Waiting in Her Cycle / CYCLE DAY 3 TESTING

 

 

 TEXT

Me: Hi Gia, how are you? Any News? :)

Gia: Nothing, just getting all her paperwork together ro send to clinic waiting in her cycle to do Day 3 labs.

Me: Ok, thank you.

 Gia: My pleasure...we are going on vacay til Monday... but I am always available to you. 

Me: Thank you Gia. Enjoy!

Gia: Thank you

 

 DAY 3 TESTING

 

WHAT DOES THE DAY 3 TESTING SHOW?

 Day 3 testing provides your physician with valuable information about the current status of your reproductive potential. The hormone levels show how easily your brain and ovaries work to mature an egg each month and provide insight into the egg quality.

In order to assess a woman’s reproductive function, patients complete what is known as day 3 testing. Day 3 testing consists of bloodwork and an ultrasound that are completed on the third day of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

 

The blood drawn is used to measure various hormone levels that help determine if the woman is ovulating as well as her ovarian reserve (or egg supply). Day 3 hormone testing measures:

• E2 (estrogren): E2 is the main female reproductive hormone that is secreted from the ovary and stimulates follicle growth as well as prepares the uterine lining for implantation.
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): FSH is released from the brain and stimulates the ovary to mature an egg.
• LH (luteinizing hormone): LH is integral in the final maturation and release of a mature follicle.
• AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone): AMH indicates the size of ovarian reserve. AMH is secreted by the small antral follicles found in the ovaries at the start of the menstrual cycle.
• Other: Additional hormone tests may be performed to assess general health and cycle regularity.

Sometimes, at the same visit, there is performed a baseline transvaginal ultrasound to measure the ovaries, uterus, and ovarian activity through an antral follicle count (AFC).

LINK: https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/article/what-day-3-testing/

Cycle Day 3

A woman’s menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of her period (blood flow, not spotting), so Cycle Day 3 is the third day of her period. When a woman is undergoing a fertility work-up, Cycle Day 3 is the day she has blood work performed to check the levels of three important levels: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2).

FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the production of estradiol (estrogen) and eggs (oocytes) during the first half of the menstrual cycle. The eggs begin to grow in their individual fluid sacs, or follicles, which is the first step in the ovulation process. High levels of FSH are an indication of poor ovarian reserves; in other words, the quality and quantity of eggs is low. This does not necessarily mean that pregnancy is impossible, but it may be more difficult to achieve.

The FSH blood test is used to help diagnose problems with sexual development, menstruation, and fertility. It can be used to diagnose or evaluate polycystic ovary disease, ovarian cysts, irregular vaginal bleeding and infertility.

The LH blood test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone, which is also secreted by the pituitary gland. In women, LH levels rise at mid-cycle; within 24 to 36 hours, ovulation occurs. Higher-than-normal levels of LH indicate several disorders, including ovarian failure and polycystic ovary disease.

Estradiol is the most important form of estrogen. It is primarily made in and released from the ovaries, adrenal cortex and the placenta, and it is responsible for the growth of the breasts, outer genitals, uterus, fallopian tubes and vagina.

These three hormones can all be checked with a simple performed on Cycle Day 3. Normal value ranges for the FSH, LH and E2 tests.

LINK: https://www.ivfphoenix.com/what-is-cycle-day-3-lab-testing-for/