Blood Tests

Blood tests are ordered so a doctor can get a better understanding of a patient’s overall health prior to moving forward with fertility treatment. They reveal blood type, check for possible hormonal imbalances and determine whether a patient (or partner) carries any genetic or infectious diseases or antibodies - all of which can affect the health and outcome of a pregnancy.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are ordered so a doctor can get a better understanding of a patient’s overall health prior to moving forward with fertility treatment. They reveal blood type, check for possible hormonal imbalances and determine whether a patient (or partner) carries any genetic or infectious diseases or antibodies - all of which can affect the health and outcome of a pregnancy.

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Hormones That Affect Fertility in Women

Hormones control every step in achieving pregnancy, from stimulating the development of an egg to ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Each hormone that plays a role in conception must be produced in a specific amount at a precise time in a menstrual cycle. Hormonal studies measure the levels of certain hormones produced during a cycle. Blood test results, along with other testing, will help determine the best treatment options.

blood tests for infertility

Hormones That Affect Fertility in Women

blood tests for infertility

Hormones control every step in achieving pregnancy, from stimulating the development of an egg to ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. Each hormone that plays a role in conception must be produced in a specific amount at a precise time in a menstrual cycle. Hormonal studies measure the levels of certain hormones produced during a cycle. Blood test results, along with other testing, will help determine the best treatment options.

Hormones that control ovulation and implantation of the egg are:

Estradiol

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.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

The level of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) in a woman’s blood is generally a good indicator of ovarian reserve.

Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates the development of the egg.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) stimulates the release of the egg from the follicle (ovulation).

Progesterone

Progesterone stabilizes the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports early pregnancy.

Androgens

Normally, small amounts of androgens — testosterone and DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) — are produced in women. Excess production may interfere with development of the follicles, ovulation, and cervical mucus production.

Prolactin

Prolactin stimulates milk production. Blood levels may be higher than normal in certain disorders or if you are taking certain medications.

Thyroid

An under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) can result in high prolactin levels.


What to Expect

During an initial visit, the doctor will review a patient’s health history and usually order blood work before any treatment can begin. If a patient has had any related blood work within the previous 6-12 months, they should make the results available to their care team. Due to their nature, certain tests may need to be done by RMA as opposed to a third party.

Interpreting Results

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If any of the above tests reveal abnormalities, the physician will recommend best options for going forward. Regarding hormone levels, there are some inconsistencies to consider when interpreting AMH levels. Since the AMH test has not been in routine use for many years, the levels considered to be “normal” are not yet clarified and agreed upon by the experts.

The table below has AMH interpretation guidelines from fertility literature. It is important not to get caught up in the cutoff values shown. For example, the difference between a 0.6 and a 0.7 ng/ml test result puts a woman in a “different box” in this table, but there is little difference in fertility potential. In reality, it is a continuum and not something that categorizes well.

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   Interpretation    AMH Blood Level
   High    Over  3.0 ng/ml
   Normal    Over 1.0 ng/ml
   Low Normal Range    Over 0.7 – 0.9 ng/ml
   Low    0.3 – 0.6 ng/ml
   Very Low    Less than 0.3 ng/ml


amh blood test results


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