THE IMPORTANCE OF HORMONE CONTROL FOR FERTILITY

12 September 20252′ read4 sections

CONTENTS

Why is hormone testing so important?
Which tests does it include?
When should hormone testing be done?
A personalised approach

Fertility is a complex process involving many different systems of the body – and hormones play the most critical role. Hormone testing is a cornerstone in the diagnosis of fertility problems, as it can reveal imbalances that directly affect the ability to conceive, in both women and men.

Why is hormone testing so important?

Hormones regulate almost every stage of the reproductive process: ovulation, the maturation of the eggs, the preparation of the uterus for implantation and the maintenance of the pregnancy. Even small disturbances in hormone levels can significantly affect fertility. Hormone testing helps:

✅ identify disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
✅ assess ovarian reserve
✅ diagnose problems with the thyroid or the pituitary gland
✅ design a personalised assisted reproduction plan

Which tests does it include?

Hormone testing for fertility usually involves blood tests in the first days of the cycle (usually day 2 – 5). Some of the key hormones tested are:

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) – a marker of ovarian function
LH (luteinising hormone) – linked to ovulation
Oestradiol (E2) – reflects ovarian activity
AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) – estimates ovarian reserve
Prolactin – can affect ovulation
Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) – thyroid disorders affect menstruation and pregnancy
Testosterone and androgens – especially in cases of PCOS

In men, hormone tests such as FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin help to understand the cause of possible oligospermia or azoospermia.

When should hormone testing be done?

Hormone testing is recommended:

✅ for couples who have been trying for a baby for more than 6–12 months without success
✅ for women with irregular or infrequent cycles
✅ before starting assisted reproduction (e.g. IVF)
✅ for women over 35 who wish to check their ovarian reserve

Hormones and IVF Accurate hormone testing is essential for the success of IVF. It allows the medication used for stimulation to be adjusted appropriately, the protocol to be chosen and the ovarian response to be predicted.

A personalised approach

At the Dr. Alexandros Traianos Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine, every couple is treated according to their own individual circumstances. Hormone testing is the first step towards a complete and accurate fertility work-up, with the aim of targeted treatment, emotional empowerment and – ultimately – the much-longed-for outcome: a healthy child.

TAGSdiagnosisreproductive healthfertilityGynecologymedical advicepregnancy planning

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Why is hormone testing so important?

Which tests does it include?

When should hormone testing be done?

A personalised approach

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?