Are you TTC, planning ahead, or just curious about your reproductive health? Let’s break down what hormones play a role in fertility and how you can test your own hormone levels at home.
By OBGYN and fertility expert Dr. Kenosha Gleaton
Hormone levels can tell you a lot about your fertility, including how many eggs you likely have, if you’re nearing or past menopause, and potential pregnancy outcomes. Hormone imbalances may even explain symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, irregular periods, weight gain, and more. If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), understanding your hormone levels can help guide you, your partner, and your provider to making personalized decisions during your fertility journey.
What hormones play a role in a woman’s ability to have normal menstrual cycles and ovulation?
The menstrual cycle is mostly regulated by four key hormones: luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and progesterone. The rise and fall of these hormones throughout the menstrual cycle mark the beginning and ending of different phases and trigger events like ovulation and menstruation.
It is important to note that many other hormones have a role in female reproductive health, and multiple hormones are linked.