility or ovarian dysfunction or when a tumour that produces too much testosterone is suspected. 

Symptoms indicating disturbances in the level of testosterone include: 
- Infertility 
- Loss of libido 
- Erectile dysfunction 
- Irregular menstrual periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) 
- In women, excessive growth of hair, low voice or balding  
- Balding 
- In boys, delayed or slow puberty 
- In boys, abnormally early onset of puberty (precocious puberty)  
- Fatigue 
- Impaired concentration 
- Sleep disorder 
- Obesity 

## What does a testosterone test measure? 

A blood testosterone test is used to measure the total amount of testosterone in blood. If the concentration of testosterone transport proteins in blood changes, the total testosterone concentration changes as well. 

S –hsTesto

Testosterone is a male sex hormone or androgen that is found in both men and women.

Normally, the result is: 

Reference values:
- Women, follicular phase:	1,8 – 12 IU/l 
- Women, ovulation surge:	17,6 – 89 IU/l
- Women, luteal phase:	0,6 – 14 IU/l 
- Women, postmenopause:	5,2 – 62 IU/l 

- Men ≥ 19y: 0,6-12 IU/l

The reference values of this examination have changed 6.10.2022. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph.
Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.


Elevated values can be caused by:

- Menopause 
- Ovarian insufficiency 
- Premature puberty in young children 
- Premature menopause due to ovary removal surgery or ovarian damage as a consequence of radiotherapy 
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) 
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 
- In men, reduced functioning of the testicles (Klinefelter syndrome) 
- Disease of the adrenal gland  
- Ovarian cancer

- The body can secrete low LH and FSH levels, causing ovarian insufficiency because of the functioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. 
- Contraceptive pills and hormone treatments also cause low LH levels. 
- Low LH values are seen in connection with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa).

- Oestradiol affects the brain, bones, organs, and reproduction (1366 S-E2)  
- Testosterone has physical effects on social and sexual behaviour (2735 S-Testo, 2737 S-SHBG) 
- Follicle stimulating hormone affects the growth and maturation of eggs (1422 S-FSH) 
- Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy (2502 S-Prog)

SYNLAB test list:  FSH 
https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=257

Terveyskirjasto health library: Aivolisäkkeen vajaatoiminta (hypopituitarismi) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=dlk00996&p_hakusana=luteinisoiva%20hormoni 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Normaali kuukautiskierto https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=dlk00158&p_hakusana=luteinisoiva%20hormoni 

Suomen endokrinologiyhdistys: Miehen hypogonadismi eli mieshormonin puutostila https://www.endo.fi/tietoa-endokrinologisista-sairau/potilasohjeet/miehen-hypogonadismi-eli-mieshor/ 

LabTest online: LH test https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/lh-test

Fertility depends on a number of factors, with the functioning of the pituitary gland being the most essential of them. The pituitary gland produces hormones that influence fertility: luteinising hormone (luteus is Latin for yellow, LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The production of LH is regulated by hormones secreted by the ovaries, testicles, and hypothalamus. 

The primary purpose of LH is to regulate the production of sex hormones and gametes in the ovaries in women and in the testicles in men. 

In women, a rapid surge of LH triggers ovulation, or the release of an egg, once the follicle has developed. After ovulation, LH supports the function of the corpus luteum developing in place of the follicle and the secretion of progesterone. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy. 

In men, luteinising hormone controls the Leydig cells that secrete testosterone. 

## When should LH be measured? 

Measuring LH levels can help in investigating infertility, irregular menstrual periods, and pituitary gland disorders. In children, FSH and LH levels are examined for diagnosing delayed or early puberty and examining growth problems. 

FSH and LH levels can also be measured to find out whether problems are caused by ovarian insufficiency or a disorder of the pituitary gland.  

LH should be measured when the following symptoms are present: 

- Disturbance of the menstrual cycle 
- Night sweats 
- Sleep disorders 
- Mental disorder 
- Loss of libido 
- Vaginal dryness 
- Infertility 
- Determining the time of ovulation 
- Testosterone deficiency in men (hypogonadism, a condition caused by diminished production of sex hormones) 

## What does the test measure? 

The test indicates the level of LH in the blood. The test is often taken when examining the cause of infertility or examining the functioning of the pituitary gland.

Luteinising hormone

Luteinising hormone regulates fertility (S-LH).

Normally, the result is:

Women 15-16v: 10-84 nmol/l
Women ≥ 17 v: 20-155 nmol/l

Men 15-18 v: 10-50 nol/l
Men ≥ 19 v: 14-71 nmol/l

For men the SHBG level rises along age. 

In order to see the comprehensive hormone balance, it is possible to measure testosterone (S-Testo), prolactin (S-PRL), oestradiol (S-E2), and luteinising hormone (S-LH), as well.

Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.


Elevated SHBG levels are present in connection with pregnancy and oestrogen therapy. In men, the levels increase with age. In addition, high SHBG levels are seen in the following conditions: 

- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) 
- Diabetes 
- Strong weight loss (anorexia nervosa) 
- Mental and physical stress or physical exercise 
- Certain medicinal products 
- Hypogonadism, meaning testosterone deficiency (SHBG increases but free testosterone level decreases)


When the SHBG level is decreased, the level of free testosterone (S-Testo-V) is elevated. Decreased SHBG levels are seen in men in connection with male hormone dysfunction. In women, low SHBG levels are caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, or hyperactive adrenal gland. Low SHBG levels also occur in connection with hypothyroidism.


- Oestradiol affects the brain, bones, organs, and reproduction (1366 S-E2) 
- Testosterone has physical effects on social and sexual behaviour (2735 S-Testo)

SYNLAB test list: Sex hormone-binding globulin (2737 S-SHBG) https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=338

SYNLAB tests: Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=338 

Both men and women need a protein called globulin that binds the sex hormones. Its abbreviation is SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin, 2737 S-SHBG ). SHBG is created in the liver. The task of SHBG is to carry the sex hormones, namely testosterone and oestradiol, in the bloodstream. When the hormones are bound to SHBG, they are not biologically active. The SHBG level is regulated by the balance between male hormones and female hormones. Male hormones increase the SHBG level and female hormones lower it. 

In men, approximately 60% of testosterone and 20% of oestradiol is bound to SHBG in the blood. In women, the corresponding levels are approximately 80% of testosterone and approximately 37% of oestradiol. A considerable share of sex hormones in the blood are loosely bound to another protein, albumin. There are also sex hormones circulating freely in the blood, but their amount is extremely low. Only a small amount of testosterone, approximately 1–3% in men and 0.5–1.3% in women, is free in the blood. 

When the SHBG level increases, the total testosterone level (S-Testo) also increases, and correspondingly the level of free blood testosterone (S-Testo-V) decreases. This decreases the libido in men, for example. Correspondingly, when the SHBG level decreases, the total amount of testosterone decreases and the level of free testosterone in the blood increases. 

## When should SHBG be measured? 

SHBG values are often examined if the testosterone result is not compatible with the subject’s symptoms. The reason for testosterone deficiency is examined in men, and the formation of testosterone is investigated in women. In addition, the SHBG level is tested when there is: 

- Infertility 
- Reduced libido 
- Acne 

In men:  
- decreased hormonal activity of the testicles (andropause) 
- erectile dysfunction 
In women 
- excessive hair growth on the jaw, upper lip, chest, lower abdomen, or back (hirsutism), for example 
- disturbance of the menstrual cycle 
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 

## What does the SHBG test measure? 

The SHBG test provides information about testosterone levels in the blood. 

Sex hormone-binding globulin

Both men and women need a protein called globulin that binds the sex hormones.

Woman's Hormone Values ​

Woman's Hormone Values ​​package provides a comprehensive picture of a woman's hormone balance, which affects, for example, pregnancy and general well-being.

Woman's Hormone Values ​​package 128 €

The LOUNA Man’s Health Values package measures the blood counts that particularly affect the well-being of men’s bodies. 

The examinations included in the package provide information on the state of the body and help you make the right choices to avoid health problems pre-emptively.
The examinations included in the package provide information on, for example, kidney, liver, and thyroid function. The package includes the measurement of cholesterol levels, which provide important information on the potential risks of cardiovascular diseases. 

Included in the Man’s Health Values package are measurements important to men, including testosterone and vitamin B12 levels. The package also includes data on long-term levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, iron, and vitamin D. 

In order to follow up on the well-being of your body, and to prevent potential health problems, we recommend ordering the Man’s Health Values package regularly. 


Man’s Health Values

Man’s Health Values package measures the blood counts that particularly affect the well-being of men’s bodies. The examinations included provide information on the state of the body and help you make the right choices to avoid health problems pre-emptively

Man’s Health Values package 136 €

The LOUNA Man’s Health Values package measures the blood counts that particularly affect the well-being of men’s bodies. Package measures for example testosterone and PSA.

The LOUNA Woman’s Health Values package measures the blood counts that particularly affect the well-being of women’s bodies. 

The examinations included in the package provide valuable information on, for example, kidney, liver, and thyroid function. The package also includes a measurement of cholesterol levels, which provide information on the potential risks of cardiovascular diseases. 

The Woman’s Health Values package also examines the levels of vitamin B12 and folate, which are important for women. Vitamin B12 and folate are essential in ensuring, for example, adequate red blood cell production. Any potential infections, changes in hormone levels, and skeletal metabolic disorders are also examined as part of the package. It is advisable to follow up on these levels with age.

The package also includes measurements of the so-called storage iron (ferritin), vitamin D, and fasting blood sugar levels.

To ensure you are aware of all the levels that affect your well-being now and in the future, we recommend ordering the Woman’s Health Values package regularly. 


Woman’s Health Values

The LOUNA Woman’s Health Valuess package measures the blood counts that particularly affect the well-being of women’s bodies.

Woman’s Health Values package 136 €

Men’s Fitness Values Extensive

 The 14 studies included in the Men's Fitness Values ​​Extensive Package tell you if your body is in good condition or if something still requires concentration or professional help.

The Health Values package provides you with an exact, in-depth overview of your well-being. The purpose of the package is to support well-being and a balanced, active lifestyle. It is also a useful tool when you are making changes to your lifestyle.

## Thorough health examination by laboratory tests

The LOUNA Health Values package includes a blood count, which provides a basis for your body’s overall well-being, the strength of your immune system, and your kidneys, liver, and thyroid. Additionally, the blood count provides information on the potential risk of cardiovascular diseases. The Health Values package also includes data on long-term levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, iron, and vitamin D.

Long-term blood sugar levels provide a good impression of the long-term glucose balance of your body. If you want to follow up on your daily counts, a fasting plasma glucose (fP-Gluk) sample should also be taken. This sample requires fasting before the sampling.

In order to follow up on the development of your well-being most efficiently, we recommend you order the Health Values package every one or two years.

## Preparing for the laboratory tests

The tests in this package don't require fasting, but TSH is recommended to be taken before 12 o'clock.


Health Values

With the Health Values ​​package, you get an accurate view of your well-being. Comprehensive laboratory test package without a doctor's referral. Check it out and make an appointment.

Health Values package

The Health Values package provides you with an exact, in-depth overview of your well-being.

Woman's Hormone Values

Tests included

Hormones

Preparation

Fasting is required