By providing you with these healthcare products, you can determine the risk factors that possibly hinder conception and, more importantly, for you to plan it better the moment it comes. This article will tell you all you need to know as you go along your fertility journey and will feature guides for both partners. First, here is a complete guide to obtaining your female fertility test. It is important to note that female fertility testing can be a complicated process and could require you to undergo a physical examination at times. This is because normal female fertility testing is ideal and only appropriate when a woman under 35 cannot conceive even after a year of attempting to do so. As such, hormone testing is a valuable tool to reduce the waiting time if you want a time-efficient way to determine your current reproductive function. It would be best if you learned more about these hormones to understand how they interplay in maintaining your fertility levels. [EMBED1] There are four predominantly important female hormones essential in the fertility process. These are: 1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Should any difficulty arise in trying to conceive, this crucial sex hormone must be tested by both partners. In females, FSH mainly deals with the development of egg cells. Ladies must be keen on trying it if they have irregular or no menstrual periods at all. What happens if the FSH level is high? Certain drugs such as cimetidine, digitalis, and levodopa naturally heighten your FSH blood levels. Your FSH and LH count must be kept regular as abnormally high production of these hormones would increase your risk of primary ovarian failure. Moreover, this process arises after menopause when a female's ovaries stop producing and releasing eggs. You need not worry as this process is normal, and there are seldom cases where women younger than 40 years old (around 1% of the female population) are affected. What happens if the FSH level is low? Low FSH and LH levels among women are tell-tale signs that your hypothalamus or pituitary gland has issues. Getting tested and employing appropriate treatment is necessary to avoid contracting reproductive health issues like a secondary ovarian failure. 2. Luteinising hormone This fertility hormone is known by several names – such as lutrophin, Lutropin, or interstitial cell. It's found in our blood and is essential in regulating our reproductive systems, and in females, this is most important in the ovaries. Aside from this, the hormone also aids in making menstrual cycles regular, determining fertility during planned pregnancies, and gauging the onset of menopause in older women. The pituitary gland, which also goes by the name "master gland" because of its crucial function in hormonal control, makes these hormones. 3. Oestrogen The test used to measure this hormone also has many monikers. These tests are the Oestradiol test and the E1 (oestrogen, oestrone), E2 (oestradiol), and E3 (oestriol), respectively. Among all the other female sex hormones, oestrogen is the most familiar to us – and this is because these very steroid sex hormones ensure that female reproductive organ function is at its best. While doing so, the hormone also plays a significant role in secondary sex characteristics. Oestrogen works hand in hand with another dominant hormone, progesterone, in keeping menstrual cycles regular and maintaining a safe and healthy pregnancy. What happens when oestrogen levels are high? Excessive production of oestrogen is detrimental to the female body and can consequently lead to these undesirable conditions: Polycystic ovary syndrome: This condition arises due to several hormonal disturbances (high oestrogen production being one of them), subsequently leading to problems in the maturation of oocytes. This syndrome also inhibits ovulation, resulting in cysts forming in the ovaries. Gynaecological cancers: High oestrogen levels trigger the evolution and development of cancers in the breast, ovarian, and endometrial tissues. Short stature: During puberty, high oestrogen levels inhibit bone growth, resulting in short height in both men and women. What happens when oestrogen levels are low? Women who have low levels of oestrogen have a higher risk of the following reproductive and bodily problems: Infertility: Ovulation is impaired, and periods become irregular when oestrogen levels are low. Vaginal atrophy: Low oestrogen levels in the female body thin vaginal walls and lessens the natural PH level of the vagina, which makes it more susceptible to infections and inflammation. Arthralgia: Otherwise more commonly known as joint pain, it is prominent in postmenopausal women due to decreased oestrogen production. In addition, if oestrogen levels are not checked by then, there is a potent chance for rheumatoid arthritis to happen. Tall stature: A deficiency in oestrogen delays epiphyseal closure, which subsequently leads to the formation of long bones. 4. Prolactin The test used to measure this hormone can be referred to as luteotropic hormone or simply a luteotropin test. PRL is usually present in non-pregnant women and men, albeit in low amounts only. Higher levels of prolactin in females inhibit the hormones that set off ovulation, allowing egg cells to develop further and mature in the ovaries. As we go along, prolactin levels are regulated by our neurotransmitters, and as such, its production can be affected by our mood variations and current mental state. What happens when prolactin is high? Excess in prolactin production in the body is linked with a vast range of health conditions – hypothyroidism, pituitary gland disorders, anorexia nervosa, and kidney disease. However, prolactin levels are naturally heightened in women due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It should also be noted that there are elevated prolactin levels in the female body during conception and after giving birth while breastfeeding. What happens when prolactin is low? No conditions are linked to this phenomenon, but you should constantly keep normal and balanced levels of all your female fertility hormones. As we are done with all you need to know about your hormones, here's some background information before administering your fertility test. Ladies – you must take the test on the third day of your menstrual cycle (the first day being day one of your menstrual period). This is because, over time, your female hormones regularly fluctuate in an organized pattern by your reproductive system. Moreover, suppose you recently stopped medical interventions such as contraception or hormone replacement. In that case, it is recommended that your menstrual periods have reverted to regular cycles before you take the test. [TEST] Vitall offers you follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestrogen (oestradiol), prolactin (PRL), and luteinising hormone (LH) fertility tests, which cater to your varying female fertility concerns. On the other hand, here are the specifics of administering the Vitall Male Fertility Test. Like the female fertility tests, these test kits also serve the same purpose and share the possible methods of collecting blood samples. However, we will look at a different perspective here. Sampling and testing semen can be inconvenient and embarrassing for men – even if semen analysis is the prerequisite for testing male fertility. To avoid the possible time inefficiency that this process might incur, hormone and fertility testing is an up-to-date and essential method for getting into the root cause of problems in sperm production. Normal hormone levels do not eliminate fertility problems, but the further investigation should be immediately employed for abnormal levels. [EMBED2] Your Vitall Male Fertility Test Kit measures your essential fertility hormones such as testosterone and FSH (Follicle-stimulating Hormone) – both of which should remain in the normal healthy range as they are significantly involved in sperm production. Moreover, luteinising hormone and prolactin hormone levels are also tested. Gents here's all you need to know about your fertility hormones. 1. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) This hormone serves the same purpose as our female counterparts. However, in males, FSH is essential in the production of sperm. Subsequently, it should be tested if you feel like your sex drive or libido is significantly decreased, have low muscle mass, and have a lower sperm count than usual. What happens when FSH is high? No conditions are linked to this phenomenon, but you should constantly keep normal and balanced levels of all your male fertility hormones. What happens when FSH is low? A deficiency in FSH levels in men may signify that you have disorders in your hypothalamus or pituitary gland. As such, it is necessary to get checked as early as possible. 2. Luteinising hormone Made in your pituitary gland, this hormone is typically found in the blood and regulates your testes and the entire reproductive system. What happens when LH is high? As LH is primarily linked with regulating the rate of testosterone production, high levels of it in the male body can be attributed to testicular failure. What happens when LH is low? Lack of LH in males can lead to lower testosterone levels, resulting in general fatigue and low sex drive. 3. Prolactin The role of PRL is unclear in males, yet it has been previously discovered that high levels of the hormone cause low sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, and even infertility. What happens when prolactin is high? High prolactin levels in males can bring about lowered libido, infertility because of reduced sperm count, and difficulty having an erection (impotence). What happens when prolactin is low? No conditions are linked to this phenomenon, but you should constantly keep normal and balanced levels of all your male fertility hormones. 4. Testosterone This crucial hormone regulates male physical characteristics. In adult males, testosterone is critical in keeping sperm healthy, maintaining sexual aggression levels, and maintaining muscle and bone strength. What happens when testosterone is high? It is worth noting that high testosterone levels in males are unusual, and this phenomenon is only often linked to anabolic steroids. Symptoms of heightened testosterone levels include infertility or low sperm count, hypertension, aggression and constant mood swings, acne, and excessive body hair. Moreover, high levels of this hormone can signify adrenal gland or testicular issues. This should be immediately investigated as these issues may be severe. What happens when testosterone is low? The lack of testosterone in the male body can be attributed to several factors. This may be caused by age, drug usage (especially anabolic steroids and androgens), physical damage to the testes and other testicular issues, significant alcohol consumption, and the reduced production of FSH and LH. Supplements can treat this, but finding out the underlying cause is of utmost importance. [TEST] You need not worry, as Vitall provides fertility tests corresponding to the measurement of each of these male hormones, gents! Vitall is the ultimate brand you have been looking for when purchasing fertility tests that are key to your fertility and pregnancy journey. Aside from offering a range of fertility tests you can choose from, and we also provide home tests, clinic visits, and nurse callouts. You can purchase your Male or Female Fertility finger-prick blood test kits anytime, and you can collect your blood samples anytime at the convenience of your home. Afterward, your samples can be given to the laboratory and then be subject to analysis. Vitall also has a Patient Reception located in the heart of London – providing you with the reassurance of ready-to-use fertility tests and fertility sample collections handled by only top-notch professionals and experienced medical staff. All these perks are coupled with a relaxed and comfortable environment. Moreover, you can also opt for a home visit, where a professional nurse will visit your location and collect your sample. Make sure to select your desired option among the three when you checkout. To reassure you further of the quality Vitall fertility tests give you, right after you surrender your finger-pricked blood sample, it will be analyzed by experienced health practitioners in a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited (ISO 15189) laboratory. National Health Service (NHS) clinics, hospitals, and medical practitioners similarly trust these same laboratories. Every kind of fertility test is quality-guaranteed as they are all CE marked. Your fertility test results will also typically be delivered online within a day of your blood test collection. Even if Vitall could not guarantee this specific timeframe always, as biological sample analyses vary in complexity, results are sent back to clients within this timeframe in most cases. At Vitall, we are committed to creating a healthier society, so you can always be assured of the quality of all our health products and fertility tests. Don't hesitate to buy yours now and be enlightened, get started, and be more involved in your fertility journey today!