Discover why fertility bloodwork is an important step on the path to parenthood
Fertility bloodwork is integral to the care we provide at our Southern California fertility center. This bloodwork tests for a number of fertility hormones that offer insights that can help our team identify the type of fertility challenges a patient might have. We also use bloodwork when monitoring patients during fertility treatments. This monitoring shows how a patient is responding to various medications.
What hormones does fertility bloodwork test?
A blood test is one of the first steps when a patient comes to our Southern California fertility center, as it helps the doctor make the right diagnosis. Testing can evaluate a wide range of fertility hormones.
Prolactin. Testing this hormone provides insight about ovulation issues, as too much prolactin can interfere with normal ovulation.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). We often test a woman’s TSH level, as both an underactive and an overactive thyroid can cause irregular periods.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH causes the eggs in a woman’s ovaries to mature. As such, a woman’s FSH level helps the doctor assess her ovarian function. In men, FSH stimulates the testes to produce mature sperm.
Luteinizing hormone (LH). LH triggers the release of the egg from an ovary, and it causes the corpus luteum to make progesterone after ovulation. For men, LH plays a role in the testes in producing and secreting testosterone.
Progesterone. We often check the level of this hormone, as it supports the lining of the uterus. This lining is important for embryo implantation and the development of a healthy pregnancy.
Estradiol. This is a type of estrogen that the ovarian follicles secrete. A woman’s estradiol level provides information about her ovarian reserve (egg supply).
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). The ovarian follicles produce AMH, and this hormone provides information about a woman’s ovarian reserve and potential response to fertility medications.
After the doctor assesses the results of a patient’s fertility bloodwork, he or she can recommend additional tests, or help the patient begin creating a customized treatment plan.
The next steps after we receive the bloodwork results
Following a patient’s fertility bloodwork, the doctor often has a more complete view of the patient’s health and fertility. They’ll also likely have a better idea of whether the patient needs additional fertility tests.
Bloodwork results can also inform what type of medications the doctor prescribes. For a woman who is already taking fertility medication, this bloodwork helps the doctor decide whether it’s necessary to change the medication or its dosage.
Female patients usually receive a transvaginal ultrasound with their bloodwork, as this combination offers valuable insights. For men, the doctor often orders a semen analysis in addition to any bloodwork. This comprehensive testing allows the fertility specialists at our Southern California fertility center to provide high-quality care to women and men hoping to build their family.
Contact us for more information about our fertility evaluations and how we assess fertility hormones.