Hormones: Science Made Simple
Our hormones regulate our fertility and play a big role in our overall health. Fertility testing can help us understand our fertility by gaining an insight into our unique ovarian reserve, ovulation, and our overall reproductive hormone health.
Hormone testing will help you understand your reproductive health and help you plan for the future. Fertility starts to decline around age 30, and dramatically so after age 35. Our specialist clinicians will help you figure out your next steps, based on your results.
AMH Levels
AMH is produced by the follicles surrounding the eggs in your ovaries that have yet to be ovulated. AMH levels can be average, high or low depending on your age. These results should be interpreted alongside your antral follicle count during the ultrasound.
Average: If you have an average amount of AMH, you likely have an average number of eggs.
High AMH: A high AMH for your age could be pointing to a condition called PCOS that can lead to irregular or no ovulation (and ovulation is the key to pregnancy).
Low AMH: A low AMH for your age means you may have fewer eggs and that your window of fertility may be shorter than average. A low AMH does not mean you won’t be able to conceive naturally.
FSH Levels
FSH levels tell us how hard your pituitary gland is working to kickstart your ovaries. FSH levels can be average, high or low depending on your age.
Average: If your levels are average, it suggests an average ovarian reserve for your age.
High FSH: High levels may mean your body is working harder and your ovarian reserve may be low.
Low FSH: Low levels may mean that your ovaries are not able to mature the follicles to ovulate an egg.
Male FSH: FSH is also important for male fertility and low levels can indicate poor sperm production.
Estradiol (E2) Levels
Estradiol (E2) is a form of the hormone estrogen which helps to grow and develop follicles in each cycle, setting the rest of the reproductive cycle in motion.
Average: If your levels are average, it suggests your follicles are secreting the hormone and ovulating normally.
High E2: High levels indicate a problem with your ovarian reserve, and can mean the hormone is suppressing FSH levels.
Low E2: Low levels can indicate poor follicle development and egg quality. It can also affect your uterine lining which can impact implantation.
LH Levels
Luteinizing hormone (LH) controls egg development and helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. The level varies across the cycle, increasing rapidly just before ovulation occurs (the LH surge).
Average: Average levels (and a spike before ovulation) indicate that ovulation is occurring.
High LH: Consistently high levels can prevent the release of the egg and can be an indicator of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Low LH: Low levels suggest irregular, or no ovulation is not occurring.
Prolactin Levels
Prolactin is a stress hormone released by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is the hormone that eventually stimulates the production of breast milk.
Average: Average levels mean the prolactin hormone is working as it should.
High PRL: High levels can prevent the release of FSH and LH hormones, both of which are responsible for developing follicles. Excess prolactin interrupts the process that triggers ovulation.
Low PRL: Low levels of prolactin can cause irregular ovulation.
TSH Levels
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels are usually tested to check for thyroid disease, which is common among women.
Average: Average levels mean the thyroid is not inhibiting fertility processes.
High Levels: High levels can cause fertility issues, such as irregular ovulation.
Low Levels: Low levels can also cause fertility problems, such as irregular ovulation.
AMH testing is included in MyFertilityCheck.
Hormone Profile testing is optional and can be added to your booking to give additional information on your fertility and reproductive health. Hormone Profile blood tests must be taken on Day 2, 3 or 4 of your menstrual cycle.
Questions about fertility preservation?
All you need to know about egg freezing