Pre-pregnancy blood test

The tests included are as follows: HAEMATOLOGY – FBC with 5-part Differential, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR); BIOCHEMISTRY – Urea and Electrolytes (includes your kidney function, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), Liver Function Tests (Bilirubin, Alk Phos, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin), Cardiac/Muscle Enzymes (LDH, CK), Bone Markers (Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid), Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Iron/Total Iron Binding Capacity [TIBC]), Ferritin, Thyroid Function (FT4/TSH), Vitamin D; FEMALE HORMONES – LH, FSH, Prolactin, Oestradiol (17-Beta) and Progesterone. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. Luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stiulating hormone (FSH) are produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. The control of FSH & LH production is a complex system involving hormones, such as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) – produced by the gonads (ovaries or testes), the pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus.
In women, FSH stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles (unfertilised eggs) during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. This cycle is divided into two phases, the follicular and the luteal, by a mid-cycle surge of FSH and LH. Ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary) occurs shortly after this mid-cycle surge of hormones. During the follicular phase, FSH initiates the production of oestradiol by the follicle, and the two hormones work together in the further development of the egg follicle. During the luteal phase, FSH stimulates the production of progesterone. LH also stimulates the ovaries to produce other hormones, mainly oestradiol and progesterone. Both oestradiol and progesterone help the pituitary control the amount of FSH produced.
At the time of the menopause, the ovaries stop functioning and FSH levels rise. During pregnancy, oestrogen levels are high and this makes FSH undetectable.