What is a female fertility test?

With this test, you can measure six important hormones in your blood using a small finger-prick sample: FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, TSH and testosterone.
These hormones play an important role in ovulation, menstruation and overall hormonal balance.

An imbalance in these hormones can affect fertility and may also cause symptoms such as:

• Irregular periods
• Fatigue or irritability
• Weight gain
• Excessive hair growth

The test is easy to perform at home. You collect a few drops of blood using a finger prick, send the sample to our certified laboratory and usually receive your results within one day after the laboratory has received your sample.

Why consider this test?

Do you experience vague symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes or an irregular cycle?
Would you like to know whether your hormones are balanced – for example, because you are trying to conceive or simply want more insight?

This test gives you insight into your hormonal health, helping you make informed choices for your health and future.

Symptoms of fertility problems and hormonal imbalance in women

Problems getting pregnant

• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Reduced fertility
• Trying to conceive for a long time without success

Changes in your menstrual cycle

• Lighter periods
• Irregular cycles: your period comes unexpectedly or is absent for several months
• Periods suddenly stopping without an obvious reason
• Heavy periods with excessive bleeding

Symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

• Irregular or absent periods
• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest or buttocks
• Acne or oily skin
• Thinning hair or hair loss

Other possible symptoms of hormonal imbalance

• Skin problems: acne or dry skin
• Weight changes: unexpected weight gain or loss
• Reduced libido: lower sex drive
• Fatigue or low energy
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes: anxiety, low mood or depressive feelings
• Hot flashes or sudden feelings of heat
• Dark circles or bags under the eyes
• Constipation

Overview of important hormones in women

Hormones regulate many processes in your body, including your menstrual cycle, fertility, energy levels, mood and metabolism. Below you can read about what the most important hormones do and what it can mean when they are out of balance.

Testosterone – Not just for men

Testosterone is also present in women. It is important for:

• Bone strength
• Muscle mass
• Fat distribution
• Libido (sex drive)
• Concentration and mood

High testosterone levels in women can cause symptoms such as:

• Acne
• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest or abdomen
• Absent periods
• Reduced fertility, such as with PCOS

Luteinising hormone (LH) – Essential for ovulation

LH is produced in the brain and triggers the release of an egg (ovulation).

An imbalance in LH can lead to:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Elevated LH levels in PCOS

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – The regulator of your metabolism

TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce hormones that regulate your metabolism.

An imbalance can cause symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Menstrual problems
• Changes in weight or sensitivity to temperature

High TSH may indicate an underactive thyroid.
Low TSH may indicate an overactive thyroid.

Estradiol – The main female sex hormone

Estradiol is a form of oestrogen. It is important for:

• Your menstrual cycle
• Regular ovulation
• Building up the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy

An imbalance in estradiol can cause:

• Menstrual problems
• Mood changes
• Menopausal symptoms

Prolactin – Important for breast development and milk production

Prolactin plays a role in:

• Breast development
• Breast milk production

Abnormal prolactin levels can cause:

• Absent periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast discharge, even when not pregnant
• Reduced fertility

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – For egg maturation and the menstrual cycle

FSH helps eggs mature and regulates the menstrual cycle.

Abnormal FSH levels may be associated with:

• Ovarian problems
• Menopause
• PCOS
• Reduced fertility

When is the best time to test for reliable results?

For the most accurate results, it is important to collect your blood sample on the third day of your menstrual cycle. This is the third day on which you experience menstrual bleeding.

The following guidelines also apply:

• Test before 10:00 a.m.
• Do not eat or drink anything except water from 11:00 p.m. the night before. This is known as fasting and helps ensure an accurate blood sample.
• Are you using hormonal contraception? Unfortunately, this test is not suitable for you, as hormonal contraception can affect your hormone levels.

Following these guidelines increases the likelihood of obtaining reliable results.

What do the results of this hormone test mean?

This test provides insight into the levels of important reproductive hormones in your blood. This can help indicate whether your hormone levels are balanced or whether there may be an imbalance.

A hormonal imbalance can affect fertility, but may also contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes or menstrual problems.

Please note: hormone levels alone cannot determine whether you can become pregnant. Other factors also play a role, such as:

• The quality of your eggs and fallopian tubes
• The quality of your partner’s sperm

Test results provide a snapshot in time and can be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication and the time of sample collection. Abnormal results do not automatically mean that you have a medical condition. If you have questions about your results, it is advisable to discuss them with your doctor or a specialist.

Who is this test for?

This test may be suitable if you:

• Have symptoms that may indicate a hormonal imbalance
• Have been trying to get pregnant for some time
• Want to learn more about your fertility or hormone levels
• Have not used hormonal contraception in the past 3 months
• Have ovaries, for example, you are not postmenopausal and have not had your ovaries

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