Day 3 Fertility blood test

Testing female hormone levels is best between days two and five of your menstrual cycle, with day three being ideal. At this stage, levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and oestradiol are typically at their lowest and most stable. If your periods are irregular, aim to take the test on day three of your next cycle. If that is not possible, or if you do not have periods, you can take the test on any day, but please let us know the date your sample was collected, so we can interpret your results accurately. For the most reliable results, we recommend taking your sample in the morning, as hormone levels can fluctuate throughout the day.

Female hormones are vital not only for reproductive health but also for overall well-being, influencing energy levels, mood, and metabolism. Oestradiol (E2), the primary form of oestrogen, is produced in the ovaries and plays a central role in the menstrual cycle and fertility. Other key hormones include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and progesterone. Together, these hormones help regulate the menstrual cycle and support reproductive function. Testosterone, often thought of as a male hormone, is also important for women. It is used by the body to produce oestrogen and plays a role in maintaining bone and muscle strength, mood, energy levels, and libido. Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and shift with age. As women approach perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels typically decline, while FSH and LH levels increase in response to these changes.

Several hormones are key to fertility, as they help regulate the menstrual cycle and support ovulation. These include follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and oestradiol to gain further insight into reproductive health, it can also be helpful to test levels of testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, DHEA-S, and AMH. Thyroid hormones also play an important role, as imbalances can affect cycle regularity and ovulation.

A hormone imbalance happens when one or more hormone levels in your body are either too high or too low. Hormones function as part of a complex and interconnected system, an imbalance in one can disrupt the balance of others. This can affect your physical, emotional, mental, and reproductive health.

Simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can positively impact hormone balance. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, along with regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep can all support hormonal health. In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary. This might involve treating an underlying condition such as a thyroid disorder, adjusting medications, or considering hormone replacement therapy as advised by your doctor.