We use this hormone test to give information about the ability of the ovaries to respond to
stimulatory medications in a particular cycle.
The result also gives an estimate of overall egg quality and
of the likelihood of achieving a live birth. This allows avoiding suboptimal cycles as a start of your
treatment.
IVF patients, female partners in gestational surrogacy and oocyte donors will have the
reproductive hormone assay prior to the beginning of their treatment.
The assay involves two blood draws and a tiny injection of Lupron hormone under the skin.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estrogen levels are measured before and after the Lupron injection.
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs and the hormones
estrogen and progesterone.
If the ovaries cannot function normally the pituitary gland puts out more FSH.
Elevation of this hormone could mean normal quality eggs may not be produced during the upcoming cycle.
Estrogen production by the ovaries influences the FSH secretion and is also related to the quality of the eggs.
