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).

LUTIENIZING HORMONE (LH) - This hormone is a messenger from the pituitary gland in the brain to the ovary. The ovary is stimulated to make prehormones that will be used to produce estradiol. LH also is the messenger to the ovary to ripen and release eggs (ovulation). This hormone can be detected by a urine test to determine the occurrence of ovulation. (Ovuquick, Q-test, First Response)

PROGESTERONE - A hormone produced and released by the corpus luteum of the ovary beginning at ovulation and continuing during the second half of the ovulatory cycle. It is necessary for the preparation of the lining of the uterus for the implantation of the fertilized egg. It is also critical for maintaining the pregnancy. Late in the first trimester of pregnancy, the placenta takes over the production of progesterone from the ovary.

PROLACTIN - A hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the milk secretion glands in the breast. Elevated levels in the non-pregnant woman can interfere with ovulation, implantation and early pregnancy.

THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) A hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid to produce and release its hormones.

DIHYDROEPIANDOSTERONE SULFATE (DHEA-S) - A prehormone produced mainly by adrenal glands. Elevated levels in woman can cause hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and interfere with ovulation.

17-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE - A prehormone produced mainly by the adrenal gland but is produced in the ovary as well. Elevated levels can cause hirsutism and interfere with ovulation.

12-HOUR FASTING BLOOD SUGAR AND SERUM INSULIN LEVEL - Elevated insulin levels in a woman can interfere with ovulation and can lead to hirsutism. Insulin level abnormalities are often seen in women with polycystic ovarian disorder.

RUBELLA TITER - A test to determine if someone is protected by the Rubella measles vaccine. Some people may lose their immunity from their childhood vaccination and need another vaccination. A waiting period of 3 months is needed to know if the new vaccination is successful.