Hormone Testing

Hormone Testing/Bloods

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This test will measure the levels of FSH being produced by your body. FSH triggers the follicles within your ovaries to begin preparing for the release of an egg. High levels of FSH are generally an indicator that egg reserves are running low.

Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH): AMH is produced by ovarian follicles containing eggs. The levels of AMH found in the blood is an indicator of a woman's ovarian reserve. As the level of Anti-Müllerian hormone found in the blood does not fluctuate throughout the month, it is the most reliable single predictor of whether a woman is still fertile and how many eggs she has left in her ovaries.

Estradiol: This hormone is produced by follicles in the ovaries. An elevated E2 level on the third day of your cycle could indicate a compromised ovarian reserve despite a normal FSH level.

Luteinizing hormone (LH): lutenizing hormone controls egg development. LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production (ovulation). The level of LH in a woman's body varies with the phase of the menstrual cycle. It increases rapidly just before ovulation occurs, about midway through the cycle (day 14 of a 28-day cycle). This is called an LH surge. Consistently high levels of this hormone in your body can prevent this release, and might also be an indicator of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Progesterone: Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. Progesterone levels rise following ovulation, peaking five to nine days after ovulation. This is known as your luteal phase. This test is usually performed on day 21 of your menstrual cycle to determine if ovulation has taken place.

Prolactin: This blood test will measure levels of prolactin. Prolactin is a stress hormone that is released by the pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin can prevent the release of FSH and LH. Both of these hormones are responsible for helping your eggs to develop and mature in the ovaries, so that they can be released during ovulation. When you have excess prolactin in your bloodstream, ovulation is not triggered. Prolactin is the hormone that also eventually stimulates the production of breast milk.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: TSH levels are usually tested to check for thyroid disease, which is common among women. Abnormal thyroid function may cause fertility problems.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, testosterone and the free androgen index: In women, small amounts of testosterone are produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Even slight increases in testosterone production can disrupt the balance of hormones and cause infertility.