Fertility Blood Tests

What Are Fertility Blood Tests?

Fertility blood tests are laboratory tests aimed at measuring a variety of hormones and markers that have a direct impact on a person’s fertility potential. These tests can offer critical information about the health of the reproductive system for both women and men as they relate to fertility. Compared to imaging studies or surgical procedures, fertility blood tests are generally simple and require collecting a small amount of blood. Yet, they provide a more comprehensive picture of the reproductive systems of both males and females.

Fertility hormone tests Bangladesh are commonly recommended if a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year, or earlier if there are known risk factors such as irregular periods, thyroid issues, or previous reproductive complications. Fertility blood tests identify possible barriers to conception, such as egg count, irregular ovulation, or hormonal disturbances, to further develop the treatment plan.

Key Fertility Blood Tests for Men and Women:

There are a number of common as well as separate fertility blood tests for men and women, some of which include:

1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):

FSH, or Follicle Stimulating Hormone, is produced in the pituitary gland located in the brain. It is important in maintaining the menstrual cycle in women and sperm production in men.

What it checks:

• Women: FSH test Bangladesh is directly related to ovarian function, including the number of eggs (ovarian reserve). That is, a high level of FSH may indicate poor egg quality, reduced ovarian reserve, and eventually pre-menopause.
• Men: In men, FSH is linked with the function of the testes. High or low levels of this hormone can mean a problem with sperm production or even potential damage to the testes.

2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

LH is also released by the pituitary and works in tandem with FSH. In women, it stimulates ovulation, and in men, it stimulates testosterone release.

What it measures:

• Women: Assessment of the LH level will inform the health of ovulation. A rise in LH mid-cycle is what stimulates the ovary to release an egg. Persistently high LH levels may be an indicator of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while low LH levels may indicate that ovulation hasn't occurred.
• Men: LH stimulates the production of testosterone, which is important for developing sperm. A low LH would likely produce lower testosterone, affecting fertility.

3. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is released by small ovarian follicles and is considered one of the better indicators of ovarian reserve. The value of AMH test Bangladesh is that it is not cycle-dependent, unlike FSH, so it is quite convenient.

What does it check?

• The quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries.
• A prediction of the ovarian response to fertility treatment such as IVF.
• A low AMH level suggests a decreased number of eggs left in the ovaries. High levels are often elevated in those with PCOS.

4. Estradiol (E2)

Estradiol is the predominant form of estrogen in women and is vital for the development of eggs, growth of the endometrial lining, and overall reproductive function.

What does it check?

• Ovarian activity and the development of eggs.
• High levels of E2 may mask the true FSH value and misrepresent an estimation of ovarian reserve, while abnormal levels may indicate ovarian or hormonal dysfunction.

4. Progesterone:

Progesterone is a hormone associated with females that is synthesised and secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary following ovulation. It prepares the lining of the uterus for egg implantation.

What does it test?

It indicates whether ovulation has occurred or not. Progesterone levels that are too low can suggest a failure of ovulation (an egg not being released) and/or an issue with the luteal phase, which can hinder implantation of an egg that has been fertilised.

5. Testosterone:

Testosterone is a major male sex hormone generated by the testes, and the levels are lower in women.

What does it test?

• Males: Essential for sperm number, libido, and a normal reproductive system. Deficiencies can cause below-optimal quality of sperm, impotence, and reduced fertility.
• Women: Tested when there are signs of too much male hormone (androgen) activity, e.g., with PCOS. High testosterone levels, furthermore, can impair ovulation and cycles.

6. Prolactin:

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in the production of breast milk, but is also linked to reproductive well-being.

What does it monitor?

• Women: A high level of prolactin can inhibit ovulation and thus cause irregular and/or missing periods.
• Men: An increased level of prolactin reduces testosterone, leading to low sperm counts, a reduced sex drive, and impaired erectile function.

7. Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4):

Collection of tests to assess thyroid gland activity. Thyroid hormones have effects on metabolism, and there is established evidence for an indirect but small and measurable effect of these hormones on reproduction.

What does it check?

• Women: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both can change fertility by impacting ovulation, menstrual regularity, and outcomes of pregnancy.
• Men: Thyroid disorders can impact fertility potential through decreased sperm motility, hormonal imbalance, etc.

8. Vitamin D:

A fat-soluble vitamin that is relevant not just for bone health, but also for reproductive well-being.

What does it screen?

• Women: Decreased levels of vitamin D have been shown to negatively impact egg quality, implantation, and pregnancy.
• Men: Deficiency in vitamin D may result in low testosterone, impaired sperm motility, and compromised fertility.

9. Blood sugar and insulin

These tests provide you with information regarding glucose and how your body handles insulin. These tests are used most often as a test for diabetes or insulin resistance.

What it checks:

• Women: Insulin resistance is a significant contributor to PCOS and irregular cycles or ovulation.
• Men: Inadequate insulin control might mean lower testosterone levels and less sperm production.

Conclusion

To conclude, fertility blood tests are the necessary first step for couples who wish to conceive, as they provide objective assessments of reproductive health for both men and women. Through the assessment of vital hormones, including FSH, LH, AMH, prolactin, thyroid markers, and more, these tests help to identify underlying issues such as low ovarian reserve, aberrant ovulation and low sperm counts. These tests for you and your partner help you understand your fertility better, give you knowledge versus uncertainty, and give you hope as well. Acting on your test results can help you on your journey to parenthood by making it easier, more informed, and more successful.