Fertility blood testing helps diagnose causes of infertility
Fertility blood testing involves a series of tests that can be used to assess a woman’s ovarian reserve, or the number of eggs that are available in her ovaries. Remember, a woman is born with all of her eggs that she will use and have available during her reproductive lifespan. Our New Jersey fertility doctor uses these blood tests to help diagnose infertility and to determine the best course of treatment.
Most common fertility blood tests
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
The pituitary gland produces a hormone called FSH. It helps to stimulate the growth of follicles in the ovaries. A high FSH level can indicate that a woman has a diminished ovarian reserve.
Estradiol (E2)
The ovaries produce the E2 hormone. It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and to prepare the body for pregnancy. A too low E2 level or a too high level can indicate that a woman has a diminished ovarian reserve.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
The ovaries also produce the AMH hormone. It is a good measure of ovarian reserve, and it can also be used to predict how well a woman will respond to fertility treatments. Some experts feel that AMH is the most accurate of all the available test options.
Our fertility doctor typically recommends that women have fertility blood tests on the third day of their menstrual cycles. This is because the levels of FSH, E2, and AMH are most stable on this day.
Our fertility doctor orders blood tests to help determine the best course of treatment
The results of fertility blood tests can help a doctor to diagnose infertility and to determine the best course of treatment. For example, a woman with a high FSH level may be advised to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, our fertility doctor retrieves eggs from the ovaries. Our team sends the eggs to a laboratory for fertilization with sperm, and our doctor transfers the fertilized eggs back into the uterus.
Our fertility doctor also uses fertility blood tests to monitor the progress of fertility treatments. For example, a woman who is undergoing IVF may have her FSH, E2, and AMH levels checked every few days to ensure that the treatment is working properly.
Fertility blood tests are a valuable tool for assessing a woman’s ovarian reserve and for monitoring the progress of fertility treatments. If you are struggling to conceive, talk to your doctor about getting fertility blood tests.
Additional blood tests help assess a woman’s overall health and causes of infertility
In addition to FSH, E2, and AMH, our New Jersey fertility doctor may order additional blood tests. These tests can help to assess a woman’s overall health and to rule out other possible causes of infertility.
Additional fertility blood testing may include:
Prolactin
The pituitary gland produces the hormone prolactin. High levels of prolactin can interfere with ovulation.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
The pituitary gland also produces the hormone TSH. It helps to regulate the thyroid gland. A problem with the thyroid gland can affect fertility.
Testosterone
Both men and women produce the hormone testosterone. High levels of testosterone in women can interfere with ovulation.
Our fertility doctor provides women with expert diagnosis and treatment
Women who are struggling to conceive should consult with our New Jersey fertility doctor about fertility blood testing. These tests can help diagnose causes of infertility. Contact us for an appointment.