INFERTILITY PROFILE SUPER PLUS
♀️♂️ Male & Female Fertility PanelReport: Same Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC302 (Assigned)
• A morning sample (8 AM - 11 AM) is strongly recommended.
• Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day; a morning sample provides a reliable baseline.
• For women: This test is ideally done on Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle. Please confirm timing with your doctor.
The Infertility Profile Super Plus is a foundational laboratory panel designed to investigate the most common hormonal causes of infertility in both men and women. This profile provides a critical snapshot of the brain-gonadal axis (the communication between the brain and the ovaries/testes) by measuring four key hormones.
✔ A core panel for the initial workup of male and female infertility.
✔ Measures key hormones: FSH, LH, Prolactin, and Testosterone.
✔ Helps diagnose conditions like PCOS, pituitary disorders, low testosterone, and hyperprolactinemia.
✔ A trusted baseline assessment from a professional diagnostic center.
Tests Included in This Panel (4)
This panel provides a foundational look at your reproductive hormones by measuring these 4 key markers from a single blood sample:
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- Prolactin (PRL)
- Testosterone (Total)
About Each Test in This Panel
1. FSH (FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE)
FSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland. It plays a vital role in reproduction. In women, FSH is essential for stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles (which contain the eggs) each month. In men, FSH is one of the primary hormones required for sperm production. This test helps evaluate ovarian reserve, pituitary disorders, and male infertility.
2. LH (LEUTINIZING HORMONE)
Also produced by the pituitary gland, LH works closely with FSH. In women, a sudden surge of LH is the trigger that causes the ovary to release an egg (ovulation). In men, LH is the main signal that tells the testes to produce testosterone. Measuring the LH-to-FSH ratio is a key diagnostic tool for conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
3. PROLACTIN (PRL)
Prolactin is another hormone from the pituitary gland. While its main job is to stimulate milk production after childbirth, abnormally high levels (hyperprolactinemia) can cause infertility in both men and women. High prolactin can suppress the hormones (FSH and LH) that trigger ovulation and can also lead to low testosterone and libido in men.
4. TESTOSTERONE TOTAL
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, but it's also crucial for female health. In men, it is essential for libido, muscle mass, and sperm development. Low testosterone is a major cause of male infertility. In women, small amounts are normal, but high levels are a key indicator of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is a common cause of irregular periods and infertility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This panel is the recommended starting point for any couple struggling to conceive. It is also ordered for women experiencing irregular or absent periods and for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone (like low libido or fatigue).
Both. All four hormones (FSH, LH, Prolactin, Testosterone) play crucial, interconnected roles in male and female reproductive health. The "normal" reference ranges will be different for men and women.
Hormone levels are not static; they fluctuate throughout the day. Testosterone, in particular, peaks in the early morning. A timed morning sample ensures the results from our laboratory are accurate and can be properly compared to the standard reference ranges.
Yes, absolutely. For a fertility workup, your doctor will almost always order this test to be done on Day 2 or Day 3 of your menstrual cycle (where Day 1 is the first day of your period). This provides the "baseline" levels for FSH and LH, which is essential for diagnosis. Always confirm the timing with your doctor.
Besides pregnancy and breastfeeding, high prolactin can be caused by stress, certain medications (like some antidepressants), an underactive thyroid, or a benign pituitary tumor (prolactinoma).