Your Path to Pregnancy: Medical Testing, Labs, & Root Causes

Bridging the gap between wellness and Medical Insight.

Understanding your fertility doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or clinical.
This page is your guide to bridging the world of lab work with your lived experience. Whether you’re just starting to explore why getting pregnant hasn’t happened yet, preparing for IVF, or navigating hormonal conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, understanding your body through testing can offer empowering insights. You’ll find digestible info on common labs, when to request testing, how to advocate for yourself, and what your results might be trying to say — all through a gentle, educational lens. This is not a diagnosis — it’s a tool for clarity, grounding, and confidence.

🧪 Common Fertility Labs (and What They Can Tell You)

AMH, FSH, Estradiol, TSH, Prolactin, LH, and Progesterone — each lab gives a snapshot of how your body is communicating hormonally.

Low AMH? It may signal low egg reserve — but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Elevated FSH? Could point to your ovaries working harder than they should.

I help walk clients through what each lab means, when to test, and how to interpret results in context.

📅 When to Request Testing + Advocate for Yourself

Timing matters. For most people, hormone testing is most accurate in the first half of your cycle (usually cycle days 3–5) — but this depends on the lab and the hormone.

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 6–12 months, are over 35, or have known hormone symptoms, it's appropriate to request a full panel.

I also provide support on *how* to ask and what to say to get clear answers.

💉 Before IVF or IUI: What to Know

Getting labs done before assisted reproduction can help avoid wasted cycles and improve outcomes. Understanding thyroid health, progesterone levels, and even inflammation markers can give providers — and you — a clearer path forward.

You'll want to go in feeling informed, not overwhelmed. This page is a start.

⚠️ If You're Navigating PCOS or Endometriosis

These conditions often show up as irregular cycles, pain, or unpredictable ovulation — and they need a different lab interpretation. You may need tests like insulin, free testosterone, DHEA, CRP, or pelvic imaging in addition to standard hormone panels.

Clients often tell me no one explained what their results meant — until now.

🔍 Disclaimer

This page is for educational purposes only. I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider when interpreting lab work or making changes to your care plan.

Understanding the Landscape: Tests, Patterns & Possibilities

✨ Common Fertility Labs & What They Show

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Gives a snapshot of ovarian reserve. Lower AMH doesn’t mean you can’t conceive — it’s one part of a bigger picture.

FSH & LH: These cycle-regulating hormones help assess how your brain and ovaries are communicating.

Estradiol, Progesterone, Prolactin: Help us understand ovulation quality, luteal phase support, and hormonal imbalances that could affect fertility.

TSH & Thyroid Panel: Thyroid health is foundational. Even subtle shifts can impact conception and pregnancy.

🧬 When to Advocate for Testing

If your cycle is irregular, if you've been trying for a few months without clarity, or if your intuition says something’s off — testing can bring valuable insight. You don’t have to wait a year. This is about feeling empowered, not panicked.

💡 What To Know Before Starting IVF or IUI

Foundational labs can help tailor your approach and uncover small adjustments that make a big impact. Even with assisted reproduction, knowing your hormone rhythm can guide timing, nutrition, and supplementation more precisely.

🫧 Root Causes vs. Symptoms

Fertility is complex. Irregular periods, acne, fatigue, or early losses may be signs of PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid dysfunction, or stress dysregulation. Testing helps shift from guessing to understanding — and that’s where your healing can begin.

⚠️ This resource is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult with your provider before making health decisions.

Want to go deeper? Download the mini guide on understanding your fertility labs for gentle insight on AMH, progesterone, TSH, and more — all explained in your language.