Essential Blood Tests When Trying to Conceive Over 35

Fertility Blood Tests

 

Understanding your fertility health is key when trying to conceive.

One of the best ways to do this is through targeted blood tests that assess egg quality, hormone balance, and overall reproductive health. Here’s what to ask your doctor for:

1. Ovarian Reserve & Egg Quality

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) – Measures ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have left)
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Day 3 Test) – Higher levels may indicate lower ovarian reserve
E2 (Estradiol, Day 3 Test) – Helps assess ovarian function

2. Ovulation & Hormone Balance

LH (Luteinizing Hormone, Day 3 Test) – Important for ovulation tracking
Progesterone (Day 21 Test) – Confirms if ovulation occurred & supports implantation
Prolactin – High levels can disrupt ovulation
Testosterone & DHEA-S – Helps rule out hormone imbalances like PCOS

3. Thyroid & Metabolism

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) – Optimal levels (between 1-2.5) are crucial for fertility
Free T3 & Free T4 – Measures active thyroid hormones
Thyroid Antibodies (TPO & TG Antibodies) – Checks for Hashimoto’s (which can impact pregnancy)

4. Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance

Fasting Insulin & Glucose – Helps detect insulin resistance, which can affect egg quality
HbA1c – Checks long-term blood sugar levels

5. Food Sensitivities & Inflammation

Celiac Panel (tTG-IgA, EMA-IgA, Total IgA) – Gluten sensitivity can affect fertility
Food Sensitivity Test (IgG/IgA Panel) – Identifies hidden food intolerances that may cause inflammation
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – Measures overall inflammation in the body

6. Essential Nutrients for Conception

Vitamin D3 – Critical for implantation & hormone balance
B12 & Folate (Methylated Folate preferred) – Supports healthy egg development
Iron (Ferritin Test) – Low levels can impact implantation & pregnancy health

7. Blood Clotting & Autoimmune Factors (if needed)

Homocysteine – High levels can impact implantation
Antiphospholipid Antibodies & Factor V Leiden – If there’s a history of miscarriage

Additional Tests Based on Specific Fertility Concerns

 

🟣 If You Have Low AMH & Poor Egg Quality

DHEA-S – Determines if DHEA supplementation might help
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) & CoQ10 Levels – Checks mitochondrial function in eggs

🟡 To Address Recurrent Miscarriages

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA Panel) – Detects autoimmune issues
MTHFR Gene Mutation – Can impact folate absorption & clotting

🟢 If You Have Unexplained Infertility

Zinc & Selenium Levels – Essential for egg development
Cortisol Levels (AM & PM Test) – Checks adrenal function & stress impact

📍 Tip: Ask your doctor to run these tests early in your fertility journey! Knowing your hormone levels, egg reserve, and overall health can help you take proactive steps to optimize your chances of conception.

Are there any other tests that have been recommended to you?

 

Please comment to let me know 🙂

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