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Steroid hormones using СMS: a new standard in laboratory diagnostics

Endocrine diseases remain one of the pressing issues in modern medicine, and accurate laboratory diagnostics play a key role in their detection and treatment control. Traditionally, hormones were determined using immunological methods, but in recent years, chromatography-mass spectrometry (CMS) - the "gold standard" for steroid hormone test - has been actively introduced into clinical practice.

What are steroid hormones and why is it important to control them ?

Steroid hormones are a large group of biologically active substances, including:

glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone),
mineralocorticoids (aldosterone),
androgens (testosterone, DHEA, androstenedione),
oestrogens (oestradiol),
progestogens (progesterone, 17-OH-progesterone),
their precursors and metabolites.

They regulate virtually all processes in the body, from metabolism and reproduction to stress responses and cardiovascular function. Imbalances in their levels can lead to conditions such as:

Cushing's syndrome/disease,
congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH),
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),
infertility, menstrual disorders,
hormone-active tumours.

Why is the CMS method considered the "gold standard" ?

В отличие от иммунологических методов, ХМС обладает рядом преимуществ:

High accuracy and reproducibility - minimises cross-reactions and false positive results.
Comprehensive approach - allows simultaneous measurement of several hormones and their metabolites.
International recognition – the method is used in leading clinics around the world and is recommended for the accurate diagnosis of complex endocrine conditions.

What analyses are now available at OLYMP CDL?

Aldosterone
Corticosterone
Cortisol
Cortisone
11-deoxycortisol
21-deoxycortisol
11-deoxycorticosterone
Androstenedione
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-SO4)
Estradiol
Progesterone
17-OH progesterone
Testosterone
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Comprehensive panel (15 indicators)

Clinical application

Determination of steroid hormones by CMS is recommended for:

Examination of women with infertility and cycle disorders
Suspected CAH in children and adults
Differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism
Control hormone replacement and antiandrogen therapy
Monitoring patients with adrenal and gonadal tumours

How is the test performed ?

Material: venous blood (serum).
Preparation: sampling on an empty stomach, it is advisable to avoid taking hormonal medications for 24 hours (in consultation with your doctor).
Turnaround time: up to 7 working days.

Conclusion

The introduction of the CMS method for testing steroid hormones opens up new opportunities in endocrinological practice. It provides maximum accuracy, helps identify rare pathologies and optimises patient treatment.

The OLYMP CDL network is the first in Kazakhstan to introduce such a wide range of CMS tests, allowing doctors and patients to obtain the most reliable information about hormonal status.

Important: This article is informative and does not replace a doctor's consultation. To interpret the results and prescribe treatment, you must consult a specialist.