Day 3 Bloods

Day 3 Bloods

Starting female fertility investigations can feel overwhelming and cycle day 3 hormone testing is usually the very first test done in a woman.  Hormone testing of a blood sample performed on menstrual cycle day 3.  This test can be performed on Day or 4 as well. This test is commonly referred to as Day 3 Bloods even if you get it performed on Day 2 or 4 of your menstrual cycle.. Your Cycle Day 1 refers to the first day of full flow menstrual bleeding, but not spotting.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – is produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for stimulating follicular growth and the egg maturation process. High FSH levels on Cycle Day 3 of your period is sometimes associated with diminished ovarian reserve.

The following hormone levels are usually measured:

FSH-Follicle Stimulating Hormone:  This is produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for the egg maturation process. High levels of FSH on Day 3 are associated with diminished ovarian reserve and may be an indication of menopause beginning.

Oestradiol: This is produced by the ovaries and levels should be low in the early part of the menstrual cycle. High day 3 levels may indicate a cyst in the ovary or diminished ovarian reserve as well.

LH-Luteinizing Hormone: This is produced by the pituitary gland and levels are increased before ovulation. A LH/FSH ratio of greater than 2:1 or 3:1 may be diagnostic indication of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Prolactin: Both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are necessary for ovulation. If, for example, hyperlactinemia is caused by a prolactionoma, a tumor in the pituitary gland, then this could interfere with the secretion of LH and FSH. Any change in LH and FSH can cause ovulation and menstrual abnormalities. The normal range for hormone levels will vary between laboratories.

AMH:  This is a hormone which will give the indication of what your ovarian reserve is.