Fertility Monitoring Panel for Women

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE

Estradiol

Estradiol (estradiol-17 beta, E2) is part of an estrogen that is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men. Estradiol (E2) is the predominant form of estrogen and is produced primarily in the ovaries with additional amounts produced by the adrenal glands in women and in the testes and adrenal glands in men. Estradiol levels are used in evaluating ovarian function. Estradiol levels are increased in cases of early (precocious) puberty in girls and gynecomastia in men. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea – for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development in the ovary in the days prior to in vitro fertilization. Estradiol is also sometimes used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Also known as: Follicle Stimulating Hormone, FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Fsh

Also known as: Interstitial Cell Stimulating Hormone, Leuteinizing Hormone, LH, Serum, Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Lh

Also known as: Progesterone Immunoassay

Progesterone

Serum progesterone is a test to measure the amount of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. In women, progesterone plays a vital role in pregnancy. After an egg is released by the ovaries (ovulation), progesterone helps make the uterus ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. It prepares the womb (uterus) for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production. Men produce some amount of progesterone, but it probably has no normal function except to help produce other steroid hormones.

Also known as: PRL

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Prolactin secretion is regulated and inhibited by the brain chemical dopamine. Normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women, prolactin's primary role is to promote lactation (breast milk production). Prolactin levels are usually high throughout pregnancy and just after childbirth. During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin level soon drops back to pre-pregnancy levels. If she does nurse, suckling by the infant plays an important role in the release of prolactin. There is a feedback mechanism between how often the baby nurses and the amount of prolactin secreted by the pituitary as well as the amount of milk produced. Another common cause of elevated prolactin levels is a prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign. They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men. Problems resulting from them can arise both from the unintended effects of excess prolactin, such as milk production in the non-pregnant woman (and rarely, man) and from the size and location of the tumor. If the anterior pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and it can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces. In women, prolactinomas can cause infertility and irregularities in menstruation; in men, these tumors can cause a gradual loss in sexual function and libido. If left untreated, prolactinomas may eventually damage the tissues around them.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyrotropin

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

TSH

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The Fertility Monitoring Panel for Women panel contains 7 tests with 8 biomarkers.

The Fertility Monitoring Panel for Women is a comprehensive set of blood tests designed to assess key hormones that play crucial roles in a woman's reproductive health and fertility. This panel helps evaluate ovarian function, ovulation status, and general fertility potential. It is an essential tool for women trying to conceive or those assessing their reproductive health. Here's what each test in the panel examines:

  1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This test measures the level of FSH in the blood. FSH is vital for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. Elevated levels can indicate a reduced ovarian reserve, potentially impacting fertility.

  2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): LH levels are crucial for triggering ovulation. This test helps determine if and when ovulation is occurring by measuring the surge in LH levels, providing insights into the ovulation cycle and timing.

  3. Estradiol (E2): Estradiol, a form of estrogen, is produced by developing ovarian follicles. It is instrumental in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. This test measures E2 levels to assess follicle development and overall estrogenic activity, with abnormal levels possibly affecting fertility.

  4. Progesterone: Progesterone is key to preparing the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg. Testing progesterone levels post-ovulation can confirm whether ovulation has occurred and if the uterine environment is suitable for pregnancy.

  5. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): AMH levels provide an indication of the ovarian reserve, offering insights into the quantity of remaining eggs and overall fertility potential. High levels suggest a good reserve, while low levels can signal diminished ovarian reserve.

  6. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Proper thyroid function is essential for fertility. The TSH test measures thyroid activity, identifying underactive or overactive thyroid conditions that could affect fertility.

  7. Prolactin: Elevated prolactin levels can interfere with ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. This test measures prolactin to identify abnormalities that may need to be addressed to restore fertility.

The Fertility Monitoring Panel for Women provides a holistic view of a woman's fertility status, guiding her and her healthcare provider in making informed decisions about fertility treatments or interventions. This panel is recommended for women experiencing difficulty conceiving, those planning to conceive, or anyone interested in understanding their reproductive health better.

 

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