Hormone Testing for Women: Essential Fertility Tests to Boost Your Conception Success
Hormones help maintain your overall health and play an important role in your ability to conceive. When one hormone falls out of balance, it can trigger a chain reaction, disrupting various processes in your body—making it harder to get pregnant.
Fortunately, hormone testing is now available to give your much-needed answers. And even more good news? Getting tested is now more accessible than before.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common hormone tests for fertility, explaining what each test measures, when to get tested, and what abnormal levels could mean for your reproductive health.
What Is Hormone Testing?
Hormone testing measures the levels of key hormones in your body, helping identify imbalances that could affect your overall health and, specifically, your fertility. It’s an excellent way to understand what’s happening inside your body and uncover potential causes of any fertility challenges you might be facing.
Lab Tests Online - No Doctor or Insurance Needed
Check Your Hormons
Why Hormone Testing Matters for Women
Hormones are central to your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Among them, estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) have the most impact on your ability to conceive. These hormones help maintain regular ovulation and the health of your eggs. If these hormones are out of balance, you might experience irregular ovulation, making it more difficult to get pregnant.
If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, hormone testing can also help you check your ovarian reserve. This refers to the number and quality of eggs left in your ovaries. Doing so will help you decide whether to get assisted reproductive treatments like IVF.
Why Hormone Testing Matters for Men
Men’s fertility is just as closely tied to hormone balance. However, the focus is usually on testosterone levels.
Testosterone is crucial for sperm production, and low levels can lower sperm count and quality. Men also have hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH, which regulate sperm production.
Types Of Hormone Tests Available
With so many different tests available, it can feel a bit overwhelming knowing where to start. Don’t worry. We’re here to break it down for you. Below are the most common types of hormone tests for both men and women.
Hormone Testing for Women
Here’s a list of hormone tests available in the U.S. for women:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
First off is the FSH test. FSH is the hormone responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle and stimulating your ovaries to produce eggs. Doctors often use this test to assess the number and quality of eggs available in your ovaries.
To get accurate results, doctors often order the test on the 2nd to 4th day of your menstrual cycle. During this time, your FSH levels are the most stable. For most women, FSH levels are less than 10 mIU/mL.
Having very high FSH levels typically means you’re approaching menopause. However, if you have higher-than-normal FSH levels at a young age, your egg supply may be lower. This reduces the number of eggs that can mature and eventually be fertilized.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is the partner of FSH. LH regulates ovulation by triggering the release of an egg from your ovary. This process makes the egg available for fertilization. Similar to FSH, LH is typically tested during the 2nd and 4th days of your cycle. However, you can also get an LH test mid-cycle to confirm if you underwent ovulation.
In women, LH levels vary depending on which phase of your cycle the test was done:
● Early Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): 1.68 to 15 IU/mL
● Midcycle(Around Day 14): 21.9 to 56.6 IU/mL
● Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): 0.61 to 16.3 IU/mL
Abnormal LH levels suggest a condition like PCOS. It might also signal problems with your pituitary gland, the gland responsible for producing both LH and FSH.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
AMH is also a valuable marker of your ovarian reserve, giving you a snapshot of how many eggs you have left. Unlike FSH and LH, you can test AMH on any day of your menstrual cycle. This makes it a more convenient hormone to assess your fertility potential.
AMH levels typically range between 1 to 3.5 ng/mL (7-25 pmol/L). Low AMH levels suggest a lower ovarian reserve and might also suggest a need for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
Estradiol (E2)
Estradiol is the most active form of estrogen during your reproductive years. Testing your E2 can help you check how well your ovaries are functioning and how ready your body is for conception.
E2 is often tested with FSH on the 2nd to 4th day of your menstrual cycle. Its normal levels typically range from 20-75 pg/mL. Abnormal levels can suggest ovarian issues such as ovarian cysts.
If your estrogen exceeds 75 pg/mL, this could suggest a lower ovarian reserve. If it’s excessively high, it can also suppress your FSH. Consequently, your FSH test results will come back low, making it seem like your ovaries are functioning normally and you have a good ovarian reserve. But in reality, your ovaries might not be working.
Progesterone
Progesterone is another hormone that can confirm whether ovulation has occurred and if your body is ready for implantation. After ovulation, progesterone is responsible for preparing your uterus for pregnancy. It makes the lining of your uterus thicker and more ready to accept a fertilized egg.
Blood tests for progesterone can be unreliable. Instead, you can test for Pregnanediol Glucuronide (PdG) in your urine. Your body converts progesterone into PdG, which exits through urine. Since it reflects progesterone levels over time, PdG can be a more reliable measure of whether progesterone is high enough to support egg implantation.
Progesterone is typically tested about 7 days after ovulation, in the luteal phase. During this period, your progesterone should be at its peak if ovulation has occurred. For successful implantation, progesterone levels should be at least 10 ng/mL (32 nmol/L).
Low progesterone levels may indicate anovulation (lack of ovulation). It might also mean you have an insufficient luteal phase, meaning your uterine lining is not prepared for implantation. If your progesterone levels remain low or fail to maintain normal levels long enough, you might not become pregnant.
Prolactin
Although prolactin mainly supports milk production after giving birth, high levels can also interfere with ovulation. It can be tested on any day of your cycle since its levels don’t fluctuate as much as other hormones. If you’re not pregnant, prolactin is typically below 25 ng/mL. However, once you’re pregnant, this can rise to 80 to 400 ng/mL.
Like FSH and LH, prolactin is also produced by your pituitary gland. Any problem with this gland, such as a tumor, can lead to hyperprolactinemia.
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition that causes extremely high prolactin levels. This can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle and prevent the release of eggs from your ovaries. According to a study, up to 12.1% of infertile women had hyperprolactinemia.
Total testosterone
Total testosterone
Despite being the main “male hormone”, testosterone is also essential to women’s reproductive health. Testosterone helps ovarian follicles to develop and also regulates the early stages of egg development.
You can get total testosterone tests on any day of your menstrual cycle since its levels remain fairly stable. In women, the normal total testosterone ranges between 25 to 45 ng/dL.
Low testosterone can lead to lower egg quantity and quality. Having too high testosterone, on the other hand, can raise AMH levels. This can stop your egg from maturing and potentially inhibit its release from your ovary.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
DHEA-S is a building block for your other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Since your reproductive hormones rely on DHEA-S, it’s also important for ovarian function and overall reproductive health.
Your DHEA-S levels typically range from 95-270 mcg/dL. For fertility, the optimal level is typically closer to 180 mcg/dL. Levels outside of this range can mean problems with your adrenal glands, the gland responsible for DHEA-S production.
Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reserve T3)
Lastly, we have the thyroid function tests. Your thyroid gland is responsible for regulating your metabolism, but it also has effects on your reproductive health. Thyroid hormones can directly influence menstruation and ovulation by regulating your sex hormones.
The normal levels of your thyroid hormones are as follows:
○ TSH: 0.5–2.5 mIU/mL
○ Free T4: At least 1.1 ng/dL
○ Free T3: At least 3.2 pg/mL
○ Reverse T3: Should have a ratio of less than 10:1 compared to Free T3
Your thyroid gland can also indirectly influence reproduction by regulating the production of your sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG is a protein that binds to hormones like estrogen and testosterone, carrying them through the bloodstream.
Low SHBG means more free testosterone, which can contribute to issues like irregular cycles or symptoms of PCOS. High SHBG, on the other hand, can reduce the availability of important reproductive hormones.
Hormone Testing for Men
Hormone Testing for Men
Hormone tests for men are similar to those for women, but the results can reveal different conditions. Here’s a list of the hormone tests available for men in the U.S.:
Total and Free Testosterone
As we said earlier, testosterone is the “main” male hormone. It’s essential for healthy sperm production and maintaining libido. Normal levels in men can range from 270 to 1,070 ng/dL. According to a study, 10-40% of men worldwide have low testosterone.
Abnormal levels can mean your partner might have problems with the testes. Low levels can also indicate hypogonadism. In this condition, a man’s body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. As a result, their sexual organs don’t develop properly and impair sperm production.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is essential for sperm production because it stimulates the testes to produce sperm cells. Without enough FSH, the testes may struggle to produce mature sperm, leading to reduced sperm count and fertility issues. Adult men will typically have FSH levels ranging from 1.5 to 12.4 mIU/mL.
Low FSH levels may indicate pituitary dysfunction, meaning the brain isn’t sending the right signals to stimulate sperm production. This could be due to conditions like hypopituitarism or hormonal imbalances.
On the other hand, high FSH levels may suggest testicular failure, where the testes are not responding properly to hormonal signals. This can happen due to genetic conditions, injury, or past infections affecting the testes.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Meanwhile, LH signals the testes to produce testosterone, which is needed for sperm development, libido, and overall reproductive health. Without proper LH levels, testosterone production can drop, affecting male fertility. In men, normal LH levels range from 1.42 to 15.4 IU/L.
Abnormal LH levels have the same causes as abnormal FSH. This can be problems with the pituitary gland or the testes.
Estradiol (E2)
If women need a little bit of testosterone, men also need estrogen. Men need small amounts for bone health, brain function, and even libido! Men will normally have estradiol levels of 10 to 40 pg/mL. But too much? That’s when things get tricky.
High levels suppress testosterone and interfere with sperm production, making it harder for the testes to do their job. One common culprit? Aromatase. It’s an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen—sometimes a little too much. Obesity and hormonal imbalances can also push estradiol levels too high, leading to reduced sperm quality and lower libido.
Prolactin
Prolactin plays a very little role in male reproduction. Normal levels are typically less than 20 ng/mL.
However, elevated levels can lower testosterone, reduce libido, and interfere with sperm production. High prolactin may signal pituitary gland disorders, such as prolactinomas. These are benign tumors that produce excess prolactin.
It may also be due to other conditions affecting hormone regulation, including hypothyroidism and chronic stress.
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
We’ve tackled SHBG already, but to recall, SHBG is a protein that binds to your sex hormones. If SHBG binds to your testosterone, it controls how much free (active) testosterone is available for the body to use. SHBG in men normally ranges from 10–50 nmol/L.
When SHBG levels are too high, free testosterone decreases, potentially leading to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and fertility issues. Low SHBG levels, on the other hand, can be associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic disorders, which can also impact fertility.
General Health Tests That Help Assess Infertility
General Health Tests That Help Assess Infertility
There are other factors affecting your fertility besides hormones. Blood tests can help uncover hidden issues like nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and metabolic imbalances that may be affecting your ability to conceive.
Here are general health and metabolic panel tests men and women can get in the U.S.:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC test checks for anemia, infections, or immune issues that could impact fertility. Low red blood cell counts may reduce oxygen delivery to your reproductive organs, while infections or chronic inflammation can disrupt hormonal balance and sperm or egg quality.
Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in fertility. Low levels are linked to unexplained infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and complications like preterm birth. While the standard reference range is based on bone health, maintaining levels of at least 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) may help support ovarian reserve.
Glucose and Insulin Levels
Imbalanced glucose and insulin levels can indicate insulin resistance, which is a major factor in PCOS, ovulatory dysfunction, and poor sperm quality. Chronically high insulin can also interfere with hormone regulation, making it harder for both men and women to achieve optimal fertility.
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel assesses your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are closely tied to reproductive health. This because these fats are needed for hormone production. Poor cardiovascular health and abnormal lipid levels can contribute to hormonal imbalances, reduced egg or sperm quality, and a higher risk of pregnancy complications.
Autoimmune Antibodies
Certain autoimmune markers can indicate underlying immune dysfunction that may contribute to fertility struggles, miscarriage, or implantation failure. Tests may include:
● Antiphospholipid antibodies – Linked to blood clotting disorders that can interfere with implantation and pregnancy.
● Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – Associated with autoimmune conditions that may affect reproductive function.
● Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies – Used to screen for celiac disease, which can impact fertility through inflammation and nutrient malabsorption. According to studies, this antibody can increase the chances of miscarriages.
Folate and Vitamin B12
Folate and B12 are essential for DNA synthesis, and egg and sperm development. However, standard B12 tests may not accurately measure the active form used by cells. Many reference ranges are also set too low to detect deficiencies that could affect fertility.
For vitamin B12, optimal levels are over 350 pg/mL. If we test for the active form of the vitamin, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), normal levels are over 60 pmol/L.
Hormone Testing Options
If you're concerned about a possible hormone imbalance, there are multiple options available. The first option is through traditional lab-based tests. You can get these at your doctor’s clinic or an outpatient lab. They provide reliable results but might require an appointment and a doctor’s referral. You’ll also have to wait for them to release your results.
A more convenient option is at-home hormone test kits. These tests let you collect your sample, either saliva, blood, or urine, from home. Then, you can simply mail back the kit to a lab for analysis. These tests are often affordable, private, and easy to use.
Some test kits also provide an estimated result without having to send it back to the lab. A common example is urine progesterone kits. If the kit comes back positive, it means you have a certain amount of progesterone present in your urine.
If you're unsure where to start with hormone testing, AmeliaGenesis makes it easier by connecting you to testing options without having to get a doctor’s referral. Plus, we’ve partnered with trusted companies providing at-home hormone testing, so you can get tested whenever and wherever works best for you.
Wrapping It Up
Figuring out which hormones are out of balance is just one piece of the puzzle. The real challenge is understanding what those results mean for your next steps. At Ameliagenesis, we help you interpret your results and guide you through the process, so you don’t have to go at it alone.
If you’re feeling stuck, try our Free Fertility Session. In 30 minutes, we’ll review your medical history, what you’ve tried, and how to move forward. For more personalized guidance, our Wellness Coaching provides a tailored plan and unlimited support to help you stay on track. Schedule your consultation today!
Raoul Angelo Cam is a freelance health content writer and a registered clinical laboratory scientist. He earned his degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Cebu Doctor’s University and completed three years of medical school. During university, he developed a passion for helping patients improve their well-being, including reproductive health and fertility.