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Hormonal tests
Hormone testing – these are very important and at the same time basic tests determining if hormones responsible for
reproduction are produced appropriately. These tests include measuring the following in blood:
• LH (lutenizing hormone)
• FSH – (folicile stimulating hormone)
• Testosterone
• Progesterone
• Prolactine
• Thyroid hormones
The above are the most crucial ones to ask your doctor for. It is very important to test them at the right time of your cycle
to make sure they give you the right information and reflect of the state of your hormonal production accurately. Sadly not
all the doctors are aware of the need to time these test correctly therefore it is worth noting that the first two hormones
– LH and FSH should be tested at the beginning of your cycle– between 2-4 day of the cycle. (note that - the first
day of your cycle is the first day of your period) In brief, these tests are used to help detect PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome),
as well as to check a patient’s ovary reserve.
Progesterone and prolactine should be measured about 21st day of your cycle (that is based on 28-30 day cycle), however if
your period is not regular and your cycles are longer your tests should be performed later – ideally after 7-8 days
after ovulation..
Progesterone testing will give you an idea whether or not ovulation took place and if its levels are correct. This test can
also detect the so called ‘luteal phase deficiency’. Progesterone level of 10ng/ml and above suggests a woman
has ovulated. Using a transvaginal scan is a better way of ensuring ovulation took place – the scan should be repeated
over a few days during which it is possible to monitor ovarian activity and evaluate endometrium (lining of the womb).
Over production of prolactine is a frequent cause of difficulties in getting pregnant. Elevated levels of this hormone prevent
ovulation and therefore make it impossible to conceive.
Thyroid hormone check – sometimes underactive or overactive thyroid condition causes difficulty conceiving. If you are
aware of your condition and receive treatment it is worthwhile checking the current thyroid hormone levels of (TSH FT3 and
FT4) particularly if it has been long time since your last test. Sometimes women are not aware of the condition mainly because
it is in a very early stage or the symptoms are not severe enough to make us seek medical help. The disease can then be progressing
unnoticed while we are experiencing problems getting pregnant.
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