If you are undergoing fertility treatments you are going to hear the term “Day 3 blood work” frequently.
When analyzing a woman’s fertility, the third day after a woman’s period is an important day for blood work. “Day 3 blood work” and an ultrasound evaluation are critical in determining fertility.
During “Day 3 Bloods,” 3 hormones are evaluated: FSH, LH, and Estrogen.
FSH represents Follicle-Stimulating hormone that is released from
the brain and stimulates the ovary to grow an egg.
LH refers to luteinizing hormone which is vital in the final maturation
and release of a mature follicle and ensures ovarian production of hormones.
Estrogen, produced by the ovary, is also measured to better
understand a woman’s fertility levels.
FSH and estrogen interrelate, as do LH and estrogen. Normal FSH numbers are between 4 and 8. We like to see estrogen under 50 and LH should be relatively close to FSH for optimal fertility.
Ultimately these hormone levels, in addition to your age and clinical history, will better assess the current status of your reproductive health and allow your doctor to formulate a treatment plan if you are suffering from infertility.
