Diagnostic Studies: Endocrine Studies

During your fertility evaluation, it may be necessary to obtain blood samples to test for evidence of any hormone abnormalities. Included in this section of diagnostic studies, are some of the tests that may be performed. The reasons for performing these tests and the results will be discussed with you. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have concerning these tests.

• Blood test done day 2 or 3 of menstrual cycle
• Blood test done any day of cycle

ESTRADIOL - This hormone is the active estrogen that is produced by the ovary. It may be measured at several different times:

• on day 2 or 3 of cycle to measure ovarian reserve.
• at or near ovulation determine the quality of egg maturity.
• during ovulation stimulation therapy to help predict egg maturity.
• in recurrent pregnancy losses to improve embryo implantation.

FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH) - This hormone is a messenger from the pituitary gland to the ovary. The ovary is stimulated to grow eggs as a result of FSH released in pulses from the brain. It is measured in fertility patients to determine if the ovary still has eggs that can grow and be released (ovarian reserve).

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