Pre-Pregnancy: Fertility testsQ.What are the normal levels and purpose for different hormones?A.Each of these hormones has many functions although in broad terms FSH stimulates the ovary to prepare for ovulation, LH stimulates the release of the egg, progesterone causes the lining of the uterus to prepare for implantation (hence it's a good test that ovulation has taken place) and prolactin stimulates the breasts to produce milk. Every laboratory has its own 'normal' values for the way it does each particular test and some use different units of measurement, but values for progesterone are usually quoted as above 30 nmol/l (nanomols per litre) if ovulation has taken place. FSH and LH should be in single figures (they're measured in international units per litre or iu/l), although it's best to measure them in the first five days of your cycle when they're at a constant low level. Prolactin can be raised at times of stress - such as when you're concerned about blood tests and someone approaches you with a needle! - so it's difficult to quote a 'normal' value. Above 1,000 mu/l would be high. |
