Inhibin is an endocrine hormone produced in the ovaries and testicles that plays a role in the menstrual cycle and fetal development. It inhibits the production of follicle stimulating hormone and is regularly checked during pregnancy to detect chromosomal abnormalities.
Inhibin is an endocrine hormone produced in the ovaries and testicles. This hormone has several functions in the body, with levels in women being linked to the menstrual cycle and playing a role in fetal development. Another hormone, activin, has an action in the body opposite to that of inhibin. Levels of these two hormones tend to fluctuate in both men and women in response to a variety of signals, which can include changes in hormone levels triggered by natural biological processes, environmental pressure, and other factors.
Two different inhibin complexes are recognised: A and B. In females, levels of the former tend to peak around the mid-luteal phase, while the latter peaks twice, in the mid-follicular phase and again during ovulation . As with other endocrine hormones, the levels of this hormone can be affected by other hormones. The endocrine system is kept in a state of delicate balance and a small change can set off a chain reaction with far-reaching consequences.
When this hormone is secreted, it inhibits the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone. This plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle, where both of these hormones are involved, and can also be involved in fertility. Fertility tests may include an assessment of the levels of this hormone along with other hormones in the body to learn more about the reasons for infertility.
Inhibin A levels are regularly checked during a quadruple screen, a basic blood test done to check for abnormalities in a pregnancy. If the levels are high, it can indicate that the developing fetus may have chromosomal abnormalities. However, abnormal results should not be taken at face value; a doctor should perform follow-up tests to learn more about the situation. It may be that there is no problem with the developing fetus and the abnormal results were an accident.
When a test for this hormone is ordered, blood will be collected from the patient and analyzed. The test is not very painful, although the blood drawing experience can be unpleasant and carries very little risk. The time it takes for test results to return varies depending on the laboratory facilities used to test blood; if blood needs to be shipped for analysis or the lab is busy with work, it can take several days.
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