Decoding Your Hormones: Understanding Fertility Lab Tests

Decoding Your Hormones: Understanding Fertility Lab Tests

If you're trying to conceive and not seeing success, hormone testing is often one of the first steps in uncovering potential fertility issues. These lab tests provide critical insight into how your reproductive system is functioning and can help guide the right treatment path.

Here’s a breakdown of the key hormones tested in a fertility evaluation and what each one means.

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

• What it shows: Your ovarian reserve—the estimated number of eggs remaining in your ovaries.
• When it's tested: Anytime during your cycle.
• Why it matters: Low AMH levels may indicate a reduced egg supply, which can affect fertility treatment planning. It does not reflect egg quality, only quantity.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

• What it shows: How much stimulation your brain is giving your ovaries to produce eggs.
• When it's tested: Typically on Day 3 of your menstrual cycle.
• Why it matters: High FSH levels can suggest diminished ovarian reserve or early menopause, which may make it harder to conceive.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

• What it shows: LH plays a major role in triggering ovulation.
• When it's tested: Often measured on Day 3 or mid-cycle.
• Why it matters: Elevated LH can signal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where ovulation may not occur regularly.

Estradiol (E2)

• What it shows: A form of estrogen that helps with egg development and endometrial lining.
• When it's tested: Commonly measured on Day 3 of the cycle.
• Why it matters: Abnormal estradiol levels can indicate problems with ovarian function and may interfere with other hormone results, such as FSH.

Progesterone

• What it shows: Confirms whether or not ovulation has occurred.
• When it's tested: About 7 days after suspected ovulation, usually around Day 21 in a 28-day cycle.
• Why it matters: Low progesterone levels can indicate issues with ovulation or the luteal phase, both of which can affect embryo implantation.

Thyroid Hormones and Prolactin

• What they show: These hormones impact overall reproductive health.
• When they're tested: Usually early in the evaluation process.
• Why they matter: Imbalances in thyroid function or prolactin can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles, contributing to infertility.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Understanding your hormones is the first step toward taking control of your fertility. Book a consultation with University Reproductive Associates to get expert guidance and a comprehensive fertility evaluation tailored to you.