Women’s Fertility Panel (5 biomarkers)

Introduction

Female fertility is the natural ability to produce offspring, but a successful pregnancy does not come easily for an estimated 10-18% of couples. Various factors can affect fertility, including imbalances of several important hormones.

Estradiol:
Estradiol (E2) is a hormone naturally produced in both genders, with much higher levels in females. Estradiol is essential for female reproductive health, and also plays important functions in the skeletal system, skin health, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Abnormal estradiol levels can affect fertility, sex drive, muscle and bone mass, growth, and skin health.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland in both males and females. It works with luteinizing hormone (LH) to regulate development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes. Abnormal FSH levels can be an indication of infertility.

Luteinizing Hormone
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland in both males and females. In females, an “LH surge” triggers ovulation. Abnormal LH levels can be indicative of polycystic ovary syndrome, reduced fertility, and increased miscarriage risk.

Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males, but it is also important in females. Testosterone is secreted from the ovaries in females. Abnormal testosterone levels can influence muscle mass, sleep, energy, fertility, skin health, and sex drive.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland. TSH variations influence thyroid hormone levels. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate tumors of the pituitary, thyroid hormone resistance, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. Each of these health issues can cause various health complications, including weight changes, diminished fertility, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety.

Pricing

$149

How to order a test

What is Included?

Measurement of five important hormone levels with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays:

• Estradiol
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
• Luteinizing Hormone
• Testosterone
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Turnaround Time

1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.

Related Documents

Patient Brochures:
Estradiol
FSH
LH
Testosterone
TSH

Physician Brochures:
Estradiol
FSH
LH
Testosterone
TSH

Additional Information and Resources

» Pregnant? Here are the most important vitamins and minerals for your developing baby
» All about follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
» What is estradiol?
» The importance of luteinizing hormone (LH)
» Estrogen and progesterone: Why are they so important?
» Why does female fertility decrease with age?
» What are the signs of high estrogen in females?
» Testing your estradiol level is quick and easy ​

Special Instructions

Samples should be collected on the third day of the menstrual cycle (third day of menstruation) for optimum results.

Preparation Before Specimen Collection

None

Specimen Type

Blood

Volume

50 μL in a microtainer

Container

Microtainer (regular blood tube)

Collection Method

This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.

1. First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
2. Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
3. Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood.
5. Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
6. Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
7. Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.

NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.

Specimen Storage

Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.

Specimen Stability

Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection

• Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
• Incorrect specimen collection
• Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
• Incorrect specimen volume

Purpose

To measure estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and thyroid stimulating hormone levels in a blood sample to aid in the investigation of fertility.

Limitations

• This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
• These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
• Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance.
• Assay interference may occur in specimens from individuals routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.
• False results may occur in specimens from individuals that have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.
• Results obtained from different assay methods should not be used interchangeably in serial testing.

Methodology

Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays:
Alinity i Estradiol assay
Alinity i FSH assay
Alinity i LH assay
Alinity i 2^nd Generation Testosterone assay
Alinity i TSH assay

Reference Intervals

Estradiol:
Normal menstruating females
– Follicular phase: 20 – 350 pg/mL
– Mid-cycle: 150 – 750 pg/mL
– Luteal phase: 30 – 450 pg/mL

These reference ranges were obtained from Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Mosby’s Diagnostic & Laboratory Test Reference. 15th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier; 2021.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone:
Normal menstruating females
– Follicular phase: 2.0 – 12.0 mIU/mL
– Mid-cycle: 4.0 – 36.0 mIU/mL
– Luteal phase: 1.0 – 9.0 mIU/mL

These reference ranges were obtained from the Alinity i FSH package insert and “Laboratory Reference Ranges” from the Endocrine Society.

Luteinizing Hormone:
Normal menstruating females¹:
– Follicular phase: 1.0 – 18.0 mIU/mL
– Mid-cycle peak: 20.0 – 80.0 mIU/mL
– Luteal phase: 0.5 – 18.0 mIU/mL

These reference ranges were obtained from “Laboratory Reference Ranges” from the Endocrine Society.

Total Testosterone:
Females:
14 – 18 years¹: 18 – 57 ng/dL (0.62 – 1.98 nmol/L)
≥ 19 years²: 8 – 60 ng/dL (0.28 – 2.08 nmol/L)

These reference ranges were obtained from:
¹ Raizman JE, et al. Pediatric reference intervals for calculated free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and free androgen index in the CALIPER cohort. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2015 Sep 1;53(10):e239-43.
² Endocrine Society

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone:
0.35 – 4.94 μIU/mL

This reference range was obtained from the Alinity i TSH package insert.