[Screening for gynecologic-endocrinologic problems before menopause]

Family and personal history as well as clinical examination are the basic data to be known before laboratory examinations should be started. To obtain results that can be correctly interpreted, the blood sampling has to be done in the early morning hours between day 1 and 5 of the cycle, and for some hormones on an empty stomach. Depending on the clinical data, the hormonal screening can be selective and well directed, or it has to be broader. The presence or absence of galactorrhea, of hot flushes and of androgenization or virilization play an important role for the decision about the hormones to be determined. Furthermore, an eventual desire infertility will influence the selection of the hormonal tests to be done. The present review intends to propose some simple recommendations to the non-specialist how a gynaecological-endocrinological screening for the most important clinical questions should be organized.