1. I’m having a hard time getting pregnant. What tests do I need?
The basic test for
infertility is measurement of
progesterone to check that ovulation is occurring. Other tests for infertility include
FSH and LH and other blood tests to assess your reproductive hormone levels. A post-coital test may be carried out where the cervical mucous is examined 2-8 hours after intercourse to check if the sperm are surviving in it. A hysterosalpingogram (image of fallopian tubes) may be done to see whether your fallopian tubes are blocked. Your partner may be asked to give a specimen of
semen for analysis.
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2. I am a young woman, but now I am growing facial hair and still have no regular period. What’s wrong with me?
You may have
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal problem seen in 7-10% of women and a major cause of
infertility. With this condition, ovaries may become larger because of cysts that form in them. Women with PCOS also may have high levels of
testosterone and do not ovulate normally. You may need to undergo several laboratory tests, including FSH,
LH, and testosterone, to make sure that PCOS is the condition causing your symptoms. A combination of medications and hormone therapy may help your symptoms.
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3. Why would a man need a test for female hormones?
Men also produce
FSH and LH in their bodies, and these hormone levels are important for male reproduction too. In men, FSH stimulates the testes to produce sperm just as in women FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. In men, LH can be measured to investigate the cause of a low
testosterone.
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