World IVF Day 2024: Know The Importance Of Hormone Level Testing For IVF Cycles

Early identification of hormonal imbalances can help IVF specialists design a tailored approach, thus increasing the chances of conception.

World IVF Day 2024: Infertility has shown a rising trend worldwide. As per the World Health Organisation, nearly 8-12 % of couples suffer from infertility. An increase in maternal age, greater stress levels, and changing lifestyle factors are significant contributors to infertility. In such a scenario, In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) proves to be a boon for couples struggling with infertility. Recent advancements in hormone testing have made it a simple and non-invasive method to select the type of IVF treatment along with monitoring its success.

Fertility And IVF

The essential hormones that play a vital role in fertility and IVF are oestrogens, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), Mullerian hormone (AMH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). While estrogen helps in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, progesterone prepares the uterus lining and makes it receptive to embryo implantation follicles and ovulation. The definitive test for successful conception is rising levels of HCG in the blood. The store-bought urine pregnancy test (UPT) kits also measure the levels of HCG in urine. However, confirming a positive or negative UPT test by measuring HCG blood levels is always advisable.

Before Initiating IVF Treatment

Baseline levels of these hormones are measured and followed up subsequently.

• A traditional IVF cycle uses a carefully scheduled, routine administration of high-dose hormone shots, which increases the number of eggs produced in a month, which increases the number of eggs available for fertilizing with the sperm.
• It is essential to monitor these hormones at the beginning of the treatment while undergoing IVF treatment and, at times, also during pregnancy. Few of these hormones need to be measured on a specific day of the menstrual cycle as most of these hormones vary throughout. Medication administration and embryo transfer timing could be optimised by closely monitoring the hormone levels.
• There is no single hormone that can be used to assess IVF treatment. Personalised hormone monitoring is beneficial for couples suffering from infertility, especially for women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or diminished ovarian reserve.

When It Comes To IVF

There is a general notion that more importance is given to hormone testing in females, while it is equally essential for males to test for these hormones.

• Monitoring levels of testosterone along with FSH, LH, and oestrogen is necessary for assessing the quantity and quality of sperm and testicular function.
• Getting these tests done from accredited labs that provide accreditation to testing labs based on international standards in India is always advisable.
• Hormone testing offers a comprehensive understanding of a couple's reproductive health.
• Early identification of hormonal imbalances can help IVF specialists design a tailored approach, thus increasing the chances of conception.