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Inhibin -B
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Hormone regulating FSH.
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Inhibin-B Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures a hormone produced by the ovaries in women and testes in men that plays a crucial role in regulating fertility and reproduction
- Evaluates ovarian reserve and quality of remaining eggs in women
- Assesses testicular function and sperm production capacity in men
- Commonly ordered during fertility evaluation for couples struggling to conceive
- Helps determine candidacy for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Performed during early follicular phase (days 2-5) of menstrual cycle in women for accurate assessment
- May be ordered to investigate irregular menstrual cycles or hormonal imbalances
- Normal Range
- Women (Early Follicular Phase): 45-730 pg/mL or 45-730 ng/L. Average range is typically 100-200 pg/mL for reproductively healthy women
- Men: 100-300 pg/mL or 100-300 ng/L, with some labs reporting ranges of 150-400 pg/mL
- Postmenopausal women: <10 pg/mL, indicating depletion of ovarian reserve
- Unit of measurement: picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or nanograms per liter (ng/L)
- Normal results indicate adequate ovarian reserve in women and normal testicular function in men
- Low levels (<20 pg/mL in women) suggest diminished ovarian reserve or poor prognosis for natural conception
- Note: Reference ranges vary between laboratories; always consult the specific lab's reference values for accurate interpretation
- Interpretation
- High Inhibin-B Levels: Generally indicates good ovarian reserve with more follicles available for fertilization; suggests better response to fertility treatments; may reflect polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women
- Low Inhibin-B Levels: Indicates diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in women, suggesting fewer eggs remaining and lower fertility potential; associated with advancing maternal age; may predict poor response to ovarian stimulation; in men, suggests reduced sperm production or testicular dysfunction
- Very Low or Undetectable Levels (<5 pg/mL): Suggests significant ovarian failure, approaching menopause, or severe testicular dysfunction; may indicate premature ovarian failure (POF) or primary gonadal insufficiency
- Moderately Low Levels (20-45 pg/mL): Indicates borderline or mildly reduced ovarian reserve; warrants careful monitoring and consideration of treatment options; pregnancy still possible but may require assisted reproduction
- Factors Affecting Interpretation: Age is the most significant factor; values naturally decrease with age. Timing of test in menstrual cycle affects results. Hormonal medications can influence levels. Presence of PCOS or other endocrine disorders may alter interpretation. Previous ovarian surgery or chemotherapy may affect results.
- Clinical Significance: Inhibin-B is a marker of ovarian function more specific than FSH; provides better correlation with ovarian responsiveness to stimulation. Better predictor of IVF success than age alone. Low levels suggest reduced probability of pregnancy without assisted reproduction. Can help guide treatment decisions and realistic expectation-setting with patients.
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organs: Ovaries (in women) - produce inhibin-B from granulosa cells of developing follicles. Testes (in men) - produce inhibin-B from Sertoli cells regulating spermatogenesis
- Secondary Organs: Pituitary gland - responds to inhibin-B signals by suppressing FSH production. Hypothalamus - coordinates reproductive hormone regulation
- Associated Conditions with Abnormal Results: • Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) • Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) / Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) • Menopause and perimenopause • Female infertility • Primary testicular failure • Male infertility and oligospermia • Klinefelter syndrome • Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) • Gonadal dysfunction following chemotherapy or radiation • Hypogonadism
- Potential Complications: Low ovarian reserve may lead to reduced fertility and increased risk of pregnancy complications. Ovarian failure can result in loss of reproductive capacity and need for assisted reproduction or egg donation. Testicular dysfunction may lead to infertility requiring assisted reproduction techniques. Hormonal imbalances from gonadal disorders can affect overall endocrine function and metabolic health.
- Follow-up Tests
- Complementary Hormonal Tests: FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) - assess overall pituitary function and ovarian reserve. LH (Luteinizing Hormone) - evaluate gonadal axis. Estradiol (E2) - measure ovarian estrogen production during follicular phase. Progesterone - confirm ovulation and luteal phase function. Testosterone - assess androgen levels in both men and women.
- Imaging Studies: Transvaginal ultrasound - visualize ovarian structure and count antral follicles (AFC). Testicular ultrasound - assess testicular volume and architecture in men.
- Additional Reproductive Tests: Semen analysis - detailed assessment of sperm count, motility, and morphology in men. Day 3 FSH and Estradiol - combination test for ovarian reserve assessment. AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) - markers of ovarian reserve similar to inhibin-B. Genetic testing - for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in cases of unexplained infertility.
- Monitoring for Ongoing Conditions: Serial inhibin-B measurement - may be repeated with each menstrual cycle to track ovarian reserve trends. Annual or biennial testing in women with DOR - to monitor progression toward menopause. Regular follow-up in men with gonadal dysfunction - to assess response to treatment.
- Treatment Response Monitoring: May be measured during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles to assess ovarian response to stimulation. Can help optimize medication dosing in fertility treatment protocols.
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting: No - Fasting is NOT required for inhibin-B blood draw
- Timing Considerations: Blood draw must be timed during early follicular phase (days 2-5 of menstrual cycle) in women for accurate assessment of ovarian reserve. In men, timing is less critical as inhibin-B remains relatively stable throughout the cycle.
- Patient Preparation: • Wear loose-fitting clothing for comfortable blood draw • Inform phlebotomist of current medications • No special preparation needed beyond scheduling at correct cycle day • Hydration is acceptable and not contraindicated • No dietary restrictions apply
- Medications to Disclose: Hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings) - may suppress inhibin-B levels. Fertility medications or gonadotropins - significantly affect results. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - may alter baseline inhibin-B. GnRH agonists or antagonists - used in ART cycles. Corticosteroids - may influence hormone levels.
- Special Instructions: Schedule test during specified cycle day for accuracy. Confirm cycle day with healthcare provider before testing. Allow 1-2 hours for blood draw appointment. Results typically available within 1-3 business days. Serum sample is required; processing must follow laboratory protocols to ensure stability of hormone.
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