Hormonal studies form the main stay for evaluating the fertility potential of the women. Hormonal studies measure the levels of certain hormones produced by the body during each menstrual cycle. Hormones affect every step necessary in achieving pregnancy from stimulating the development of an egg to ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. If the hormones that affect fertility are not produced in specific amounts at specific times during the cycle, the chances of conceiving a child may be greatly inhibited.
Hormonal evaluation, usually centered around the estimation of blood levels of the following hormones:
- AMH – in females reflects the ovarian reserve
- Estradiol – stimulates the growth of the follicles and the production of cervical mucus from the cervix, and prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg
- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) – stimulates the development of the egg
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) – stimulates the release of the egg from the follicles
- Progesterone – stabilizes the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and supports early pregnancy
- The overproduction of the following hormones can negatively affect ovulation:
- Androgens – normally small amounts of androgens (testosterone) are produced in women; excess production can interfere with development of the follicles, ovulation and cervical mucus production
- Prolactin – stimulates milk production; prolactin levels may be higher than normal in stressful conditions or certain disorders or when certain medications are taken
- Thyroid – Thyroid dysfunction can contribute to subclinical pregnancy loss and abortions. Further an under active thyroid can result in suppression of ovulation