Blog post written by Plan Your Baby.

DID YOU KNOW THAT 2/3 OF WOMEN HAVE AT LEAST ONE HORMONE OUT OF RANGE THAT COULD BE AFFECTING OUR FERTILITY?

This is a startling statistic, but it’s important to understand why it’s happening and what we can do about it.

Let’s start by looking a little more closely at some of the key female hormones and the role they play in female reproduction.

For Women:

Understanding the intricate workings of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is crucial for appreciating the importance of testing female hormones for optimal fertility.

The journey begins in the remarkable brain, specifically the hypothalamus, which orchestrates the release of a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH then embarks on a voyage to the pituitary gland, where it stimulates the secretion of two vital hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, FSH takes centre stage within the ovaries. Its enchanting influence promotes the growth and development of follicles. Within this cohort of follicles, a fierce competition for dominance ensues. Ultimately, one fortunate follicle emerges as the victor, thanks to its superior ability to produce more oestrogen. As these follicles mature, they release oestrogen, which plays a pivotal role in thickening the uterine lining, preparing it for the possibility of pregnancy.

The journey then reaches a pivotal moment during ovulation and the subsequent luteal phase. As the dominant follicle reaches its peak, a surge of LH is triggered. This surge acts as a catalyst for the release of a mature egg from the ovary, a truly awe-inspiring event known as ovulation. Following ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland that secretes progesterone. Progesterone assumes the critical responsibility of maintaining the uterine lining and priming it for potential pregnancy.

However, if fertilisation fails to occur, a different chapter unfolds, marked by menstruation. In this scenario, the corpus luteum gradually ceases its production of progesterone. The subsequent drop in progesterone levels acts as a signal for the shedding of the uterine lining, leading to menstruation. This event heralds the beginning of a new cycle, and the entire miraculous process recommences with the hypothalamus releasing GnRH once again.

Understanding the intricacies of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is crucial for optimising fertility. By testing female hormones, such as FSH, LH, oestrogen, and progesterone, we can gain valuable insights into the health and functionality of this axis. At Plan Your Baby we test for FSH LH and Oestrogen during the early follicular stage in your cycle , typically day 2-3. We then test Progesterone levels 7 days before your next period is due to determine if you have ovulated in this cycle. Hormone testing in this manner can help identify any imbalances or irregularities that may be affecting fertility, allowing us to develop personalised treatment plans.

Other very important hormones we consider when assessing Female Fertility is Thyroid, Prolactin and AMH. Disorders of the thyroid and Pituitary Gland can result in suboptimal levels of Thyroid hormones and Prolactin which can cause amenorrhea, (absent periods) anovulatory cycles and miscarriages. AMH , Anti Mullerian Hormone, is a marker of ovarian reserve and can provide us with valuable information regarding the number of potential eggs available – particularly important in terms of IVF treatment as we tailor treatment plans according to the number of potential eggs we can stimulate.

To Summarise For women some of the most important hormones for fertility include:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Oestrogen:
• Progesterone:
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Prolactin
• AMH

A simple blood test can provide us with so much invaluable information in terms of fertility potential and allows us to address any imbalances with same day consultations and next day medication delivery to your home! At Plan Your Baby we understand the importance of timely access to care, convenient testing and tailor made individualised treatment!

For Men:

Optimal male fertility relies on three crucial hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. FSH and LH work together to drive sperm production, while testosterone supports the growth of male sex organs. Hormone testing plays a vital role in evaluating male fertility, providing insights into potential issues and optimising chances of conception.

The Role of FSH and LH:
FSH, produced in the pituitary gland, is essential for the maturation of Sertoli cells in the testes, which are crucial for sperm production. Low FSH levels can lead to reduced sperm count and quality. LH, also produced in the pituitary gland, stimulates testosterone production and supports sperm production. Low LH can cause testosterone deficiency, affecting both fertility and sex drive.

The Impact of Hormone Imbalances:
Abnormal levels of LH or FSH may indicate testicular failure or damage. Excessive production of these hormones suggests issues with spermatogenesis. Testosterone, responsible for the development of male sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics, is necessary for sperm cell division and differentiation. Low testosterone levels may not directly affect sperm production but can lead to erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive, indirectly impacting fertility.

The Importance of Semen Analysis:
While hormone testing provides valuable information, a comprehensive evaluation of male fertility includes semen analysis. Semen analysis assesses factors such as volume, sperm concentration, motility, count, and morphology, offering a complete understanding of sperm health and fertility potential.

Considering Other Factors:
While hormones play a significant role in fertility, other factors such as lifestyle choices and genetic factors also influence reproductive health. Therefore, a holistic approach that includes hormone testing and semen analysis is recommended for a comprehensive assessment. At Plan Your Baby, we recognize the importance of male fertility, accounting for 40 percent of fertility cases. We offer convenient and fast hormone testing and semen analysis services, tailored to your specific needs. Our comprehensive treatment plans aim to optimise fertility and support couples on their path to parenthood.

To Summarise For Men

Hormone testing is a crucial step in assessing male fertility. FSH, LH, and testosterone play essential roles in sperm production and overall reproductive health. By evaluating hormone levels and conducting semen analysis, potential issues can be identified and appropriate treatment plans can be designed. At Plan Your Baby, we prioritise male fertility and provide comprehensive services to enhance your chances of conception.

Feature blog post written by Plan Your Baby:

ABOUT PLAN YOUR BABY

Plan Your Baby provides treatment for 13 most common causes of infertility and end-to-end pregnancy monitoring and support, both clinical and holistic, to reduce the risks for pregnancy. We offer whole-person focused world-class fertility services nationwide, across the UK, to clients who are embarking on their journey of trying to conceive, or those who have experienced barriers to conception or struggled to achieve a successful pregnancy outcome.

Our team is made up of 9 different medical specialisms, and these experts have more than 150 years of experience between them having worked for some of the UKs top performing fertility clinics. This, combined with online consultations at your convenience, access to over 300 clinic locations for diagnostic tests and 90 locations for ultrasound scans, same day results from our UKAS accredited partner labs and next day medications delivered to your door, makes the approach from Plan Your Baby truly unique.