Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is closely associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Among women presenting with infertility in one study, PCOS was found to be present in 81% of women who were anovulatory (the absence of ovulation) and in 44% of those with unexplained infertility.
A full thyroid panel and daily cortisol pattern
Thyroid dysfunction, including subclinical hypothyroidism (elevated TSH with normal free T3 and free T4 levels), has been implicated as a cause of infertility. Correct thyroid hormone treatment can be a simple solution to restore a regular menstrual pattern. In one study, levothyroxine treatment resulted in pregnancy for 44% of previously infertile patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. High TPO antibodies, which are commonly not tested for, indicate an autoimmune thyroid disease (e.g., Hashimoto’s Disease), which is associated with fertility related problems and it is very important to rule out thyroid autoimmunity in women attempting to conceive because of the increased risk of miscarriage. It also looks at cortisol patterns throughout the day.
Female hormone levels
Doing hormone testing at the correct time in a menstrual cycle is vital to gain an accurate picture of the reproductive cycle levels (follicular, ovulatory and luteal) yet these are mostly never considered.
A typical pattern of day 19-21 hormone levels indicating signs of ovarian insufficiency would consist of low oestradiol, low progesterone, low testosterone and elevated LH and FSH and
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