HORMONAL EVALUATION

Hormonal studies are often the first step in a couple’s fertility evaluation. There are several tests that are done that often include FSH, LH, Estradiol and Prolactin.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

FSH is an essential part of the fertility evaluation and is done before starting your treatment and is repeated before starting your treatment.

The FSH level measures the ovarian reserve – which is the number of oocytes (eggs) that reside in the ovary and predict the quality of these oocytes. If the FSH is elevated, this unfortunately often indicates a diminished quantity and quality of oocytes. The FSH is usually drawn on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle. If the FSH is within the normal range (less than 10), this is predictive that the egg quality is sufficient. In cases where the FSH is borderline (11-13) and in certain cases where it is abnormally high (greater than 13 and sometimes as high as 100), this may indicate an inadequate ovarian reserve and a decreased chance for a healthy pregnancy. The normal range for FSH will vary from laboratory to laboratory.

Estradiol

Estradiol is a type of estrogen that is produced by follicles within the ovaries. If the Estradiol level is elevated in the first few days of the cycle, this can indicate an inadequate reserve even if the FSH is normal.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of breast milk. If the Prolactin is elevated (greater than 25), this can interfere with FSH and LH.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

Thyroid disorders are far more common in women than men. If the thyroid is elevated, this is consistent with hypothyroidism. If a patient is hypothyroid, this can lead to disorders in ovulation and irregular cycles.

See Also: Semen Analysis Testing and Vaginal Ultrasound