If pregnancy does not occur despite unprotected sexual intercourse for a certain period of time, it is necessary to consult an obstetrics and gynecology doctor. This period is 1 year for women under 35 and 6 months for women over 35. The doctor will begin to investigate the cause of infertility by evaluating hormone tests that will give clues about the cause of infertility and even detect the problem itself. These hormones determine or direct the female reproductive system.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
AMH test shows a woman’s ovarian reserve, it is done to diagnose problems such as PCOS, premature menopause, or low ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve directly determines fertility potential. Low Amh level indicates low fertility potential.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. A high FSH level indicates poor ovarian reserve or ovarian failure, while Low FSH level indicates PCOS.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH triggers ovulation and the release of eggs from the ovary. Low or high levels of the luteinizing hormone can cause infertility.
Estradiol
Estradiol is a female sex hormone. High estrogen levels can increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Low estrogen level indicates menopause. Estradiol is a growth hormone for the reproductive organs including the breast, vagina, uterus, and endometrium.
Progesterone
Progesterone is produced by the ovaries during the release of a mature egg from an ovary (ovulation). Progesterone helps prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive the embryo(s). If progesterone level is low, the embryo fails to implant in the uterine lining. Even if the embryo is implanted in the uterus, pregnancy can result in miscarriage.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. A high level of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can cause irregular menstruation, absence of menstruation(amenorrhea), and infertility.
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and levels are measured with T3, T4, and TSH tests in the blood. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, it is called Hypothyroidism, and when it produces too much thyroid hormone, it is called Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause polycystic ovary syndrome and is associated with many abnormal conditions such as irregular ovulation, fetal abnormalities, and preterm delivery.
