- Email Us
Connect With Us
India sees over 2.5 lakh in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles performed every year, and that number continues to rise. Before IVF begins, the first step is almost always a hormone panel. The fertility expert can see what they are dealing with, how many eggs are likely to be available, if ovulation is happening correctly, and what the body's hormonal environment looks like. Planning a treatment is mostly guesswork without this knowledge. So, continue reading to learn why your fertility specialist tests for AMH, LH, and FSH.
A fertility expert can't come up with the best IVF plan until they know how the ovaries are working. Hormone readings show how healthy the ovaries are, how well the hormonal cycle is working, and if there are any imbalances that need to be fixed before treatment starts.
The three tests that form the core of pre-IVF hormone assessment are AMH, FSH, and LH.
AMH stands for Anti-Müllerian Hormone. It is produced by small follicles in the ovaries and is the most direct indicator of how many eggs a woman is likely to have available for retrieval.
The higher the level of AMH in your test report, the higher the number of eggs in your ovaries. When the quantity is less, then the supply of eggs is low. This directly impacts the IVF procedure, which guides the nature and dosage of medication applied to stimulate the egg cells.
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and instructs the ovaries to begin producing eggs every month. It is only examined on some days of the period, which are normally days two or three.
An elevated level of FSH can be an indication that the pituitary gland is overworking itself to stimulate the ovaries, which can indicate that the ovaries no longer have the same amount of reserve as they once had. It is usually read together with AMH to get a complete picture.
LH works with FSH to control the menstrual cycle. It activates ovulation and enhances the second half of the cycle. LH in IVF helps the specialist to understand whether ovulation is normal and whether there are signs of hormonal imbalance, e.g. polycystic ovary syndrome.
A complete hormone test for pregnancy preparation before IVF often includes:
Oestradiol (E2): Assessed alongside FSH to interpret ovarian function accurately
Prolactin: Elevated levels can interfere with ovulation and are worth ruling out
Thyroid function: TSH levels are checked because thyroid imbalance directly affects fertility outcomes
At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, reproductive health packages bring these tests together in one booking, reducing the need for multiple separate visits and ensuring all results are available at the same time for your specialist to review.
Every IVF journey starts with clarity, and clarity starts with accurate testing. At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, pre-IVF hormone panels are processed with the accuracy that fertility planning requires. Book your tests today.
Q1. Why is hormone testing important before IVF treatment?
The hormone tests indicate the functionality of the ovaries and the menstrual cycle, which assists the fertility expert in designing the most effective IVF treatment for each patient.
Q2. What is the AMH test and what does it indicate?
AMH is a measure of the Anti-Mullerian Hormone, which indicates the quantity of eggs in the ovaries. It is the major predictor of ovarian reserve prior to IVF.
Q3. What are normal AMH levels for women?
AMH levels vary by age and individual factors. Your fertility specialist will interpret your result in the context of your age, cycle history, and overall clinical picture.
Q4. What does a low AMH level mean for fertility?
Low AMH level implies low ovarian reserve. It does not exclude IVF but does affect the stimulation regimen and the quantity of eggs that are likely to be retrieved.
Q5. What is the role of FSH in fertility testing?
The level of FSH indicates the level of effort that the pituitary gland is putting in order to get the ovaries to work. When the levels are high on the right day of the cycle, it may indicate that the ovarian reserve is low.
