Blood Testing
Fertility Screening
What is Fertility Screening?
Fertility screening is a set of tests designed to evaluate the reproductive health of individuals and identify any factors that may be affecting fertility. These tests assess hormone levels, ovarian function, and other factors related to both male and female fertility. If you are planning to conceive or are having difficulty getting pregnant, fertility screening can provide valuable information and help you understand your reproductive health.
Why get Fertility Screening?
Fertility screening is typically recommended if you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, or six months if you’re over 35 years old. It may also be suggested if you have irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, or a history of fertility issues. Fertility screening helps identify potential causes of infertility.
What does Fertility Screening Include?
The following hormone tests are commonly included in a fertility screening panel to assess various aspects of reproductive health:
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – Regulates thyroid function, which impacts ovulation and menstrual cycles. Imbalances can lead to infertility.
- TT3 (Total Triiodothyronine) & TT4 (Total Thyroxine) – Thyroid hormones essential for metabolism. Abnormal levels can disrupt ovulation and menstrual regularity.
- Testosterone – Present in both men and women, but excess levels in women can indicate PCOS, which may cause irregular periods and ovulation issues.
- SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin) – Regulates sex hormone availability. Low levels can lead to excess free testosterone, affecting fertility.
- FAI (Free Androgen Index) – Measures unbound testosterone levels. High FAI can contribute to hormonal imbalances linked to infertility, such as PCOS.
- Prolactin – Affects menstrual cycles and ovulation. High levels may indicate hyperprolactinemia, which can prevent conception.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) – Triggers ovulation. Imbalances may signal ovulatory dysfunction or PCOS.
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) – Stimulates egg development. Abnormal levels may indicate reduced ovarian reserve and fertility issues.
- Progesterone – Supports pregnancy after ovulation. Low levels suggest ovulation issues or an inadequately prepared uterus for implantation.
- Estradiol – The primary estrogen regulating menstrual cycles and egg development. Low levels may indicate ovarian dysfunction affecting fertility.
These tests help identify hormonal imbalances that could impact conception, enabling targeted interventions for reproductive health.
Fertility screening should be completed at specific times during your menstrual cycle to accurately measure hormone levels.
Additional testing information
Fertility screening should be completed at specific times during your menstrual cycle to accurately measure hormone levels, particularly during the follicular phase (usually day 2-3 of your cycle).
