Common Hormones Check for Fertility Baselines & Hormone Balance.
Various tests are available to help identify any potential imbalances and guide personalized treatment plans. At Garnet Moon Denver, we understand the importance of collaborating with all members of your healthcare team, including your Fertility specialist, gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, or medical doctor. Using an integrative approach, we review your lab test results and work closely with your other providers to design a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our ultimate goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to take control of your health and live your best life.
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Hormones & Tests:
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone): the hormone that helps build the follicle or follicles the egg will emerge from—Stimulates follicular growth. FSH is used to gauge ovarian reserve and is often tested with AMH. FSH can be elevated by stress and when the ovarian reserve (egg quality) is lower in quality.
E2 (Estrodiol): is one of three types of estrogens. Estrogens are hormones discussed a lot with Fertility because they help develop the uterine lining and are essential for breast development. Inadequate estrogen can be a sign of lack of ovulation or low ovarian health and can impede the healthy implantation of the developing embryo. Estrogen softens the cervix and increases cervical mucus so the sperm can enter the enter to fertilize the egg.
Progesterone (P4): is produced from the corpus luteum after ovulation and creates an optimally functioning uterine lining. Lower levels suggest ovulation is not occurring, an inadequate corpus luteum is being produced, or the corpus luteum fails before implantation. Estrogen helps to build tissue, and progesterone develops the tissue to accept a fertilized egg.
LH (Luteinizing hormone): LH is released from the pituitary gland. The LH and FSH communicate with the growing follicles in the ovaries. LH rises just before the release of the egg to induce ovulation. LH will be elevated in hormonal issues like PCOS.
AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone): is measured to see the egg quality and reserve that remains before menopause.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): is produced in the brain’s pituitary gland and signals to the thyroid gland the need to make thyroid hormone. For fertility health, a good TSH range is generally accepted as less than 2.5. Levels of TSH greater than 2.5 are associated with poorer pregnancy and ovulation rates.
Prolactin (luteotropic hormone): elevated levels cause issues with ovulation. Prolactin is the hormone associated with breast milk production and stimulates progesterone production (P4).
Vitamin D: Vitamin D3 is converted into a hormone in the same family as estradiol and thyroid. It is essential in opening receptors, or doors, in the cells. Vitamin D3 deficiency is prevalent, even in sunny climates. Vitamin D3, restored to satisfactory levels (less than thirty-two), has improved fertility rates in PCOS women and women undergoing IVF treatments. Vitamin D3 is essential in the immune system and in regulating insulin levels.
Testosterone: is produced from the ovaries and turns into estradiol within the ovaries, which is a sign of healthy ovulation. The follicles and egg quality are poor when testosterone levels are too high, as seen in women with PCOS. Increased testosterone also interferes with ovulation, which can cause cycles to become irregular. High insulin levels partially stimulate high testosterone.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): DHEA-S is one of the primary hormones in the body and serves as a precursor to testosterone and estradiol. Low levels of DHEA-S can lead to lower estrogen levels and changes in the immune system. High levels of DHEA-S are often associated with higher insulin levels, higher testosterone levels, and PCOS.
The Male Factor (The Swimmers):
It is no secret that infertility can be a difficult and trying experience for couples trying to start a family. While many assume that fertility issues are solely associated with the female partner, this is not always true. In fact, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 40% of infertile couples experience problems with male infertility. This is why both partners need to be proactive in getting checked out. While women may undergo blood work to test their ovarian reserve, men can opt for a semen analysis to see if their sperm count, motility, and morphology are optimal. By taking a comprehensive approach to fertility testing, couples can approach their fertility journey with confidence and clarity.
The Impact of Stress & Hormones:
Did you know that stress can significantly impact your hormones? Yes, it’s true! Studies have shown that high-stress levels can lower progesterone levels in women’s bodies. Progesterone is crucial in fetal development and early pregnancy, making it one of the top pregnancy hormones.
At Garnet Moon Denver, we understand how important it is to have balanced hormones during your pregnancy journey. That’s why our experts help you in preconception, prenatal, and postnatal stages and focus on managing your stress levels throughout the process. With our support, you can have a stress-free pregnancy experience and be confident in your journey toward motherhood.