Getting fertility blood tests for women is an important step on the path to parenthood
The doctors at our Indianapolis fertility center use fertility blood tests for women to help reach an accurate infertility diagnosis. These tests allow our team to analyze a range of fertility hormones that provide insight into the reproductive challenges a woman might have. We also use bloodwork when monitoring women going through fertility treatments, as this shows how her body is responding to certain medications. Typically, women also receive a transvaginal ultrasound the same day as their fertility bloodwork.
What fertility blood tests for women can tell us
Ordering bloodwork is often one of the first steps that our doctors will take when determining why a patient is having difficulty conceiving. These tests can evaluate a range of fertility hormones.
Prolactin. Testing a woman’s prolactin levels helps us evaluate her ovulation issues, as too much prolactin can interfere with normal ovulation.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). It’s important to evaluate a woman’s TSH level, as both an underactive and overactive thyroid can cause irregular periods.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Fertility blood tests for women often include analysis of FSH, as this fertility hormone stimulates the growth of the eggs in a woman’s ovaries. Seeing a patient’s FSH level can help our team assess her ovarian reserve (egg supply).
Luteinizing hormone (LH). This hormone triggers the release of the egg from an ovary. It also causes the corpus luteum to make progesterone after ovulation.
Progesterone. Progesterone supports the lining of the uterus, which is important for the development of a healthy pregnancy.
Estradiol. Determining a woman’s estradiol level provides information about her ovarian reserve and insight into her response to fertility medications.
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). We can learn more about a woman’s ovarian reserve by testing her AMH level.
After a doctor at our Indianapolis fertility center reviews the results of a woman’s blood tests, they can recommend additional tests or help her create a customized treatment plan.
What happens after the review of a woman’s fertility bloodwork results?
Fertility blood tests for women can provide our doctors with a more complete view of a patient’s reproductive health. As a result, it helps our team determine whether we should recommend additional tests, such as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or laparoscopy.
Often, these blood tests can also help our team determine which fertility medications to prescribe. If a woman is already taking fertility medications, the doctors often use the results of her bloodwork to make decisions about making changes to her dosage or medication.
This testing supports the fertility specialists at our Indianapolis fertility center in providing high-quality care that can help women fulfill their dream of motherhood. Contact us for more information about fertility evaluations.
