Essential Female Fertility Tests
Understanding your fertility health starts with the right diagnostic tests. This guide outlines the foundational tests that provide a comprehensive overview of your reproductive health.

  • 1.a Hormone Profile Part 1

    Hormone Profile Part 1

    Blood sample taken between days 1-3 of your cycle (day 1 is the first day of full menstrual flow)

    FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): Regulates ovarian function and egg development

    LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Triggers ovulation

    Estradiol (E2): Primary female sex hormone

    Prolactin: Hormone that can affect ovulation when elevated

    Testosterone: Can be tested at any time in the cycle, but convenient to include with these tests

  • 1.b Hormone Profile Part 2

    Blood test taken 7 days after ovulation (often called the "day 21 test")

    Progesterone: Confirms ovulation has occurred and evaluates luteal phase adequacy

    Important Note: While commonly referred to as a "day 21 test," this should actually be timed based on your specific ovulation date, not a standard day in your cycle. For cycles longer or shorter than 28 days, testing should be done 6-8 days after your estimated ovulation.

    Additional Hormone Tests

    Consider these tests if you experience elevated stress, reduced energy, decreased libido, or poor ovarian response during IVF:

    DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): Can be tested any time in your cycle

    Cortisol: Can be tested any time in your cycle

  • 2. Full Thyroid Panel

    A comprehensive thyroid assessment can be performed at any point in your cycle and includes:

    TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

    Free T3

    Free T4

    Reverse T3 (not always included in standard panels)

    Antithyroid Peroxidase

    Antithyroid Globulin

  • 3. Full Blood Count (FBC)/Complete Blood Count (CBC)

    This baseline blood test evaluates overall health and can be performed at any time during your cycle.

  • 4. Ultrasound Scan

    An ultrasound provides valuable information about your:

    Ovarian health and follicle count

    Fallopian tube condition

    Uterine health

    Ultrasound scanning offers an effective way to assess your ovarian reserve, often providing more accurate information than AMH testing alone. Learn more about ultrasound for fertility assessment.

  • 5. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing

    Key STI tests include:

    HIV

    Chlamydia

    Gonorrhea

    Syphilis

    Candida Albicans (if symptoms are present)

  • Vitamin and Mineral Tests

    These nutritional tests can be performed at any time during your cycle:

    Vitamin B6

    Vitamin B12

    Folate

    Zinc (serum)

    Vitamin D (serum)