During your fertility evaluation, it may be necessary to obtain blood samples to test for evidence of any hormone abnormalities. Below are some of the tests that may need to be performed.
Progesterone
This hormone is the active estrogen that is produced by the ovary. It may be measured at several different times:
- Blood test done day 2 or 3 of menstrual cycle
- Blood test done any day of cycle
- Estradiol on day 2 or 3 of cycle to measure ovarian reserve
- At or near ovulation determine the quality of egg maturity
- During ovulation stimulation therapy to help predict egg maturity
- In recurrent pregnancy losses to improve embryo implantation
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
This hormone is a messenger from the pituitary gland to the ovary. The ovary is stimulated to grow eggs as a result of FSH released in pulses from the brain. It’s measured in fertility patients to determine if the ovary still has eggs that can grow and be released (ovarian reserve).
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
This hormone is a messenger from the pituitary gland in the brain to the ovary. The ovary is stimulated to make prehormones that will be used to produce estradiol. LH is also the messenger to the ovary to ripen and release eggs (ovulation). This hormone can be detected by a urine test to determine the occurrence of ovulation (Ovuquick, Q-test, First Response).
Progesterone:
A hormone produced and released by the corpus luteum of the ovary beginning at ovulation and continuing during the second half of the ovulatory cycle. It’s necessary for the preparation of the lining of the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg. It’s also critical for maintaining the pregnancy. Late in the first trimester of pregnancy, the placenta takes over the production of progesterone from the ovary.
Prolactin:
A hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the milk secretion glands in the breast. Elevated levels in a non-pregnant woman can interfere with ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH):
A hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid to produce and release its hormones.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S):
A prehormone produced mainly by adrenal glands. Elevated levels in women can cause hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and interfere with ovulation.
17-Hydroxyprogesterone:
A prehormone produced mainly by the adrenal gland but is produced in the ovary as well. Elevated levels can cause hirsutism and interfere with ovulation.
12-Hour Fasting Blood Sugar And Serum Insulin Level:
Elevated insulin levels in a woman can interfere with ovulation and can lead to hirsutism. Insulin level abnormalities are often seen in women with polycystic ovarian disorder.
Rubella Titer:
A test to determine if someone is protected by the Rubella measles vaccine. Some people may lose their immunity from their childhood vaccination and need another vaccination. A waiting period of 3 months is needed to know if the new vaccination is successful.