Hormone Testing

Hormonal imbalances may cause problems with fertility. Hormones involved in reproduction are derived from the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland and the ovary. These hormones vary during the menstrual cycle and therefore monitoring occurs at specific times.


The hormones that are routinely analyzed are:


  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Is produced by the pituitary gland and is often used as a gauge of ovarian reserve when tested early in a woman’s cycle. Follicles are specialized cysts in the ovary that contain a woman’s egg, FSH is responsible for stimulation of the egg maturation process

  • Estradiol: Is produced by the ovary and in the early part of the menstrual cycle should be low. Abnormally high levels on day 3 may indicate a functional cyst or diminished ovarian reserve.

  • Progesterone: Is the dominant hormone produced by the ovary following ovulation. It is responsible for preparing the uterine lining for implantation and remains elevated during pregnancy.

  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Is produced by the pituitary and elevations are observed before ovulation.

  • HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Is known as the pregnancy hormone. It is chemically similar to the luteinizing hormone as described above and for this reason is used to induce ovulation. Positive levels of this hormone are present when a woman has taken an injection containing this hormone or when pregnant.

Other hormonal tests such as Prolactin and Thyroid studies may impact fertility and are assessed intermittently. We can study some of these hormones at any time during your menstrual cycle, but we must study others at specific times. We usually do baseline blood work on cycle day 2 or 3, usually at the Albany IVF offices during our Clinic hours.


Helpful Hints:

Cycle day 1 refers to the first day of your menstrual bleeding, not spotting. Occasionally we order blood work requiring you to go to an outside commercial laboratory. In these cases, we will give you a prescription for the blood work. Your insurance carrier will decide which lab you use. If you are not sure what lab to use, please check with your insurance company for a list of participating labs.