Male Fertility (Sex Hormones)

Description

Testing for – 

Follicle-stimulating Hormone –

Follicle-stimulating hormone is a crucial sex hormone associated with fertility. It should be measured by both partners when there is difficulty in getting pregnant.

In women, it is involved in egg development and should be tested if you have irregular or no menstrual periods.

In men it plays a role in sperm production so should be checked if you have a lowered sperm count, low muscle mass or decreased sex drive.

Luteinising hormone –

Luteinising hormone is a hormone present in the blood which helps regulate the reproductive system, especially that of women (their ovaries) and in men (their testes).
It is made in your pituitary gland, sometimes referred to as the ‘master gland’ due to its importance in hormonal control.

Prolactin –

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women. Its main physiological role is in promoting milk production during breast feeding

In women higher levels inhibit the hormones that trigger ovulation and allow eggs to develop and mature.

In men its exact role is unclear but high levels can cause infertility, low sexual desire & erectile dysfunction.

Interestingly the levels of prolactin are regulated by the neurotransmitters which can also be influenced by moods and depression.

Testosterone –

Testosterone is a hormone crucial in the regulation of male physical characteristics, in adult men key roles include healthy sperm production, aggression levels and the maintenance of bone and muscle strength.