FSH
The follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland stimulates the growth of the follicles in the ovary – a central value for assessing ovarian function.
The hormone status for fertility.
Hormones control the cycle, egg maturation and ovulation – and thus the basis of every pregnancy. Even minor deviations can make getting pregnant more difficult. The hormone status is therefore usually one of the first steps of a fertility work-up: a simple blood test that provides many answers.
Explained in the video
Hormones and their role in getting pregnant.
A woman's hormonal cycle is a sensitive, finely tuned system in which several hormones play an essential role. They are produced in the brain, the thyroid gland, the ovary and the adrenal cortex. In the video, Priv.-Doz. DDr. Michael Feichtinger explains how this interplay works – and why it is so crucial for the wish for a child.
The key blood values
Which hormones are tested for fertility.
The hormone status comprises several values which together provide a picture of ovarian, thyroid and pituitary function. Interpretation always belongs in medical hands – individual values say little, the interplay is what counts.
LH
The luteinising hormone triggers ovulation. The ratio of LH to FSH provides additional clues, for example to PMOS (formerly PCOS).
Oestradiol
The most important oestrogen is produced in the maturing follicles. It allows the build-up of the uterine lining and egg maturation to be assessed.
Progesterone
The corpus luteum hormone prepares the uterine lining for implantation after ovulation and maintains an early pregnancy – important when luteal phase deficiency is suspected.
AMH
The anti-Müllerian hormone reflects the ovarian reserve – i.e. "how full" the ovary still is. More on our page AMH level & ovarian reserve.
TSH / thyroid
The thyroid gland influences the cycle, egg maturation and early pregnancy. Its function is assessed via TSH – both an overactive and an underactive thyroid can make conceiving more difficult. Read more on our page thyroid & fertility.
Prolactin
The "milk hormone" from the pituitary gland can, in elevated concentrations, suppress egg maturation and ovulation – for example due to stress or certain medications.
Androgens
Male hormones such as testosterone are also present in the female body. Elevated levels can disrupt the cycle and are typical of PMOS, among other conditions.
Timing
When in the cycle is the hormone status done?
Many hormone values change over the course of the cycle – the timing of the blood test is therefore crucial for its significance. The basic hormone status is usually taken at the beginning of the cycle, i.e. during the first days of your period. Individual values, however, are determined at other specific times: progesterone, for example, is meaningful in the second half of the cycle after ovulation, while AMH can be taken on any day of the cycle.
We take care of the exact planning for you: simply get in touch for a blood test appointment when your menstruation starts – our team coordinates all further test dates individually with your cycle.
Interpretation
What abnormal values can mean.
An abnormal hormone value is not a verdict – but a valuable clue as to where a closer look is needed. From the hormone status, conclusions can be drawn about ovarian, thyroid and pituitary function. Some typical constellations:
Elevated androgens and an altered LH/FSH ratio can point to PMOS – one of the most common hormonal causes of an unfulfilled wish for a child. Abnormal thyroid values can affect the cycle and egg maturation and can usually be treated well. Low progesterone in the second half of the cycle can point to a luteal phase deficiency, in which implantation is impaired. And elevated prolactin can suppress ovulation.
Important: no single value tells the whole story. We discuss every finding with you in detail and together derive the next steps from it – from simple measures to targeted fertility treatment.
The difference
Hormone status and AMH level: what is the difference?
The hormone status shows how the hormonal interplay in your cycle is currently working – whether egg maturation, ovulation and implantation are well supported hormonally. AMH answers a different question: it measures the ovarian reserve, i.e. how many eggs are still present in the ovary. Both examinations complement each other and, together with the check of tubal patency, form part of a complete work-up of female fertility.
Everything you need to know about the ovarian reserve – what the AMH level says, what it does not, and which options exist if the value is low – can be found on our dedicated page AMH level & ovarian reserve.
Your advantage at WIF
Our own hormone laboratory.
At the Wunschbaby Institut Feichtinger we have our own hormone laboratory. There we determine all relevant values – from the first hormone status to ongoing stimulation monitoring during treatment. For you, this means short distances and quickly available results, without waiting times caused by external laboratories.
This allows your treatment to be adjusted to your values on a day-to-day basis – state of the art. You can read more about our departments and our 360° care from a single source under Departments.
Hormones are only one building block of the work-up
A complete fertility work-up includes, in addition to the hormone status, tubal patency, the ovarian reserve – and the partner's semen analysis, because in around half of all cases a cause lies (also) with the man.
FAQ
Hormone status for fertility: your questions.
Which blood values are tested when trying for a baby?
The hormone status usually includes FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone, AMH as a measure of the ovarian reserve, thyroid function (TSH), prolactin and the androgens (male hormones). Together, these values provide a picture of ovarian, thyroid and pituitary function.
When in the cycle should the hormone status be done?
The basic hormone status is ideally taken at the beginning of the cycle, i.e. during the first days of your period. Individual values such as progesterone are determined specifically in the second half of the cycle; AMH is possible on any day of the cycle. Simply get in touch when your menstruation starts – we take care of the exact planning.
What does the hormone status say about my fertility?
It shows whether the hormonal interplay that controls egg maturation, ovulation and implantation is working well – and where possible disturbances lie. Even minor deviations can make a pregnancy more difficult. The hormone status is therefore usually one of the first steps of every fertility work-up.
What does an abnormal hormone value mean?
An abnormal value is initially just a clue – not a verdict. It can point, for example, to PMOS, a thyroid disorder, a luteal phase deficiency or elevated prolactin. Many hormonal causes can be treated well. We discuss every finding with you in detail.
How are the thyroid and fertility connected?
The thyroid hormones influence the cycle, egg maturation and early pregnancy. Both an overactive and an underactive thyroid can make getting pregnant more difficult. That is why checking thyroid function via TSH is a fixed part of the hormone status – and abnormal values can usually be treated well. You can find everything worth knowing on our page thyroid & fertility.
What is the difference between the hormone status and the AMH level?
The hormone status assesses the current hormonal interplay in your cycle, while AMH measures the ovarian reserve – i.e. the number of eggs still present. Both examinations complement each other. You will find everything about AMH on our page AMH level & ovarian reserve.
How quickly will I receive my results?
Since we have our own hormone laboratory, the results are usually available quickly – without waiting times caused by external laboratories. During fertility treatment, your therapy can even be adjusted to your values on a day-to-day basis. We discuss all findings with you in detail.
Are hormones also tested in men?
The basis of the male work-up is the semen analysis. In addition, a hormone test can also be useful for men, for example in the case of abnormal semen analysis findings – because sperm production is also controlled hormonally. Whether this is necessary is something we decide together based on your findings.
Your next step
We fulfil your wish for a child!
A simple blood test provides many answers – we plan the right timing together with you.
Or call us: +43 1 877 77 75