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Role of Hormones in Fertility
From stimulating the development of an egg, to ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus, Hormones control each and every aspect of your fertility and chances of conception. Each hormone that plays a role in conception must be produced in a specific amount and at a precise time in your menstrual cycle for pregnancy to occur. If the hormones that affect fertility are not produced in specific amounts and at specific times during the menstrual cycle, your chances of conceiving may be greatly inhibited.
What do Hormone Studies Measure?
Hormonal studies measure the levels of certain female hormones produced by the body during a menstrual cycle. If the clinical situation demands (as in having irregular menses, rapid weight gain, breast secretions, reduced ovarian reserve etc ), a person undergoing preliminary Infertility Workup may be ordered to have simple blood tests at various points in their menstrual cycle. The female hormone tests your doctor orders may help determine them in evaluating the cause of Infertility and hence identify the best treatment options.
Female Hormones Controlling Ovulation and Implantation of an Egg are:
- Estradiol – Stimulates the growth of the follicles and the production of fertile mucus from the cervix, and prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Follicle stimulating Hormone (FSH) – Stimulates the development of an ovum/egg.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – Stimulates the release of the egg from the ovarian follicles i.e. helps in ovulation.
- Progesterone – Stabilizes the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports early pregnancy.
- Ante Mullerian Hormone (AMH) – An AMH test informs about the ovarian reserve or how many eggs are left in the ovary. Alone or in combination with other tests, it is also used as an indicator of fertility.
Female Hormones Interfering with Fertility are explained with their expected normal range.
Other Hormones that can Interfere with Ovulation
- Androgens – Normally, small amounts of androgens – testosterone and DHEAS (dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate) – are produced in women. Excess production may interfere with development of the follicles, ovulation, and cervical mucus production.
- Prolactin – Stimulates milk production; blood levels may be higher than normal in certain disorders or if you are taking certain medications.
- Thyroid – An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can result in the high prolactin levels.
Common Queries that you may have
Q Do I need to fast before I have my blood test?
A Hormone tests (TSH, FSH etc) are best done empty stomach. Speak with your doctor if you are unsure about eating before this test.
Q Do these blood tests have to be done on certain days of my menstrual cycle?
A Yes. Your hormone levels change throughout your cycle and have to be measured at specific times to diagnose an imbalance. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly when to have each test done.
Q What is a normal level or normal range for each female hormone?
A The “normal” levels vary by laboratory, so you’ll have to discuss these values and your results with your doctor or nurse.
Q When will I get the results of the blood test?
A Most test results are available the same day.
Q is there a chart that will explain female hormone normal range and explain the female hormone blood test result ?
A Unfortunately each lab uses lab specific reference range hence, it is a good idea to compare the lab specific normal range of hormone and see if your value falls within the normal range for the hormone.
Link to our Quick Reference Chart for Details Related to Cost.
