Hormone testing is an important part of getting pregnant. Before you start trying to get pregnant, it’s important to have a full checkup with your doctor to make sure that both you and your partner are healthy and ready for pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend hormone testing as part of the prepregnancy evaluation. Hormone tests measure levels of hormones in the body, which can indicate problems like ovulation issues or hormonal imbalances that can affect fertility. Knowing the results of these tests ahead of time can help couples plan ahead if there are any problems or concerns.
Hormone tests typically include measuring levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, progesterone, prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). LH and FSH are hormones that control your ovulation cycle. Low levels can mean you’re not ovulating or releasing eggs, while high levels can mean there is an issue with the number of eggs being released each month. Estradiol is a type of estrogen that helps regulate the menstrual cycle by controlling how much progesterone your body produces during ovulation. Progesterone is a hormone that helps maintain the lining of the uterus for pregnancy to occur. High levels of progesterone can indicate that an egg has been fertilized and implantation has occurred. Prolactin helps produce breast milk after childbirth and too high of a level can make it harder to conceive. Finally, TSH is a hormone that helps regulate the thyroid gland and an imbalance can affect fertility.
Your doctor may recommend having these tests performed every month for several months before you start trying to get pregnant in order to get a better idea of your hormone levels over time. This will help you and your doctor create a plan if any issues or abnormalities arise. Hormone testing is part of the process of getting pregnant and can be an important step in making sure that both you and your partner are ready for pregnancy. With proper preparation, couples can take control of their fertility journey and make the most out of their chances for successful conception.
It’s important to remember that hormone testing isn’t the only step you should take before trying to get pregnant. Your doctor can help you devise a plan for other lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that can help increase your chances of successful conception. Preparing for pregnancy is an important part of getting pregnant and hormone testing can be one step in that preparation. With proper planning and understanding of your hormone levels, couples can maximize their chances of conceiving a healthy baby.
Good luck!