The hormone test will reveal if your body is sending the necessary signals to your ovaries to create an egg. Hormones control egg development, release, fertilization, and implantation—basically every step is controlled by your hormones, so checking for imbalances is very important!

This test is as simple as a blood draw. But from your blood, the following hormones can be evaluated:

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

FSH creates the follicles in your ovaries and are responsible for egg development. Follicles are important because they keep your menstrual cycle working properly, and they represent how many eggs are available to be fertilized.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

LH is responsible for ovulation, the very important process of releasing the egg from the follicles.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

TSH is a measure of thyroid function, and the thyroid can influence ovulation and increase chances of miscarriage when it is not working well.

Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens

These hormones are what make your menstrual cycle happen, a process that is preparing the uterus to receive and care for a fertilized egg.

Prolactin

Prolactin is an important hormone that creates breastmilk. However, if the levels are imbalanced, it can also stop ovulation from happening. 

Tips & Hints

The hormone test is an easy one! You will have your blood drawn in one sitting to evaluate all these various hormones, so relax and enjoy knowing that this quick task is gathering a lot of information about your reproductive health!

As with any blood draw, you should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water for up to a few days before and right up to the test.

If you’re weary of needles, start by letting the lab tech know! These people are well versed in taking blood, and they understand that some people are extra bothered by it and will be extremely gentle if they know it’s an issue. From there, breathe, look away, and sit very still! You might be tempted to hold your breath, but this won’t help if you’re feeling faint! Looking away and sitting still will distract you while ensuring that you get the least number of pokes possible. 

The hormone test is one of a series of tests involved in the infertility workup evaluating a patient for treatment.