What Do FSH, LH, and Prolactin Levels Reveal About Your Fertility?
Curious about your fertility hormones? Learn what FSH, LH, and Prolactin levels say about ovulation, egg health, and hormonal balance to support your journey to pregnancy.
If you are trying to conceive or are concerned about your fertility, understanding your hormone levels is an important first step. Hormones such as FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone), and prolactin play a key role in regulating your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and overall reproductive health. When these hormones are out of balance, they can affect your chances of becoming pregnant, sometimes without showing any clear symptoms.
A simple blood test called the FSH, LH, Prolactin Test, also known as a fertility hormone test, can give you and your doctor useful information about how your body is working. This test can help detect possible hormonal issues early and support a personalised plan if you need treatment or fertility support. In this article, you will learn what the test involves, why it matters, how the results are used, and how Apollo 24|7 makes the testing process easy and trustworthy.
Understanding FSH, LH and Prolactin
Hormones are natural chemicals that help different parts of the body work properly. When it comes to fertility, three key hormones play a major role in the menstrual cycle and the ability to conceive. These are FSH, LH and prolactin. If any of them are out of balance, it may affect ovulation, periods or pregnancy.
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): FSH is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. It helps the ovaries grow tiny sacs called follicles, which each holds an egg. At the beginning of a woman’s menstrual cycle, FSH levels rise to encourage one follicle to grow and mature. If FSH is too high, it may mean the ovaries aren’t working as well as they should. This can happen as a woman gets older or if her egg count is low.
- LH (Luteinising Hormone): LH is also produced by the pituitary gland. It works with FSH to help the egg mature. Around the middle of the menstrual cycle, there is a sharp increase in LH. This is what triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary, a process called ovulation. If LH levels are too low, ovulation may not happen. If levels are too high, it can be linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which can affect fertility.
- Prolactin: Prolactin helps the body make breast milk after pregnancy. It is also produced by the pituitary gland. In women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, high prolactin levels can cause problems. They may stop the normal release of FSH and LH, which can prevent ovulation. This can lead to missed periods and difficulty becoming pregnant.
These three hormones are closely linked and need to work in balance. The FSH, LH, Prolactin Test can help doctors understand what might be affecting a woman’s fertility and guide the best next steps.
Schedule an FSH, LH and Prolactin Test
Why You Might Need a Fertility Hormone Test
Many women only realise something might be wrong with their hormones when they have trouble getting pregnant or notice changes in their periods. A fertility hormone test is often one of the first steps in understanding what is happening inside the body.
You might be advised to take an FSH, LH and prolactin test if you have been trying to conceive for several months without success. This test can help find out whether you are ovulating regularly, whether your egg supply is lower than expected, or whether something is stopping ovulation altogether.
Doctors may also recommend this test if you have:
- Irregular or missed periods: Periods that come too early, too late, or stop completely can be a sign of hormonal imbalance. The test can help check if hormone levels are too high or too low.
- Unexplained infertility: If other tests have not found a reason for delayed pregnancy, checking your hormone levels can reveal important clues.
- Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS often affects ovulation and is linked to high LH levels. Testing LH along with FSH and prolactin gives a fuller picture.
- High prolactin symptoms: These may include breast discharge (not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding), missed periods or headaches. High prolactin can stop ovulation and lead to infertility.
- Signs of early menopause: If your periods have become very light, have stopped, or if you are under 40 and noticing symptoms like hot flushes or mood changes, this test can help detect early signs of menopause.
Even if you are not trying to get pregnant right away, checking your hormone levels can help you plan ahead. It gives you and your doctor time to make decisions that protect your fertility and overall health.
What the FSH, LH and Prolactin Test Involves
The FSH, LH and prolactin test is a simple blood test that measures the levels of these three key hormones in your body. It helps your doctor understand how well your reproductive system is working and whether there may be any hormonal issues affecting your fertility.
When the Test is Done
For most women, the test is done on the second or third day of their menstrual cycle. This is because hormone levels change throughout the month, and testing at this time gives the most useful information about your ovarian function.
If your periods are irregular or have stopped, your doctor may advise a different day for testing based on your symptoms.
What to Expect During the Test
The test is done by taking a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. It only takes a few minutes and is not very painful. You do not need to stay at the clinic after the sample is taken, and you can return to your normal activities straight away.
You may be asked to fast before the test, especially if other blood tests are being done at the same time. Your doctor or the testing centre will give you clear instructions if fasting is required.
How to Prepare
Let your doctor know about any medicines you are taking, including birth control pills or hormone treatments. Some medicines can affect hormone levels, so your doctor may advise you to stop them for a short time before the test.
You do not need any special diet or lifestyle changes before the test unless advised.
Getting the Results
In most cases, the test results are ready within one or two days. Your doctor will review the levels of FSH, LH and prolactin and explain what they mean in the context of your symptoms and fertility goals.
Book Fertility Hormone Test with Apollo 24|7
Apollo 24|7 makes it easy and convenient for women to book essential fertility hormone tests from the comfort of their home. Whether you need to check individual hormone levels or a full panel, Apollo has tests to suit your needs.
Here are some of the popular fertility hormone tests and packages available on Apollo 24|7:
- Apollo Fertility Profile - Female: This comprehensive package includes tests for key fertility hormones like AMH, FSH, LH, and Prolactin, along with Estradiol (E2) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
- FSH, LH, and Prolactin, Serum Test: This foundational test measures the levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Prolactin, which are crucial for assessing ovarian function and identifying potential hormonal imbalances.
Conclusion
Checking your hormone levels with an FSH, LH, Prolactin Test or a full fertility hormone panel is the first step if you are planning to conceive or want to know more about your reproductive health. These tests help doctors identify hormonal imbalances affecting fertility and plan personalised treatment.
With Apollo 24|7, testing is easy and comfortable. If you have symptoms like irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant or unexplained fatigue, book your fertility hormone test today. Early evaluation and timely treatment can make all the difference.
