Chances are, you haven’t thought much about hormones since puberty. When you start fertility treatment, though, you’ll discover that hormones play an important role in your overall reproductive health. When you go to an initial consultation at a fertility clinic, they’ll likely take several vials of blood to measure levels of different hormones. We’ve compiled a list of hormones that you might hear about throughout your fertility journey, plus ways to improve your levels, if possible.

AMH 

What is AMH? 

Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is found inside cells in the follicles of a woman’s ovaries. Testing the level of AMH can help estimate a woman’s egg count and the quality of those eggs. People with a higher AMH level have more and better quality eggs; people with a lower level have fewer and lower quality eggs.

How do you test AMH? 

It’s a simple blood test, usually done at your fertility clinic consultation.

Can AMH levels be improved? 

AMH does fluctuate, but it can’t be improved by taking medication. 

If you’re currently taking hormonal birth control, your reported AMH level may not be accurate until those hormones are out of your system, either by stopping birth control pills or removing a hormonal IUD, and retesting. Typically, if you’re on hormonal birth control, this test will show a lower AMH level than you actually have. Ask your doctor for details about how your birth control might affect your AMH test results.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

What is FSH? 

Eggs grow in follicles in a woman’s ovaries. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) keeps the menstrual cycle on track and stimulates those follicles’ growth to produce eggs. Although FSH levels can fluctuate with each menstrual cycle and one reading might not be representative, testing FSH can help providers measure ovarian health and understand how your body might respond to fertility treatment.

How do you test FSH? 

It’s a simple blood test, usually done at your fertility clinic consultation.

Can FSH levels be improved? 

It depends on the cause of your FSH level. If you have a high AMH level, your doctor can prescribe oestrogen to help balance it. Your doctor might also recommend diet and lifestyle changes to improve your chances.

Oestradiol (oestrogen) 

What is oestradiol? 

It’s a female sex hormone that regulates the reproductive system. It’s produced in the ovaries and can indicate fertility issues or changes, like beginning menopause. 

Oestrogen and progesterone are both important hormones in reproductive health. 

How do you test oestradiol? 

It’s a simple blood test, usually done at your fertility clinic consultation.

Can oestradiol levels be improved? 

In the early part of fertility treatment, your doctor will prescribe oestrogen-based medication to regulate the ovaries and suppress follicle development.

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Luteinising Hormone (LH) 

What is LH? 

It’s a hormone that matures an egg and causes ovulation. People with irregular or no periods might have high levels; people who are very underweight and don’t have periods might have very low levels. Luteinising hormone (LH) levels fluctuate depending on where you are in a menstrual cycle, and the level isn’t necessarily good or bad across the board. Your doctor can help explain what your personal LH level might indicate.

How do you test LH? 

It’s a simple blood test, usually done at your fertility clinic consultation.

Can LH levels be improved? 

Your doctor can recommend specific fertility treatment if you have a concerning level of LH. They might prescribe oestrogen and recommend ovulation induction to produce the best possible egg.

Progesterone 

What is progesterone? 

Progesterone is a female sex hormone that helps your body prepare for a potential pregnancy every month, thickening the uterine wall after ovulation. Measuring its level can help a doctor understand when you’re going to ovulate or to spot any concerns about your overall reproductive health.

Oestrogen and progesterone are both important hormones in reproductive health. 

How do you test progesterone levels? 

It’s a simple blood test, usually done at your fertility clinic consultation.

Can progesterone levels be improved? 

Your doctor might recommend taking a progesterone medication to help improve your level of progesterone.

Prolactin (PRL)

What is prolactin? 

It’s a hormone responsible for breast development and milk production in women. If you have high levels of prolactin, it might mean that you have a pituitary tumour that can prevent you from getting pregnant. 

Note: It sounds a little strange, but if you have nipple piercings, be sure to tell your doctor at your consultation. Having nipple rings can impact prolactin levels.

How do you test prolactin? 

It’s a simple blood test, usually done at your fertility clinic consultation.

Can prolactin levels be improved? 

Your doctor might recommend taking a progesterone medication to help improve your level of prolactin. Eating apricots and dates can also increase prolactin. 

Androgens 

What are androgens? 

Androgens are hormones responsible for growth and reproductive processes in men and women. A higher than expected level of androgens can be a sign that you might have ovulation problems or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), both of which can contribute to fertility challenges.

How do you test androgen levels? 

It’s a simple blood test, usually done at your fertility clinic consultation.

Can androgen levels be reduced? 

Your doctor might recommend taking a progesterone medication to help improve your level of androgens. Consult your doctor on the best way to reduce your androgen levels.