AMH, LH, FSH: The Blood Tests That Decode Fertility Health

The secretion of various significant hormones regulates the reproductive functions of the body. These hormones are chemicals secreted into the bloodstream that control the functions of different cells and organs. AMH, LH, and FSH are such hormones that are essential for maintaining reproductive health and ensuring proper sexual development.

AMH, LH, and FSH blood tests are crucial tests that measure the level of these hormones to ensure that reproductive health is in order and to detect various issues associated with fertility.

This article provides an overview of AMH, LH, and FSH tests and their role in decoding fertility health.

What is an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test?

An Anti-Mullerian Hormone test measures the level of AMH in the blood. The hormone is produced in both men and women. However, the AMH test is mostly used to assess reproductive health in women.

Anti-Mullerian hormone is responsible for the development of reproductive organs. It helps control other hormones that affect the ovaries and is considered a marker of ovarian reserve or the count of eggs in the ovaries.

The level of AMH is high during the reproductive age of women, and the level keeps decreasing as they age until it reaches zero at menopause, when no eggs are left.

Why is an AMH Test Required?

An AMH test is used:

1. To check the ovarian reserve of females: The AMH blood test provides insight into the number of eggs they may produce. A high level of AMH means more eggs, while low levels of AMH correspond to fewer eggs.
2. To predict the responsiveness of fertility treatment in women: Ovaries typically release one egg for fertilisation each month. However, IVF treatments can promote the production of multiple eggs at the same time. An AMH test determines the exact dose of IVF medication for the best response.
3. To diagnose and monitor reproductive health conditions: AMH tests are also used to detect health issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and some types of ovarian cancer.

What is the Luteinizing Hormone Test?

Luteinizing Hormone Test or LH test measures the amount of LH in the blood sample. Luteinizing hormone, meaning the hormone produced by the pituitary gland of the body, controls many reproductive functions in both men and women. It acts as a messenger for the reproductive organs to start processes that support reproductive health.

LH in females controls the menstrual cycle and causes ovulation or the periodic release of eggs. LH in males causes the testicles to produce the testosterone hormone responsible for sperm production.

What is the Use of an LH Test?

An LH test is used to diagnose medical conditions that may result in irregular secretions of the LH hormone. It is used primarily to:

1. Determine the cause of infertility in women
2. Track ovulation, especially for women trying to get pregnant
3. Diagnose conditions that may affect ovaries and testicles
4. Determine the cause of irregular menstrual cycles in women of reproductive age
5. Detect the onset of menopause or perimenopause in women
6. Assess the cause of infertility, low sperm count, or low testosterone levels in men

What is the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test?

A Follicle Stimulating Hormone or FSH test is used to detect the FSH levels in a blood sample. FSH plays a significant role in facilitating sexual development and fertility in both men and women. It influences the functions of the ovaries and testicles. Normally, FSH and LH work together to carry out different reproductive functions. Therefore, LH and FSH tests are often combined for effective diagnosis.

The pituitary gland in the bloodstream also releases FSH. In females, it’s responsible for the growth of the ovarian follicle, which produces the oestrogen and progesterone hormones in the ovaries and supports healthy menstrual cycles. FSH for men is used for the development of reproductive organs and the production of sperm.

Why is an FSH Test Required?

An FSH test is required to:

• Detect the reason behind infertility in both women and men
• Assess the cause of irregular or absent menstrual cycles in women of childbearing age
• Find the time when women are likely to get pregnant
• Check for medical conditions affecting the functions of ovaries and testicles
• Detect the cause of delayed puberty in teenagers
• Find the cause of decreased sperm count in men

To maintain a healthy reproductive life, it’s essential to understand the functions of various hormones, which are significant in regulating menstrual cycles, fertility, and overall sexual development.

Those experiencing infertility must consult their healthcare provider and book an LH test and FSH test with Dr Lal PathLabs for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

To learn more, download the Dr Lal PathLabs app now.

FAQs

1.Why is an FSH hormone levels test used?

FSH test is used to detect the cause of infertility and other diseases that affect the ovaries and testis.

2.What is the Luteinizing hormone’s meaning?

Luteinizing hormone, meaning the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, controls different reproductive functions in the body.