Fertility Blood Tests Explained

Fertility blood tests can give useful information, but they can also be misunderstood. Many people expect a blood test to tell them whether they are fertile, whether they can get pregnant naturally, or how long they have left to have a baby. In reality, fertility is more complex than one number on a report.

Blood tests can help assess whether ovulation is happening, whether hormone signals are working as expected, whether ovarian reserve looks lower or higher than average, whether thyroid or prolactin problems may be affecting cycles, and whether conditions such as PCOS or premature ovarian insufficiency may be part of the picture.

But blood tests cannot check everything. They cannot show whether the fallopian tubes are open. They cannot confirm egg quality. They cannot fully predict whether you will conceive naturally. They cannot replace semen analysis where sperm is involved. They also need correct timing, because many reproductive hormones change across the menstrual cycle.

This guide explains the main fertility blood tests, what high and low results may mean, when tests should be taken, what private fertility tests can and cannot tell you, and when to speak to a GP, fertility clinic or specialist.

What are fertility blood tests?

Fertility blood tests are blood tests used to understand parts of the reproductive system. They may look at ovulation, ovarian reserve, pituitary hormone signals, thyroid function, prolactin, androgens, general health and sometimes immunity or infection status before treatment.

Common fertility-related blood tests include:

• Progesterone — used to check whether ovulation has happened when timed correctly
• FSH — follicle-stimulating hormone, often used in ovarian reserve or cycle assessment
• LH — luteinising hormone, involved in ovulation
• Oestradiol — a form of oestrogen, often interpreted with FSH and cycle timing
• AMH — anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker of ovarian reserve
• Prolactin — high levels can affect ovulation and periods
• TSH and free T4 — thyroid tests, because thyroid problems can affect periods and fertility
• Testosterone, SHBG and free androgen index — useful when PCOS or androgen excess is suspected
• HbA1c or glucose — sometimes used to assess blood sugar and metabolic health
• Full blood count, ferritin, B12, folate and vitamin D — sometimes checked before pregnancy or when fatigue, heavy periods or deficiencies are relevant
• Rubella, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other screening tests — often checked before fertility treatment

Not everyone needs all of these tests. A sensible fertility investigation starts with the question being asked. Are you ovulating? Are cycles irregular? Is PCOS possible? Are you over 35 and trying to conceive? Have periods stopped? Are you planning IVF? Are there sperm factors? Are there symptoms of thyroid disease, endometriosis or pelvic problems?

If you want a wider guide to reproductive hormone results, see Female Hormone Blood Test Results Explained.

When should fertility blood tests be considered?

Fertility blood tests may be considered if you are having difficulty conceiving, have irregular or absent periods, have symptoms of PCOS, have suspected early menopause, are planning fertility treatment, are considering egg freezing, or need a pre-treatment assessment.

In many cases, couples are advised to seek help after trying to conceive for 12 months if the woman or person trying to conceive is under 35, or after 6 months if they are 35 or over. However, you should seek advice earlier if there are known issues such as very irregular periods, absent periods, previous pelvic infection, endometriosis, previous ectopic pregnancy, known low sperm count, cancer treatment, early menopause in the family, or significant gynaecological symptoms.

Blood tests may be useful earlier if your cycle pattern suggests you may not be ovulating. For example, very irregular periods, periods more than 35 days apart, fewer than 8 periods a year, or no periods for several months may need assessment.

Fertility is not only about blood tests

One of the biggest mistakes is assuming fertility can be measured by a single blood test. Fertility depends on several things working together.

For pregnancy to happen naturally, several steps usually need to align:

• ovulation needs to occur
• an egg needs to be released
• sperm need to be present and able to reach the egg
• the fallopian tubes usually need to be open
• fertilisation needs to happen
• the embryo needs to travel to the womb
• the womb lining needs to be suitable for implantation
• the pregnancy needs to continue developing

Blood tests can help with some of this, especially ovulation and hormone signals. They cannot fully assess sperm quality, tubal patency, endometriosis, uterine shape, fibroids, polyps, adhesions, egg quality or embryo development.

That is why a full fertility assessment may include semen analysis, pelvic ultrasound, tubal testing, medical history, medication review, lifestyle assessment and sometimes specialist investigations.

Why timing matters with fertility blood tests

Many fertility hormones change across the menstrual cycle. A test taken on the wrong day may be difficult or impossible to interpret.

The first day of full bleeding is usually counted as day 1 of the cycle. Light spotting before the period does not usually count as day 1. If your periods are irregular, timing may need to be adapted.

Test	Common timing	What it helps assess
FSH, LH and oestradiol	Often day 2 to day 5	Baseline ovarian and pituitary hormone signals
Progesterone	About 7 days before the expected period	Whether ovulation has happened
AMH	Often any day	Ovarian reserve estimate
Prolactin	Often morning, after resting if possible	Whether high prolactin may be affecting ovulation
Thyroid tests	Usually any day	Whether thyroid disease may affect cycles or fertility
Testosterone and androgens	Often morning; timing varies	PCOS or androgen excess assessment

Timing is especially important for progesterone. The common phrase “day 21 progesterone” is only correct for someone with a regular 28-day cycle. If your cycle is 35 days, testing on day 21 may be too early. In that case, the test may be more useful around day 28, roughly 7 days before the expected period.

Progesterone blood test for ovulation

Progesterone is one of the most useful fertility blood tests when the question is: “Am I ovulating?”

After ovulation, the ovary produces progesterone from the corpus luteum. Progesterone supports the second half of the cycle and helps prepare the womb lining for a possible pregnancy. If progesterone rises at the right time, it suggests ovulation has occurred.

NICE guidance and related summaries describe mid-luteal progesterone testing as a way to confirm ovulation. In a 28-day cycle this is often around day 21, but in longer cycles it should be done later and may need repeating in irregular cycles.

What does a high progesterone result mean?

A raised progesterone result in the luteal phase usually suggests ovulation has occurred. It does not guarantee pregnancy, and it does not prove egg quality, tube function or sperm quality. It simply supports that ovulation happened in that cycle.

Progesterone may also be higher if you are pregnant or taking progesterone medication. Fertility treatment, progesterone pessaries, injections, tablets or HRT can all affect results.

What does a low progesterone result mean?

A low progesterone result may mean ovulation did not happen, but it can also mean the test was taken at the wrong time.

For example, if your cycle is usually 35 days and progesterone is checked on day 21, the result may be low simply because ovulation has not happened yet. That is why cycle length matters.

Low progesterone when correctly timed may be linked with anovulation, PCOS, hypothalamic cycle disruption, thyroid disease, high prolactin, perimenopause, low body weight, excessive exercise, stress or other hormone problems.

FSH blood test for fertility

FSH stands for follicle-stimulating hormone. It is made by the pituitary gland in the brain and helps stimulate the ovaries to develop follicles.

FSH is often checked near the start of the cycle, commonly day 2 to day 5. It is interpreted with age, oestradiol, AMH, ultrasound findings and the reason for testing.

What does high FSH mean for fertility?

A high FSH result may suggest the ovaries are less responsive and the brain is working harder to stimulate them. This can be seen with reduced ovarian reserve, early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, or approaching menopause.

However, FSH can fluctuate. A single result does not fully predict whether you can get pregnant naturally. It is also affected by cycle timing and oestradiol levels.

In fertility treatment, high FSH may suggest a lower response to ovarian stimulation, but treatment decisions are usually based on several factors, including AMH, antral follicle count, age and previous treatment response.

What does normal FSH mean?

A normal FSH is generally reassuring, but it does not prove fertility. You may still have tubal problems, endometriosis, sperm factors, irregular ovulation, age-related egg quality issues or uterine factors.

Normal FSH also does not guarantee good IVF response. It is one marker among several.

LH blood test for fertility

LH stands for luteinising hormone. It helps trigger ovulation. LH rises sharply before ovulation, which is the surge detected by many home ovulation predictor kits.

In blood testing, LH is often checked with FSH and oestradiol near the start of the cycle. It may also be used in PCOS assessment.

What does high LH mean?

High LH can be normal around ovulation. In early-cycle testing, higher LH may be seen in some people with PCOS, especially when cycles are irregular and androgen symptoms are present.

However, the LH-to-FSH ratio is not enough to diagnose PCOS on its own. PCOS diagnosis depends on the whole picture, including cycle pattern, androgen symptoms or blood results, ultrasound findings and exclusion of other causes.

What does low LH mean?

Low LH may suggest reduced pituitary or hypothalamic signalling. This can occur with low body weight, eating disorders, excessive exercise, major stress, chronic illness or some pituitary conditions. In that situation, periods may become absent or very infrequent.

Oestradiol blood test for fertility

Oestradiol is a form of oestrogen. It is produced mainly by developing follicles in the ovaries. It rises as follicles grow and helps build the womb lining.

Oestradiol is often checked with FSH and LH early in the cycle. In fertility treatment cycles, it may also be monitored during ovarian stimulation.

What does high oestradiol mean?

High oestradiol may be normal later in the cycle when a follicle is developing. If oestradiol is high very early in the cycle, it may affect interpretation of FSH. It can also be raised with ovarian cysts, fertility medication or hormone treatment.

What does low oestradiol mean?

Low oestradiol may be normal at some points in the cycle, but it can also be seen with low ovarian activity, premature ovarian insufficiency, menopause, low body weight, excessive exercise or hypothalamic causes of absent periods.

If oestradiol is low and periods have stopped, interpretation depends heavily on FSH and LH. High FSH with low oestradiol suggests a different pattern from low or normal FSH and LH with low oestradiol.

AMH blood test explained

AMH stands for anti-Müllerian hormone. It is produced by small developing follicles in the ovaries. AMH is commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve — meaning roughly how many eggs may remain, not whether those eggs are genetically normal or whether pregnancy will happen naturally.

The HFEA describes AMH as a test that measures anti-Müllerian hormone and corresponds to a person’s egg count. It can provide some indication of fertility, but results are not guaranteed.

AMH is particularly useful in fertility clinics because it can help predict how the ovaries may respond to IVF stimulation. It may help guide medication dose and expectations.

What does low AMH mean?

Low AMH suggests lower ovarian reserve compared with what may be expected for age. It may mean fewer eggs are likely to be collected during IVF stimulation.

However, low AMH does not mean pregnancy is impossible. It does not directly measure egg quality. Age remains one of the strongest influences on egg quality and chance of pregnancy.

A younger person with low AMH may still have good egg quality but fewer eggs. An older person with normal AMH may still face age-related egg quality issues. This is why AMH should not be read in isolation.

What does high AMH mean?

High AMH may suggest a higher number of small follicles. It can be seen in PCOS and may predict a stronger response to ovarian stimulation.

In IVF, high AMH may increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, depending on the treatment plan and other factors. Fertility clinics use AMH together with ultrasound and medical history to choose a safer stimulation approach.

Can AMH tell how fertile you are?

AMH can give useful information about ovarian reserve, especially in fertility treatment planning. But it cannot fully predict natural fertility. It does not check ovulation, sperm, fallopian tubes, endometriosis, womb factors or egg quality.

This is one reason “fertility MOT” marketing can be misleading. A reassuring AMH does not guarantee you will conceive easily, and a low AMH does not mean you cannot conceive.

Prolactin blood test for fertility

Prolactin is made by the pituitary gland. It is best known for its role in breast milk production, but high prolactin can interfere with ovulation and periods.

Prolactin may be checked if periods are irregular or absent, ovulation is not happening, fertility is delayed, or there is milky nipple discharge when not breastfeeding.

What does high prolactin mean?

High prolactin can happen due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, sleep, exercise, sex, nipple stimulation, some medicines, underactive thyroid, kidney disease or pituitary conditions such as prolactinoma.

If prolactin is mildly raised, it may be repeated under calmer conditions. If it remains high, a clinician may check pregnancy status, thyroid function, kidney function and medication causes. Sometimes endocrine referral or pituitary imaging is needed.

Can high prolactin stop ovulation?

Yes. High prolactin can suppress reproductive hormone signalling and may cause irregular periods, absent periods or reduced ovulation. Treating the underlying cause can sometimes restore ovulation.

Thyroid blood tests and fertility

Thyroid function is important in fertility and pregnancy. Both underactive and overactive thyroid disease can affect periods, ovulation, miscarriage risk and pregnancy health.

Thyroid blood tests usually include TSH and sometimes free T4. Thyroid antibodies may also be checked in some fertility or recurrent miscarriage assessments, depending on local practice and specialist advice.

An underactive thyroid can cause irregular or heavy periods, tiredness, weight gain, low mood, constipation and high cholesterol. An overactive thyroid can cause lighter or absent periods, anxiety, palpitations, sweating, tremor and weight loss.

If thyroid disease is suspected or your fertility clinic checks thyroid function, see Thyroid Blood Test Results Explained.

Androgen blood tests and PCOS fertility

Androgen tests may include testosterone, SHBG, free androgen index and sometimes DHEA-S. They are often checked if PCOS is suspected.

PCOS can affect fertility because ovulation may be irregular or infrequent. However, many people with PCOS do conceive, either naturally or with treatment. The important question is often whether ovulation is happening and how often.

Blood tests in suspected PCOS may look for high androgens, exclude thyroid disease and high prolactin, and assess metabolic health such as HbA1c and cholesterol. A pelvic ultrasound may also be used depending on age and circumstances.

For more detail, see PCOS: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment in the UK, PCOS and Weight Gain and Female Hormone Blood Test Results Explained.

Blood tests for early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency

If periods become irregular or stop before the age of 45, fertility blood tests may be used to assess early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.

Premature ovarian insufficiency, often called POI, means ovarian function has reduced before the age of 40. It can affect fertility, bone health, cardiovascular health, mood, sexual health and long-term wellbeing.

Blood tests may include FSH, LH and oestradiol, often repeated if POI is suspected. Other tests may be needed depending on the situation, such as thyroid tests, autoimmune screening, genetic tests or specialist assessment.

If you are under 40 and your periods have stopped or become very infrequent, speak to a GP. Do not assume it is stress without assessment.

If symptoms overlap with menopause, see Menopause Blood Tests Explained.

General health blood tests before pregnancy

Fertility assessment is not only about reproductive hormones. General health can affect pregnancy planning and wellbeing.

Depending on your symptoms, history and clinic, blood tests may include:

• Full blood count — checks anaemia, infection markers and blood cells
• Ferritin — checks iron stores, especially if periods are heavy
• B12 and folate — relevant for anaemia, nerve symptoms and pre-pregnancy health
• Vitamin D — relevant for bone and general health
• HbA1c — checks average blood sugar and diabetes risk
• Kidney and liver tests — may be checked before treatment or if medical history suggests
• Rubella immunity — important before pregnancy if not immune
• HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C — commonly checked before fertility treatment
• Blood group and rhesus status — may be checked in pregnancy or fertility care

Useful related guides include Full Blood Count Results Explained, Iron, Ferritin and Anaemia Blood Test Results Explained, B12 and Folate Blood Test Results Explained, Vitamin D Blood Test Results Explained and HbA1c and Blood Sugar Results Explained.

Do men need fertility blood tests?

Sometimes, but semen analysis is usually the key first test when sperm is involved. Fertility is often treated as a female issue, but male factor infertility is common and should be assessed properly.

A semen analysis looks at sperm count, movement, shape and volume. If semen analysis is abnormal, or if there are symptoms suggesting a hormone issue, blood tests may be considered.

Male fertility blood tests may include:

• testosterone
• FSH
• LH
• prolactin
• SHBG
• thyroid function
• genetic tests in selected cases

High FSH in a man can suggest the testicles are not producing sperm normally. Low testosterone with low or abnormal LH and FSH may suggest a pituitary or hormonal cause. High prolactin can affect testosterone and sexual function. These results need specialist interpretation.

If sperm count is very low or absent, referral to a fertility specialist or urologist may be needed. NICE’s updated fertility guidance includes investigation of male factor fertility problems and specific genetic counselling recommendations in selected cases.

What fertility blood tests cannot tell you

Fertility blood tests can be useful, but their limits are important.

They cannot reliably tell you:

• whether you will conceive naturally this month
• how many months or years you have left to conceive
• whether your fallopian tubes are open
• whether you have endometriosis
• whether a fertilised egg will implant
• whether your eggs are genetically normal
• whether sperm are normal unless semen testing is done
• whether IVF will definitely work
• whether you do or do not need fertility treatment by themselves

This does not make the tests useless. It simply means they need to be used as part of a complete fertility assessment.

Private fertility blood tests: useful or misleading?

Private fertility blood tests can be useful if they are timed correctly, interpreted by a qualified clinician, and connected to a clear next step. They can be less helpful when sold as a simple “fertility check” without context.

For example, an AMH test may help if you are considering IVF or egg freezing. A progesterone test may help if you are unsure whether ovulation is happening. Thyroid and prolactin tests may help if cycles are irregular. But a broad panel without cycle timing may create more anxiety than clarity.

Before buying a private fertility blood test, ask:

• What exact question is this test answering?
• Does it need to be taken on a particular cycle day?
• Will contraception or hormone medication affect the result?
• Will a clinician interpret the result?
• What happens if the result is abnormal?
• Does my partner also need semen analysis?
• Would a GP or fertility clinic assessment be more appropriate?

If you already have an abnormal private result, see What to Do After Abnormal Private Blood Test Results.

At-home fertility tests: what to know

At-home fertility testing has become more common. Some tests use finger-prick blood samples to measure AMH, thyroid markers, progesterone or other hormones. Others use urine to detect LH surges.

Home tests can be convenient, but they have limitations. Sample collection, timing, transport, cycle day and interpretation all matter. A finger-prick sample may not be suitable for every marker or every clinical decision. A normal result may be falsely reassuring, and an abnormal result may cause anxiety without giving a clear diagnosis.

If you are actively trying to conceive and are worried about fertility, do not rely only on a home test. A full assessment may need semen analysis, ultrasound, tubal assessment or specialist review.

Fertility blood tests and age

Age is one of the most important factors in fertility. Blood tests such as AMH and FSH can give information about ovarian reserve, but they do not fully measure egg quality. Egg quality generally declines with age, especially from the mid-30s onwards, and more noticeably after 40.

This is why a normal AMH in the late 30s or 40s does not guarantee easy conception, and a low AMH in a younger person does not mean pregnancy is impossible. Age and ovarian reserve answer different questions.

If you are 35 or over and have been trying to conceive for 6 months, it is reasonable to seek advice. If you are over 40, have irregular cycles or have known fertility risk factors, earlier advice may be appropriate.

Fertility blood tests before IVF

Before IVF or other fertility treatment, clinics often use blood tests to plan treatment and assess safety. These may include AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol, thyroid function, prolactin, full blood count, vitamin D, infection screening and sometimes other tests.

AMH and antral follicle count are often used to estimate likely response to ovarian stimulation. This helps clinics choose medication doses and reduce the risk of under-response or over-response.

The HFEA is the UK regulator for fertility clinics and provides patient information about fertility treatment, clinics and outcomes. Its information on AMH and fertility treatment explains that AMH relates to egg count, but fertility treatment decisions should be discussed with a clinic in the context of personal circumstances.

What if all fertility blood tests are normal?

Normal fertility blood tests can be reassuring, but they do not rule out fertility problems. You may still need semen analysis, ultrasound, tubal testing or assessment for endometriosis, depending on the situation.

If pregnancy has not happened after a reasonable period of trying, normal blood tests should not be the end of the investigation. Ask what has not yet been checked.

Possible next steps may include:

• semen analysis
• pelvic ultrasound
• tubal patency testing
• review of ovulation timing
• assessment for endometriosis
• review of intercourse timing and frequency
• fertility clinic referral

What if fertility blood tests are abnormal?

An abnormal result does not always mean you cannot conceive. It means the result needs interpretation and a plan.

Examples:

• Low progesterone may mean the test was taken too early, or it may suggest ovulation is not happening.
• High prolactin may need repeating and checking for medicine, thyroid or pituitary causes.
• High FSH may suggest reduced ovarian reserve, but age, AMH and ultrasound matter too.
• Low AMH may suggest fewer eggs are likely to be collected in IVF, but it does not mean natural pregnancy is impossible.
• High testosterone may suggest PCOS or another androgen-related condition.
• Abnormal thyroid results may need treatment before or during attempts to conceive.

The safest response is not to panic or start supplements at random. Ask whether the result was timed correctly, whether it should be repeated, and what the next clinical step is.

Questions to ask after fertility blood tests

If you have fertility blood test results, these questions can help you get a clearer answer from your GP or clinic:

• Were these tests taken on the correct cycle day?
• Do the results suggest I am ovulating?
• Do I need progesterone repeated at a different time?
• What do my AMH and FSH mean for my age?
• Do the results suggest PCOS, thyroid disease or high prolactin?
• Does my partner need semen analysis?
• Do I need a pelvic ultrasound?
• Do I need tubal testing?
• Should I be referred to a fertility clinic?
• What lifestyle or medication changes are evidence-based?

When should you speak to a GP or fertility clinic?

Speak to a GP or fertility specialist if:

• you have been trying to conceive for 12 months and are under 35
• you have been trying for 6 months and are 35 or over
• you are over 40 and trying to conceive
• your periods are very irregular or absent
• you have symptoms of PCOS
• you have known or suspected endometriosis
• you have had pelvic inflammatory disease or an ectopic pregnancy
• you have had chemotherapy, radiotherapy or ovarian surgery
• periods stopped before 40
• you have repeated miscarriages
• semen analysis is abnormal
• private fertility results are abnormal or confusing

Seek urgent medical advice if you have severe pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding with dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding, or symptoms that could suggest ectopic pregnancy.

How to read fertility blood test results step by step

If you have results in front of you, read them in this order:

1. Check why the test was done. Ovulation, ovarian reserve, PCOS, menopause and IVF planning are different questions.
2. Check the cycle day. Some results are only meaningful when timed correctly.
3. Check contraception and hormone use. The pill, HRT, fertility medication and progesterone can affect results.
4. Look at progesterone timing. It should usually be about 7 days before the expected period, not automatically day 21.
5. Interpret AMH with age. AMH is about ovarian reserve, not a guarantee of natural fertility.
6. Do not forget sperm testing. Semen analysis is essential where sperm is involved.
7. Consider thyroid and prolactin. These can affect ovulation and periods.
8. Ask what has not been checked. Tubes, uterus, endometriosis and sperm are not assessed by female hormone blood tests alone.
9. Get clinical interpretation. Fertility results are easy to overread without context.

For general support reading blood reports, see How to Understand Blood Test Results and How to Understand Medical Test Results.

The bottom line

Fertility blood tests can be very useful, but they are not a complete fertility answer. Progesterone can help show whether ovulation has happened. FSH, LH and oestradiol can help assess hormone signals. AMH can estimate ovarian reserve and help plan IVF. Prolactin and thyroid tests can identify treatable causes of irregular cycles. Androgen tests can help assess PCOS.

But fertility is not only hormones. Age, egg quality, ovulation timing, sperm, fallopian tubes, uterus, endometriosis, lifestyle, medical history and treatment access all matter.

The best fertility testing is targeted, timed correctly and interpreted by someone who understands the whole picture. If results are abnormal, they should lead to a clear next step — not panic, guesswork or endless extra tests.

Frequently asked questions

What blood tests are done for fertility?

Common fertility blood tests include progesterone, FSH, LH, oestradiol, AMH, prolactin, thyroid tests, testosterone, SHBG, HbA1c and general health checks such as full blood count, ferritin, B12, folate and vitamin D depending on the situation.

What is the most important fertility blood test?

It depends on the question. Progesterone is important for confirming ovulation. AMH helps estimate ovarian reserve. FSH, LH and oestradiol help assess hormone signalling. Thyroid and prolactin tests can identify treatable causes of irregular cycles.

What day should fertility blood tests be done?

FSH, LH and oestradiol are often checked on day 2 to 5 of the cycle. Progesterone is usually checked about 7 days before the expected period. AMH can often be taken at any point, but clinic advice may vary.

Is day 21 progesterone always correct?

No. Day 21 progesterone is only suitable for a typical 28-day cycle. If your cycle is longer, the test should usually be later. It is best timed around 7 days before your expected period.

What progesterone level means I ovulated?

The exact cut-off can vary by laboratory and clinical context. A raised mid-luteal progesterone usually supports ovulation. Your clinician should interpret the result using your cycle length and the lab range.

What does AMH tell you?

AMH gives an estimate of ovarian reserve, or roughly how many eggs may remain. It is useful in fertility treatment planning, especially IVF, but it does not directly measure egg quality or guarantee natural fertility.

Does low AMH mean I cannot get pregnant?

No. Low AMH does not mean pregnancy is impossible. It may suggest fewer eggs are likely to be available or collected during IVF, but age, ovulation, sperm, tubes and other factors still matter.

Does high AMH mean I am very fertile?

Not necessarily. High AMH may suggest a higher number of small follicles and can be seen in PCOS. It does not guarantee easy natural conception.

What does high FSH mean for fertility?

High FSH may suggest reduced ovarian response or lower ovarian reserve, especially when checked early in the cycle. It should be interpreted with age, AMH, oestradiol and ultrasound findings.

Can normal fertility blood tests still mean infertility?

Yes. Normal blood tests do not rule out sperm problems, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine problems, egg quality issues or unexplained infertility.

Do men need fertility blood tests?

Sometimes, but semen analysis is usually the key first test when sperm is involved. Male hormone blood tests may be used if semen analysis is abnormal or symptoms suggest a hormonal cause.

Can thyroid problems affect fertility?

Yes. Underactive or overactive thyroid disease can affect periods, ovulation, miscarriage risk and pregnancy health. Thyroid testing is common in fertility assessment.

Can high prolactin affect fertility?

Yes. High prolactin can interfere with ovulation and periods. It may be caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, medicines, thyroid disease or pituitary conditions.

Can PCOS show on fertility blood tests?

Blood tests can support a PCOS diagnosis by showing androgen excess or related hormone patterns, but PCOS is not diagnosed by one blood test alone. Symptoms, cycle pattern, ultrasound and exclusion of other causes matter.

Are private fertility blood tests worth it?

They can be useful if they answer a clear question, are timed correctly and include clinical interpretation. They can be misleading if sold as a simple “fertility score” without context.

Can at-home fertility tests be trusted?

Some can provide useful information, but timing, sample quality and interpretation matter. A home test should not replace a full fertility assessment if you are struggling to conceive or have symptoms.

Can fertility blood tests show egg quality?

No blood test can directly measure egg quality. Age is one of the strongest indicators of egg quality, although it is still not a perfect predictor for an individual person.

Can fertility blood tests show blocked tubes?

No. Fallopian tube problems usually need imaging tests such as HyCoSy, HSG or laparoscopy depending on the situation.

Can fertility blood tests diagnose endometriosis?

No. Blood tests cannot reliably diagnose endometriosis. Symptoms, examination, imaging and sometimes laparoscopy may be needed.

When should I get fertility help?

Seek advice after 12 months of trying if under 35, after 6 months if 35 or over, or earlier if you have irregular periods, known endometriosis, previous pelvic infection, suspected PCOS, repeated miscarriage, known sperm issues or other risk factors.