| Diagnostic
Test |
Description |
| General
Wellness Panel |
| Lipid panel |
Lipids include cholesterol,
triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), and high density
lipoproteins (HDL). |
| Complete
blood
count (CBC) |
A complete blood count provides
vital
information about the composition of blood cells, including iron
levels. |
| Comprehensive
metabolic panel |
A metabolic panel is a blood
test to
measure the blood sugar level, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney
function, and liver function. |
| Bio-impedance
Analysis (BIA) |
A test of overall health which
includes levels of hydration, body composition analysis (the proportion
of fat and muscle), and cellular vitality. |
| Male
Fertility Assessment Testing |
| Semen
analysis |
Total motile sperm is
calculated
using the volume, concentration, and motility. |
| Female
Fertility Assessment Testing |
| To
evaluate patterns of ovulation: |
| Basal Body
Temperature (BBT) charts |
Keeping track of your BBT (your
body
temperature at rest, typically when you first wake up) is a way to test
whether you have ovulated. A specific hormone change during your cycle
– the secretion of progesterone after the follicle releases
the egg at the time of ovulation – triggers a rise in BBT, so
if you are taking your temperature every day, you will see that
temperature rise if you have ovulated. The BBT chart will not predict
when you are going to ovulate, but can serve as a record of your
cyclical patterns. |
| To
predict ovulation: |
| Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) |
A surge of luteinizing hormone
is
released by the pituitary just before ovulation – usually 24
to 36 hours before the follicle ruptures to release the mature egg.
Urine test kits monitor the luteinizing hormone and are designed to
help predict the time of ovulation, so that you can maximize the timing
of sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI) to help ensure
that sperm will be present when the egg is present. |
| To
evaluate hormonal status: |
| Cycle Day 3
FSH
(Follicle Stimulating Hormone) |
Performed on day 3 of your
cycle,
this blood test measures the level of follicle stimulating hormone. As
the ability of the ovaries to produce good quality eggs decreases, the
level of FSH rises. Must be evaluated along with estradiol. |
| Cycle Day 3
E2
(Estradiol) |
Another blood test performed on
day
three of your cycle measures estradiol, the main type of estrogen. High
levels of estradiol at this point in the cycle could also signal poor
egg quality or quantity. |
| Cycle Day 3
LH
(Luteinizing Hormone) |
LH levels in the blood (as
distinguished from the urine levels used to monitor the LH surge prior
to ovulation), provide another marker for ovarian function and egg
quality, and are interpreted relative to the levels of FSH and
estradiol on cycle day 3. |
| Mid-Luteal
Progesterone |
This is a blood test performed
in the
mid-luteal phase of the cycle, approximately seven days after ovulation
(for example, day 21 of a 28 day cycle). Progesterone is produced by
the ovary after ovulation, and its presence indicates that ovulation
has occurred. Adequate progesterone levels are also important in
maintaining a healthy uterine environment during pregnancy. |
| Prolactin |
Prolactin is normally made in
larger
quantities during lactation (breast feeding). High levels will prevent
ovulation. Prolactin levels may be abnormally elevated for other
reasons, and can cause anovulation (the failure or suppression of
ovulation). |
| TSH
(Thyroid
Stimulating Hormone) |
The thyroid gland controls the
metabolism in the body and is important in maintaining the hormonal
balance between the pituitary gland and the ovaries. Both
hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (an
underactive thyroid) can interfere with normal ovulation, and may lead
to miscarriage. |
| Free T4
(Thyroxine) |
The thyroid gland produces T4,
which
can be evaluated in conjunction with TSH to more accurately assess
thyroid function. |
| DHEA-S
(adrenal
function) |
This is a hormone made by both
the
adrenal glands and ovaries, and abnormal levels may affect ovulation. |
| Testosterone |
Testosterone is another hormone
which
must be in proper balance for healthy reproductive function. A
testosterone imbalance may affect ovulation. |
| Clomiphene
challenge test |
The Clomiphene challenge test
is
performed to determine how the ovaries are functioning. Clomiphene
citrate (an oral medication) is given from day 5 through day 9 of your
cycle, after which FSH levels are re-tested. |
| To
evaluate your reproductive organs: |
| Hysterosalpingogram
(HSG) |
This is an x-ray procedure
performed
in the first half of the cycle, using a water- or oil-based dye
injected into the uterus. It is used to identify any structural
abnormalities in the fallopian tubes or uterus, such as an unusually
shaped uterus, fibroid tumors, scar tissue, or blockages in the
fallopian tubes. |
| Ultrasound
(sonogram) |
A sonogram is generally
recommended
if polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or uterine fibroids are
suspected. It might also be performed at the beginning of your cycle to
provide a baseline view of your ovaries at rest, or at mid-cycle to
evaluate the thickness of the endometrial lining. |
| Antral
follicle
count |
Examination via ultrasound to
count
the number of premature follicles on the surface of each ovary. This
can be a excellent indicator of ovarian potential. |
