Category: Women's Health
Not getting pregnant? Find out which lab tests give insight into your fertility
Are you having trouble getting pregnant or suffering from repeated miscarriages? Blood tests can help detect fertility problems such as hormonal imbalance, low egg supply (AMH test), thyroid problems or genetic factors that affect menopause and fertility. A blood test can also provide insight if you have PCOS, an irregular menstrual cycle or suspect early menopause. Want to know what blood levels affect your chances of pregnancy?
Amina's search for the cause of her fertility problems
Amina and her partner had been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, but without success. Every month she hoped for good news, but disappointment followed each time. In addition, she had suffered two miscarriages in the past, which made her uncertain about her fertility. She decided to take action herself and get further testing through Bloedwaardentest.nl.
What tests can you do if you are not getting pregnant? If pregnancy fails to occur, there may be several causes. Through targeted blood tests, you can gain insight into possible hormonal or medical problems. Here are some important tests:
- Hormone Testing
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): provides insight into egg supply and helps determine whether ovulation is still occurring regularly.
- FSH and LH: Hormones that regulate ovulation and egg maturation.
- Progesterone: Important to determine if ovulation has occurred.
- Estradiol (E2): Plays a role in the maturation of eggs and the building of the endometrium.
- Prolactin: Elevated levels can interfere with ovulation.
- Testosterone and SHBG: Relevant tests in the suspicion of PCOS.
- Thyroid Function
- TSH and Free T4: A malfunctioning thyroid gland can disrupt the menstrual cycle and reduce the chances of pregnancy.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Vitamin D: Plays a role in the implantation of a fertilized egg.
- Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Essential for a healthy pregnancy and prevents neural tube defects in the baby.
- Iron (Ferritin): Anemia may play a role in reduced fertility.
Genetic testing and fertility
- Genetic factors play an important role in fertility and menopause. Research shows that genes responsible for DNA repair and maintenance determine the length of the fertile period.
- DNA damage in oocytes increases with age and certain lifestyle factors. Women with good genetic variants for DNA repair tend to remain fertile longer.
- Women with PCOS often have genetic traits that allow them to remain fertile longer.
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), or early menopause, may be genetic and also increases the risk of other aging diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
What if you experience frequent miscarriages? For women like Amina, who have experienced repeated miscarriages, additional tests are important:
- Blood coagulation study
- Lupus Anticoagulans and Antiphospholipids Antibodies: May cause increased risk of blood clots and miscarriages.
- Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin Mutation: Hereditary blood clotting defects that may affect a healthy pregnancy.
- Autoimmune diseases
- Thyroid autoantibodies: Can cause miscarriage.
- ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies): Provides insight into possible autoimmune problems.
- Genetic research
- Karyotyping: To rule out genetic abnormalities in both partners.
Amina's test results.
Amina's blood test showed that her progesterone level was low, indicating that her ovulation was not optimal. In addition, she had slightly elevated prolactin levels, which could be a possible cause of her fertility problems. With these insights, she made an appointment for a hormone consultation with Dr. Marika, where she received extensive counseling and a personalized treatment plan.
Like Amina, would you like to gain more insight into your fertility? Check out the list of tests available at Bloedwaardentest.nl and take charge of your health yourself.
