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Fertility Tests- Hormonal Tests
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Prolactin
Prolactin is the “breast milk” hormone responsible for stimulating milk production in pregnant women. An abnormally elevated level in non pregnant women is termed hyperprolactinemia and can lead to irregular or failed ovulation. Hyperprolactinemia is sometimes due to a small tumor on the pituitary that can be surgically treated. Medications, such as bromocriptine or dostinex are effective in lowering prolactin levels.
Androgens
 Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. One of the hallmark symptoms of PCOS is abnormally elevated androgens (male hormones) including testosterone. These patients are often overweight, have excess body hair (hirsuitism), are hyperinsulinemic, ovulate irregularly, or not at all, have a classic “pear shaped” body, ovaries contain small cysts (follicles where the eggs are housed), and are infertile. The incidence of miscarriage is also higher in this group of women. These patients are often treated with insulin sensitizing drugs, such as metformin as well as a nutrition program supervised by our nutritionist. When insulin levels return to normal, androgen production decreases and ovulation often resumes. Please see the section on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Thyroid hormones
Blood tests will be used to determine the levels of thyroid hormones. Abnormally high levels (hyperthyroidism) can lead to irregular ovulation, premature labor, and fetal abnormalities. Abnormally low levels (hypothyroidism) can lead to irregular, or no, ovulation and early pregnancy loss.
Infection
Cultures may be ordered to rule out infections usually caused by organisms such as Chlamydia. Untreated infections can lead to severe damage to the reproductive organs as in pelvic inflammatory disease. If infection is noted in the female or male, it will be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Cure rates are very high using today’s medications.
Fertility Tests
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