There are 7 key hormones involved in both male and female fertility. Testing the levels of these hormones will give you a good picture of your current fertility status.
In females, we test the hormones that are involved in the ovulation process to give us a good sense of ovarian reserve. In males, we test the hormones involved in normal sperm production to identify possible causes of infertility.
Female Hormones
These 7 key hormones involved in the ovulation process will give you a good picture of your current fertility status. These hormones can be measured to provide a better sense of your current ovarian reserve.
FSH – The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates the follicles in your ovaries and causes them to grow and produce AMH.
AMH – The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is released by your eggs as they grow, and is one of the most reliable measures of your ovarian reserve. Your AMH level can be measured through a simple blood test.
TSH – Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid to produce hormones that are important for many bodily functions, most notably metabolism. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), high TSH levels result and can have a negative impact on fertility.
Free Thyroxine – Free T4, or thyroxine, is produced by the thyroid gland in response to TSH. Too much or too little FT4 can adversely affect fertility.
Estradiol – Estradiol is one of the main hormones responsible for ovulation. Estradiol is produced by the ovaries.
Prolactin – Prolactin is a hormone that works together with LH and FSH for normal female reproductive function. When prolactin is elevated it can cause infertility by inhibiting FSH and LH release.
Luteinizing Hormone – (LH) helps follicles grow and causes ovulation (rupture of follicle). When LH is within normal range it helps to confirm that there are no serious hormonal imbalances that could prevent normal ovarian function
Male Hormones
This simple test will give you one picture of your current fertility status by testing a few important hormones that are involved with normal sperm production. These hormones can be measured to provide clues on potential causes of infertility.
TSH – Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid to produce hormones that are important for many bodily functions, most notably metabolism. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), high TSH levels result and can have a negative impact on fertility.
FSH – Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is the main hormone from the brain that stimulates cells in the testes which is important for sperm production.
Estradiol – While estradiol (E2) is important for normal function of the male reproductive system, elevated levels may impair fertility.
Free Testosterone – Testosterone (T) is an essential component of the male reproductive system and in male sexual health. It is responsible for libido and secondary sex characteristics, like facial hair and bone structure, as well as supporting normal sperm production. While having low levels of Testosterone can cause reduced libido and contribute indirectly to infertility, high levels of Testosterone, particularly from taking testosterone supplements or steroids, are known to reduce sperm counts.
Free Thyroxine – Free T4, or thyroxine, is produced by the thyroid gland in response to TSH. Too much or too little FT4 can adversely affect fertility.
Prolactin – Prolactin is a hormone that works together with LH and FSH for normal male reproductive function. When prolactin is elevated it can cause infertility by inhibiting FSH and LH release.
Luteinizing Hormone – Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone from the brain that stimulates cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
