This test panel is designed to assess the hormone levels typically associated with fertility. The panel measures the following:
- Cortisol (measured four times: morning, noon, evening and night)
By Blood Spot:
- Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Free triiodothryronine (T3)
- Free thyroxine (T4)
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO)
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, slows nonessential functions, saving strength for systems necessary during a fight-or-flight response. As a result, cortisol negatively affects immune system responses and slows the digestive and reproductive systems. Women with high cortisol levels may have trouble becoming pregnant.
Estradiol is the predominant sex hormone found in women. Also called E2, it is the major estrogen in humans, impacting reproduction, sexual function and more.
Progesterones primary function in women is to help the lining of the uterus accept a fertilized egg, so it spikes during ovulation. It also helps regulate menstruation because if the egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels will decrease, and menstruation will begin.
The progesterone blood test can help find the cause of infertility and monitor the effectiveness of infertility treatments. Measuring progesterone levels can help determine when the woman is ovulating and determine the optimal time for conception. The test can even assess a womans risk of having a miscarriage.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone and a sex hormone primarily produced in the ovaries of women and in small amounts by the adrenal gland. Healthy levels of testosterone are needed for general health and well-being, as research has shown the relationship between decreased levels and decreased sex drive and reproductive function.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is a glycoprotein that binds to sex hormones estradiol and testosterone. The SHBG blood test helps to evaluate a persons hormone levels for a deeper look into their sexual health and general well-being. Usually the concern is when testosterone levels are high in women. The SHBG blood test helps pinpoint the cause of an individuals decreased sex drive or infertility when the results of the total testosterone blood test are inconsistent with symptoms or inconclusive.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex and secreted primarily by the adrenal glands. The body uses cholesterol to produce DHEA, which the body can then convert into testosterone or estrogen. If DHEA levels are low, the body will not be able to produce adequate estrogen or testosterone. Therefore, it is important to check this hormone in conjunction with estrogen and testosterone to pinpoint the cause of abnormal levels.
This panel measures the levels of the thyroid hormones TSH, free T3, free T4 and TPO because there may be a link between hypothyroidism and infertility in women. Low levels of these hormones can negatively affect ovulation, and in worse cases, the underlying autoimmune or pituitary disorder may impair fertility.
FSH and LH
Along with the follicle stimulating hormone, LH increases estrogen levels produced by the follicle cells in the ovaries. A spike of LH in the blood triggers ovulation. LH also plays a role in egg maturation and the menstrual cycle.
The LH blood test measures the blood levels of LH, which is produced by the pituitary gland. This information can be used to help determine if problems with the menstrual cycle are related to this hormone. Similarly, women who are having a hard time conceiving should measure their LH levels to see if abnormal hormone levels are affecting ovulation, fertility and conception. LH is usually tested in conjunction with the follicle stimulating hormone because they are both produced by the pituitary gland and have similar functions. Abnormal levels of either can indicate reproductive problems. It is rare to have a problem with one and not the other.
How it works: We mail the collection kit to the address you provide at checkout. After you follow the specimen collection instructions, simply mail the sample in the return envelope provided.
After the lab receives the sample, results will be ready in about a week. You will receive the report by email in a PDF. Be sure to include your email address at checkout.