Ulta Lab Tests

Fertility Insights Comprehensive Lab Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: 17Hydroxyprogesterone LCMSMS

17 Hydroxyprogesterone,

Also known as: Androstenedione LCMSMS

Androstenedione, LC/MS/MS

ANTI-MULLERIAN HORMONE

Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA SO4, DHEA Sulfate Immunoassay, DHEAS, Transdehydroandrosterone

DHEA SULFATE

DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood. DHEA-sulfate is a weak male hormone (androgen) produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women.

Estradiol

Estradiol (estradiol-17 beta, E2) is part of an estrogen that is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men. Estradiol (E2) is the predominant form of estrogen and is produced primarily in the ovaries with additional amounts produced by the adrenal glands in women and in the testes and adrenal glands in men. Estradiol levels are used in evaluating ovarian function. Estradiol levels are increased in cases of early (precocious) puberty in girls and gynecomastia in men. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea – for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development in the ovary in the days prior to in vitro fertilization. Estradiol is also sometimes used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Also known as: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone

Fsh

Lh

Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular

HOMOCYSTEINE,

Also known as: Progesterone Immunoassay

Progesterone

Serum progesterone is a test to measure the amount of progesterone in the blood. Progesterone is a hormone produced mainly in the ovaries. In women, progesterone plays a vital role in pregnancy. After an egg is released by the ovaries (ovulation), progesterone helps make the uterus ready for implantation of a fertilized egg. It prepares the womb (uterus) for pregnancy and the breasts for milk production. Men produce some amount of progesterone, but it probably has no normal function except to help produce other steroid hormones.

Also known as: PRL

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Prolactin secretion is regulated and inhibited by the brain chemical dopamine. Normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women, prolactin's primary role is to promote lactation (breast milk production). Prolactin levels are usually high throughout pregnancy and just after childbirth. During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin level soon drops back to pre-pregnancy levels. If she does nurse, suckling by the infant plays an important role in the release of prolactin. There is a feedback mechanism between how often the baby nurses and the amount of prolactin secreted by the pituitary as well as the amount of milk produced. Another common cause of elevated prolactin levels is a prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign. They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men. Problems resulting from them can arise both from the unintended effects of excess prolactin, such as milk production in the non-pregnant woman (and rarely, man) and from the size and location of the tumor. If the anterior pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and it can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces. In women, prolactinomas can cause infertility and irregularities in menstruation; in men, these tumors can cause a gradual loss in sexual function and libido. If left untreated, prolactinomas may eventually damage the tissues around them.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, D2

Vitamin D2 ((ergocalciferol,) is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D2 is effective when it is converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, D3

Vitamin D3 (cholecalcifero) which comes from animals. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D3 are is converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Also known as: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free

T3, Free

This test measures the amount of triiodothyronine, or T3, in the blood.

Also known as: Free T4, FT4, T4 Free

T4, Free

The free T4 test is not affected by protein levels. Since free T4 is the active form of thyroxine, the free T4 test is may be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function.

Also known as: Testosterone Total And Free And Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Free Testosterone

In many cases, measurement of total testosterone provides the doctor with adequate information. However, in certain cases, for example when the level of SHBG is abnormal, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be performed as it may more accurately reflect the presence of a medical condition.

Sex Hormone Binding

The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test measures the concentration of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein that is produced by the liver and binds tightly to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). In this bound state, it transports them in the blood as an inactive form. The amount of SHBG in circulation is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of testosterone that is available to be used by the body's tissues. A total testosterone test does not distinguish between bound and unbound testosterone but determines the overall quantity of testosterone. If a person's SHBG level is not normal, then the total testosterone may not be an accurate representation of the amount of testosterone that is available to the person's tissues.

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone: In boys -- early or late puberty and in men -- impotence, low level of sexual interest, infertility, thinning of the bones In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone and levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as: decreased breast size, excess hair growth, increased size of the clitoris. irregular or absent menstrual periods and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyrotropin

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

TSH

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Fertility Insights Comprehensive Lab Panel panel contains 14 tests with 21 biomarkers .

The Fertility Insights Comprehensive Lab Panel is a set of key laboratory tests aimed at individuals and couples navigating the complex journey of conception. By providing a broad overview of the hormonal and physiological factors that influence fertility, this panel is an invaluable tool for those seeking to understand the nuances of their reproductive health, pinpoint potential issues, and enhance their chances of conceiving. Below is a breakdown of the tests included in the panel, grouped by their primary focus areas, and an explanation of their significance in fertility management.

Hormonal Health and Ovulation

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test: Essential for understanding ovarian reserve and egg production quality, high FSH levels may signal challenges in becoming pregnant due to diminished ovarian function.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test: Crucial for pinpointing ovulation timing, LH surges trigger egg release. Discrepancies in LH levels can indicate ovulation issues.
  • Estradiol Test: Plays a pivotal role in preparing the uterine lining for implantation. Estradiol levels offer insights into egg development and overall ovarian health.
  • Progesterone Test: After ovulation, progesterone prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy, making its measurement vital for assessing luteal phase sufficiency and early pregnancy support.
  • Testosterone Test: While necessary in small amounts for ovarian function, excessive testosterone in women can impede ovulation, necessitating its evaluation for balanced fertility.

Thyroid Function and Metabolism

  • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test: Since thyroid health significantly affects fertility, understanding TSH levels helps diagnose thyroid disorders that could impact conception.
  • Thyroxine (T4) Test and Free Triiodothyronine (T3) Test: These tests provide a comprehensive view of thyroid function, further elucidating potential metabolic and menstrual cycle irregularities impacting fertility.

Ovarian Reserve and Adrenal Health

  • Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test: Offers a direct insight into a woman's ovarian reserve, crucial for planning conception efforts and potential fertility treatments.
  • Androstenedione Test, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) Test, and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Test: These assess adrenal gland function, influencing sex hormone production and overall reproductive health.
  • Prolactin Test: High prolactin levels can inhibit ovulation; thus, assessing prolactin is essential for understanding unexplained infertility or irregular menstruation.

Hormone Regulation and Availability

  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test: SHBG levels dictate the availability of sex hormones; imbalances can affect fertility by altering the levels of active hormones.

Miscarriage Risk and Nutritional Health

  • Homocysteine Test: Since elevated homocysteine levels are associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and complications, this test is vital for assessing blood clotting health in relation to pregnancy.
  • Vitamin D Test: Adequate Vitamin D is essential for fertility and pregnancy health, influencing hormonal balance and the environment for developing embryos.

Benefits to Women

For women navigating the challenges of conception, this panel provides a foundational understanding of the many variables influencing fertility. By identifying hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or potential risks associated with miscarriage, women can work with healthcare providers to develop targeted strategies for managing and improving fertility outcomes. This could involve lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, supplementation, or medical interventions aimed at addressing specific issues uncovered by the panel.

In essence, the Fertility Insights Comprehensive Lab Panel empowers women with detailed insights into their reproductive health, offering a clearer path toward conception. It demystifies the complexities of fertility, equipping women with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and take proactive steps in their fertility journey, ultimately enhancing their prospects for a successful pregnancy.

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