Fertility Blood Test Profile
This profile looks at the female hormones and highlights any imbalances that could potentially impact fertility. Hormone imbalances or deficiencies may be the root cause for a wide range of symptoms and conditions.
This profile can provide beneficial information regarding your fertility. There are a number ofsymptoms that warrant a test like this, including: if you experience:
- Irregular periods
- Fatigue
- Stomach problems
- Mood swings
- Difficulty getting pregnant
This profile is valuable in assessing the important hormones involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and allowing for successful fertilization. Fertility problems are often a result of imbalances which may be an indication of more serious underlying conditions. If you notice symptoms as listed above, then a fertility hormones blood test can provide some valuable information into what may be causing them. Additionally, this blood test profile is valuable for those wanting or trying to get pregnant as it provides important information on your fertility status allowing for planning, intervention and management.
This profile looks at some important female hormones:
Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), this hormone stimulates the growth and maturation of eggs of eggs in the ovaries. FSH helps to control the menstrual cycle. If a person is not ovulating then their FSH levels may be high or low, depending on the cause.
Progesterone, progesterone regulates the menstrual cycle and supports pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone can affect fertility and menstruation. The testing of progesterone can provide a lot of valuable information pertaining to fertility. Progesterone levels can be used to determine whether ovulation has occurred, determining whether a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy has occurred, evaluating the underlying causes of infertility, among other uses. Progesterone is a vital hormone in fertility and pregnancy, while levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, levels that
are too low can lead to health issues and infertility.
Prolactin, high levels of prolactin inhibits secretion of FSH which may supress ovulation as a result. Higher than normal prolactin levels can cause menstrual problems and infertility. Prolactin signals the breast tissue to grow during pregnancy and make milk for breast feeding after birth. Higher than normal prolactin levels may be an indication of an underlying health problem such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), a tumour on the pituitary gland (prolactinoma, this tumour produces prolactin), or kidney disease etc.
Luteinizing hormone (LH), LH levels surge around the mid-point of the menstrual cycle, this surge is what triggers ovulation. LH levels peak roughly 48 hours before ovulation, increased LH is an indication that ovulation may occur soon but is not confirmation that ovulation has or will occur.
Oestrogen, oestrogen levels should be assessed to ensure that the ovaries are producing the right amount of oestrogen. Oestrogen levels that are too high or too lw can cause conditions such as menstrual issues and vaginal bleeding, testing oestrogen can help identify if this is the cause.
AMH, AMH levels correspond to the number of eggs you have (your ovarian reserve), high levels mean a higher ovarian reserve while low levels mean a lower ovarian reserve. Testing AMH is important in predicating the response to IVF treatment.
By assessing the levels of these hormones this test can determine imbalances which may be causing problems related to deficiency.
If more information is required to help you along your journey, Fusion Healthcare offers a fertility ultrasound scan which can aid you.
