Hormonal Assays Test
What is a hormonal assay test?
A hormonal assay test is performed to give an indication of metabolic processes and conditions, or ‘hormone imbalance’. Many hormones can be measured (assayed) in the blood, including male and female sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and hormones secreted by other glands such as the parathyroid and adrenal glands.
How are hormonal assays performed?
Hormonal assays are a blood test and require a few millilitres of blood from a vein.
When would you need a hormonal assay?
Specific hormones or sets of related hormones may be tested in a variety of clinical situations. Commonly, hormonal tests may be related to issues of fertility, menstrual irregularities, or menopause.
Your doctor may request specific hormonal tests if there is a suspicion of an endocrine problem, relating to the function of many glands in the body, including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testes.
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Test results, explained
Hormone tests give the concentration of specific hormones in the bloodstream. These results are compared to a reference range of ‘normal’ values, obtained from testing well people without symptoms. The specific hormone level may therefore be low, normal, or high.
Each of these results needs to be carefully interpreted by a doctor who understands the complex interactions of the endocrine system, in the context of the limitations of biochemical testing of hormones. A high or low level may not indicate disease, and similarly, a normal test does not always rule out an abnormality.
Related specialists
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Endocrinologist
- General Physician
- Gynaecologist
- Intensivist
- Nephrologist
- Paediatrician
- Sexual Health Physician
- Urologist
Related procedures
- Blood Test (venesection)
- Laparoscopy
Related tests
- Thyroid Function Tests
- Beta HCG
- Urine HCG (Urine Pregnancy Test)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Head CT
- Abdominal CT
- Pelvic Ultrasound Scan
- Testicular Ultrasound Scan
Also known as
- Hormone tests
- Hormone assays
Links
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next Endocrinologist appointment. Click on the following locations to find a Endocrinologist clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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