What hormone changes are typical of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Blood tests to evaluate PCOS should be scheduled early in the menstrual cycle. Some prefer the third day of the cycle and others the eighth day. Elevated LH (menstrual cycles) concentrations, seems to be the most common finding. In a normal menstrual cycle, ovulation (egg release) occurs about fourteen days before the next period is due. An egg is released from a follicle within an ovary. Before egg release, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) thickens under the influence of the female hormone oestrogen – proliferative phase. After egg release, the follicle becomes a corpus luteum which secretes progesterone as well as oestrogen. The progesterone causes the endometrium to enter the secretory phase which would allow implantation of the early embryo if pregnancy occurs. The androgenic hormones (steroid hormones) testosterone and androstenedione tend to be increased and these higher levels tend to be associated with decreased SHBG levels (SHBG). Prolactin levels (menstrual cycles,hyper
