Blood Tests
Phlebotomy service: Bloods are a really important marker for your general health but we look at specific markers to check you are at your optimal reproductive health.
64% of us have at least one hormone out of range. Even having just one out of range may contribute to difficulty in conceiving.
The full fertility assessment panel will check :
- Hormonal health
- AMH
- Thyroid panel
- Personal health measurements
- Full blood count
- Iron status
- Diabetes health
- Nutritional health
For fertility, please attend on day 2, 3 or 4 of your cycle (Day 1 being the first day of your bleed).
If attending to confirm ovulation or progesterone levels please attend 7 days post ovulation.
Home Blood Testing
If you are not in the vicinity of one of our phlebotomists you can order our testing home kits. These will not test as extensively as the full fertility panel by a Phlebotomist but it will measure key hormones. You can also add the Thyroid home testing kit.
Home Blood Testing Kit
These will not test as extensively as the full fertility panel by a Phlebotomist but it will measure key hormones ie:
- FSH
- LH
- Estrogen
- Prolactin
- Testosterone
- SHBG
- Progesterone
Again, please test on day 2, 3 or 4 of your cycle(Day 1 being the first day of your bleed).
If testing to confirm ovulation or progesterone levels please attend 7 days post ovulation.
Thyroid Home Testing Kit
This kiit will will include:
- TSH
- Free T3
- Free T4
- Ant -TG
- Anti-TPO
Thyroid disorders are relatively common in females but can also affect males. They can be difficult to diagnose and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. An underactive thyroid, where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones is associated with the following symptoms; tiredness, weight gain, depression, hair loss and sensitivity to cold temperatures. An overactive thyroid on the other hand, a condition where the thyroid produces too many hormones can cause weight loss, anxiety, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, sensitivity to heat, muscle weakness, itchiness and a frequent need to urinate.
Blood Test FAQs
What is Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?
FSH stimulates the production of oestradiol and promotes the development of ovarian follicles. FSH levels peak just before ovulation, with levels lower during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle to prevent the development of new follicles. Due to the fluctuation of FSH levels during the menstrual cycle, its is recommended that levels are measured within the first 4 days of the cycle. A common reason for increased levels of FSH is the menopause.
What is Luteinising Hormone (LH)
LH plays an important role in reproductive health. LH levels peak in the middle of the menstrual cycle triggering ovulation. Measurement alongside other hormones at the beginning of the cycle can help to identify a hormone imbalance that could be affecting ovulation.
What is Oestradiol?
Oestradiol is the main form of estrogen in the body. Oestradiol is essential for ovulation, conception and pregnancy, measuring your oestradiol levels can provide insight into ovarian function.
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone plays an important role in preparing your body for pregnancy after ovulation. Levels increase when you ovulate, measuring your progesterone levels at a particular time in your cycle can therefore indicate if you have ovulated and released healthy eggs.
What is AMH?
AMH stands for Anti Mullerian Hormone. It is a hormone released by the follicles in the ovary. It is a reflection of your egg reserve or the quantity of eggs left in the ovary. It does not reflect the quality of the remaining eggs in the ovary and therefore does not predict a females chances of pregnancy.
This test does implicate if your levels are normal for your age. It is important to know that some contraceptives will alter the true result. If you are taking the contraceptive pill it is advised to come off it and wait for your natural cycle to resume before testing.
What is Prolactin?
Prolactin plays a role in the menstrual cycle and also stimulates milk production during breastfeeding. Too much prolactin can impact the production of other hormones including FSH and LH and as such is important for reproductive health
What is Testosterone?
Measuring your testosterone levels may help to determine the cause of symptoms such as oily skin, excess body hair and irregular periods. High levels are associated with conditions like PCOS.
What is Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)?
SHBG helps to regulate testosterone and estrogen levels.
What is Free Androgen Index?
Measurement of free androgen index is recommended for suspected hyperandrogenism in females.
What is TSH?
TSH is a measure of how hard your body is working to make thyroid hormone. It is a very important marker for fertility.
What is Free T3?
Triiodothyronine (T3) is a thyroid hormone. It plays an important role in the body’s control of metabolism (the many processes that control the rate of activity in cells and tissues).
What is T4?
Thyroxine (Free T4) is the thyroid hormone available for the tissues and cells of the body to use.
What are anti-TPO & anti- TG:
These are thyroid antibodies which work against the thyroid gland. High values would suggest a condition called Hashimoto’s.
How do I prepare before my appointment?
It is recommended to fast. Please do not consume food or drink for 8 hours prior to the appointment. Non fasting can impact the following.