Hormones play a vital role in conception, so an imbalance can cause fertility challenges. Samuel Wood, MD, PhD, MA, MBA, HCLD/CC(ABB), FACOG, and his team at Gen 5 Fertility Center in San Diego, California, are experts in hormonal testing. They can identify issues with the hormones involved in reproduction and offer effective treatments. To find out more or arrange your hormonal testing, call Gen 5 Fertility Center today or go online to book an appointment.
Hormonal testing measures the amount of certain hormones in your blood. Hormones — chemical messengers that direct multiple bodily functions — are vital in reproduction, and an imbalance can affect your ability to conceive. Hormonal testing identifies any issues so you can receive the appropriate treatment.
The Gen 5 Fertility Center team also uses hormonal testing during infertility treatments like ovarian stimulation. These treatments involve taking supplementary oral hormone medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) or letrozole (Femara®) or injections like Gonal-F®, Follistim®, Menopur®, Cetrotide®, Ganarelix®, Ovidrel®, Pregnyl®, and Profasi®. Hormonal testing ensures the additional hormones you take are at the correct levels.
The most influential hormones in reproduction are:
Estrogen hormones include estriol, estradiol, and estrone. These hormones result from egg follicle growth in the ovaries and ensure the uterine lining is healthy. In men, excess estrogen can reduce fertility.
Progesterone regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle and helps her body prepare for conception and pregnancy.
The pituitary gland is in the base of your brain, behind your nose. It produces, stimulates the production of, and stores reproductive hormones like FSH and LH.
hCG supports the normal development of eggs in the ovary and stimulates the egg’s release during ovulation by binding to LH receptors.
LH works with FSH to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. After ovulation, LH promotes progesterone production.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone. Low levels affect sperm production and lower your sex drive. High levels in women reduce fertility.
The adrenal and thyroid hormones also play a role in reproduction. Too much thyroxine disrupts the menstrual cycle, while too little can result in infertility. Excess cortisol can also affect menstruation, while high levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) could indicate you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a possible cause of infertility.
Most hormonal testing simply requires a blood sample. Your blood goes to the lab for analysis, and they send a report to your Gen 5 Fertility Center doctor.
Women typically have blood taken at specific times during their menstrual cycle. That helps determine if your hormone levels are where they should be at critical stages, which can affect ovulation.
To discover more about the role of hormonal testing or arrange a blood test, call Gen 5 Fertility Center today or book an appointment via the online form.