January 9, 2024
Fertility Assessment: Understanding Your Baseline Health
The starting point to making informed decisions for your fertility future.
Darcy Burdsall
Registered Nurse
7 Minute Read
Taking control of your fertility journey is a big step, and we’re here to walk it with you. Whether you’re planning for the future, curious about your reproductive health, or just starting to think about what’s next, fertility assessment can provide clarity and confidence.
At Elsa Fertility, we believe knowledge is empowerment. Fertility testing is not just about numbers or charts—it’s about understanding your unique baseline health, starting meaningful conversations with your provider, and making informed decisions for your future. Our role is to simplify the process and support you every step of the way.
This guide explains what a fertility assessment includes, why it matters, and how it can set the foundation for your reproductive health goals.
Why Consider Fertility Testing?
Your fertility journey is as unique as you are. Fertility testing isn’t just for those trying to conceive—it’s for anyone who wants a clearer picture of their reproductive health.
Here’s why you might consider it:
Clarity: Gain a deeper understanding of your ovarian reserve and hormonal health.
Planning Ahead: If you’re considering options like egg freezing or delaying conception, testing helps you plan based on real data.
Taking Charge: Use this information to start evidence-based conversations with your healthcare provider.
Proactive Health: Address underlying issues like hormonal imbalances, thyroid concerns, or nutritional deficiencies that can affect fertility.
As ovarian reserve naturally declines with age, starting early gives you more options and greater control over your future.Research from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism highlights the benefits of early testing, particularly for individuals who may not yet be ready to conceive but want to understand their options.
What Does Fertility Assessment Include?
At its core, a fertility assessment is about understanding your overall reproductive and general health. Here's what we typically look at:
Hormonal Testing
Hormonal tests give us a window into how your ovaries are working:
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): Think of this as an estimate of how many eggs you have left. It’s a key marker for ovarian reserve and can be tested any time during your cycle.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This is like your ovary's work signal. Higher levels can mean your ovaries are working harder, which might suggest a lower reserve. It’s typically measured on Day 2–4 of your menstrual cycle.
Estradiol (E2): This works alongside FSH to give us a fuller picture of your ovarian function.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Your thyroid affects so many things, including your reproductive health. Imbalances here can disrupt your cycle and even ovulation.
Prolactin: Elevated prolactin can interfere with ovulation, so it’s important to rule this out.
Ultrasound Examination
We use ultrasounds to take a closer look at your ovaries and uterus:
Antral Follicle Count (AFC): This test counts the small follicles in your ovaries. A higher number usually means a higher ovarian reserve.
Uterine Health: We can check for anything that might affect implantation, like fibroids or polyps.
General Health Screening
Your overall health matters just as much as your reproductive health. These tests are about making sure your body is ready for whatever comes next:
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This checks for anemia or infections, which can affect your energy levels and overall well-being.
Vitamin D Levels: Low vitamin D has been linked to lower pregnancy rates, so making sure you’re in a good range can support your journey.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This test ensures your liver and kidneys are functioning well—important for processing medications and maintaining balance during treatment.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re insights into your overall baseline health. They help start an evidence-based conversation with your provider about the best next steps for you. And if you’re working with Elsa, we’ll make sure you have all the support you need to make sense of the results and what they mean for your journey.
When to Consider Fertility Testing
Fertility assessment is helpful at any stage of your journey, but it may be particularly valuable if:
You’re planning to delay childbearing and want to understand your reproductive timeline.
You’re exploring fertility preservation options like egg freezing.
Your menstrual cycle is irregular or unpredictable.
You want a baseline for future planning.
Starting early provides more options and better control over your future reproductive decisions.
What to Expect During the Process
Testing Based on Your Cycle: Blood tests and ultrasounds are timed to your menstrual cycle (except for AMH, which can be done any time).
Results and Discussion: Once your results are in, Elsa helps facilitate a clear, evidence-based discussion with your provider so you can decide on the best path forward.
How Elsa Helps You Navigate This Journey
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