Hormone Testing for Women

Each month, a woman’s hormones get her body ready for conception, and any irregularities in her menstrual cycle might signal a hormonal imbalance that could impact her ability to conceive. Here’s a summary of key hormones related to female fertility and their roles:

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Essential for the growth of follicles (eggs) in the ovaries. Measures ovarian reserve. Elevated levels may indicate issues with ovarian function and decreased fertility.
  
  
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Essential for the maturation of follicles (eggs) in the ovaries. Helps assess ovulation and overall hormonal balance.
  
  
• Estradiol: Primarily produced by the ovaries and plays a key role in the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Evaluates the function of the ovaries and the health of the eggs. Imbalances in estradiol levels can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.
  
  
• Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports early pregnancy. Indicates ovulation and the health of the uterine (womb) lining. Imbalances in progesterone levels can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.
  
  
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): A marker of ovarian reserve; higher levels indicate a larger pool of healthy and recruitable (viable) eggs.
  
  
• Prolactin: A Hormone that can lead to numerous reproductive dysfunctions if produced in excess. Primarily known for its role in lactation, but elevated levels can suppress ovulation and menstrual cycles in women, leading to infertility.
  Androgens, produced in small amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
  
  
• Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4): Thyroid Hormones Regulate metabolism and are important for normal reproductive function. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can impact fertility.