Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is released by the pituitary gland and plays a role in ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the ovary). LH peaks mid menstrual cycle and triggers the release of the egg, as well as the development of the corpus luteum, which goes on to produce progesterone necessary to maintain a pregnancy.

Persistently high LH levels may be a sign of premature menopause, Turner syndrome, ovarian tumour, polycystic ovary syndrome, or an autoimmune disorder. Elevated LH levels have also been associated with a reduced fertilization rate in a variety of studies, as well as increased risk of miscarriage. Diminished LH levels can lead to hypogonadism (gonadal function failure), which can cause amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and reduced fertility.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH stimulates the development of the follicle (which houses the egg) during the first half of the menstrual cycle. At mid cycle, FSH together with LH stimulates the release of one mature egg during ovulation. FSH levels fluctuate during each menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age, and typically remain high in menopause.

Elevated FSH levels are an indication of subfertility, and can occur due to premature menopause, poor ovarian reserve, or gonadal dysgenesis. Low FSH levels can also be an indication of infertility. There are various conditions that affect FSH levels, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, stress, anorexia, Turner’s syndrome, and poorly functioning pituitary gland. 

Progesterone
Progesterone is a female sex hormone that is essential for the preparation of the uterus for implantation by causing the uterine lining to thicken. Progesterone also acts in non-reproductive tissues, often in partnership with estradiol. Examples include estradiol reduction of bone resorption and progesterone stimulation of bone formation, and coordinated increases in nitric oxide activity to improve blood flow.

Symptoms of low progesterone can include headaches, anxiety, depression, irregular menstrual cycles, and weight gain. Progesterone levels decrease during perimenopause and remains low during postmenopause. 

Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males, but it is also important in females. It plays a role in libido, muscle and fat distribution, bone growth, red blood cell production, and energy levels.

In healthy women, testosterone briefly increases mid menstrual cycle to coincide with ovulation and the most fertile period of the cycle. The correct level of testosterone is important, as both too much or too little can interfere with female fertility. The signs of reduced testosterone include low muscle mass, poor sleep, lack of energy, depression, low libido, and vaginal dryness. Excess testosterone can lead to acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, irregular menstruation, increased body hair, and low HDL (good) cholesterol. 

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
DHEA-S is an excellent indicator of adrenal hormone production. Although DHEA-S itself only has weak hormonal activity, it can be metabolized into more active androgens (e.g. testosterone) and estrogens (e.g. estradiol). DHEA-S also has neurosteroid activity, meaning it can influence brain function.

Abnormal DHEA-S levels can lead to prolonged fatigue and poor concentration, and can affect age of puberty, muscle mass, aging, and sex drive. Diminished DHEA-S levels are also associated with an increased risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia.

Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is predominantly produced in the adrenal gland. It is widely known as the body’s stress hormone, but also influences various other functions throughout the body, including in the immune system, nervous system, circulatory system, skeletal system, and digestion.

Elevated cortisol can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, mood swings, fertility issues, and skin changes. Low cortisol may indicate that you have Addison’s disease, and can cause fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin hyperpigmentation.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland. It signals the thyroid gland to produce the thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃) hormones, which stimulate metabolism. TSH is released in a pulsatile manner, resulting in variations in serum concentrations throughout each day.

Abnormal TSH levels can lead to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Abnormal thyroid function can have various affects in the female body, including age of puberty, menstruation, ovulation and fertility issues, increased risk of pregnancy complications, early menopause, fatigue, weight and appetite changes, and skin and hair changes.

Free Thyroxine (free T4)
Thyroxine (T4) is the major hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Free T4 is the biologically active form of T4, but is still relatively inactive. It is converted to a much more active hormone called triiodothyronine (T3) in the liver and other tissues. Free T4 analysis is an important part of monitoring thryoid function, as any changes in thyroid hormone production will be reflected in free T4 levels before free T3 levels are affected.

Free Triiodothyronine (free T3)
Triiodothyronine (T3) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, usually through conversion of thyroxine (T4) to T3. Free T3 is the biologically active form of T3. T3 and T4 help to control how your body stores and uses energy (metabolism). Thyroid hormones also help control many of your body’s other processes.

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies
Thyroid peroxidase is a protein produced from cells in the thyroid gland. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) are elevated when the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid and targets thyroid peroxidase. This commonly occurs in autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, often (but not always) in conjunction with elevated anti-Tg.