When should you test Your fertility?
In short, the answer is now.
But wait! Before you run out to order your at-home fertility test (I like this one)…
Waiting a year (as doctors suggest or in many cases demand) is literally the definition of insanity…. doing the same thing again and again, expecting a different result. Ugh - no one wants that for you.
With progressive companies like Modern Fertility and Dadi - you can learn everything you need to know about your fertility all from home. And with knowledge, comes power to know what the next best step will be for you in your journey to parenthood. If home test kits aren't for you, your OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist will be able to help once you’ve completed their timeline. (Men will see a urologist.)
Your hormones are not a crystal ball but they can help you understand your reproductive status.
Hormones can indicate early menopause, health conditions like PCOS, and get you data to think through options (including fertility treatments, which may not be right for everyone) and your overall goals + timeline.
Keeping track of hormones over time helps you get ahead of discussions with your doctor or partner, financial planning, or treatment needs that could otherwise come out of nowhere.
Ok, now that you know you need to go get your fertility tested (yes you, and your s/o)…
what are you looking for when doing fertility testing?
Ok, so you’ve either set up an appointment to see your doctor (if you qualify) or you’ve taken your fertility into your own hands and ordered the at-home test.
But what are you testing?
Ovarian Reserve is the Key Marker You’re Most Interested In When Fertility testing.
What’s ovarian reserve testing? There are simple hormone blood tests–specifically AMH and FSH + E2–that can measure ovarian reserve (or, how many eggs we have left).
Kinda cool right?! These hormone levels can give us a better sense of our fertility timeline, egg freezing and IVF outcomes, future red flags + even menopause onset.
Fertility 101+
The level of AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone) our follicles create reflects the number of eggs we have “waiting in the wings”.
FSH or Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (which is often tested with E2 or Estradiol), supports maturation of the follicle. If the body needs high levels of FSH to kick-start this maturation, it may be a sign of low ovarian reserve.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY: Now you know when to test (now) and what you’re testing exactly… so here’s the last thing (and by far the most important takeaway from this entire piece, if your results are less than ideal for your timeline of baby making, don’t stress because…
You hold soooo much control over improving those results. Did you know the biggest factor in determining your fertility is your own lifestyle. Lifestyle weighs much more than genetics, age, current health, or environment. Your choices you make right now, today will impact the quality of your egg (or sperm). That’s freakin amazing!
To learn more about which lifestyle choices to focus on to get pregnant faster, or how you can improve your fertility, naturally, head over to Prime for Pregnancy.
P.S. - Do yourself a big favor and snag the free 20+ page guidebook full of helpful fertility hacks + step-by-step blueprint to get pregnant faster!
With love + gratitude,
Laura