Here’s What Your Doctor Might Not Be Telling You
If you’ve ever had your fertility hormones tested, you’ve probably heard this frustrating phrase: "Everything looks normal!"
But what if normal isn’t enough? What if your results are technically within range but not truly optimal for conception?
This is where so many women get stuck—thinking everything is fine because their doctor said so, only to struggle with irregular cycles, unexplained infertility, or frustrating roadblocks on their TTC (trying to conceive) journey.
Your fertility labs hold the real answers. You just need to know how to read them.
What's in this article?
In my new ebook, I break down key fertility markers—what they actually mean, what’s optimal (not just “normal”), and why understanding your results is the game-changer in your fertility journey. And if you want to take it a step further, my Optimizing Fertility: Essential Lab Tests for Women trying to Conceive Ebook will walk you through your labs in detail so you can finally take control of your reproductive health.
The 5 Most Important Fertility Markers You NEED to Know
Doctors often focus on just one or two numbers, but real fertility health is about patterns. If you’re not looking at the full picture, you could be missing a crucial piece of your puzzle.
-1- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Ovarian Reserve Indicator
AMH is the hormone that estimates your ovarian reserve (aka how many eggs you have left). Many doctors only check AMH when doing IVF, but it’s an important marker for anyone trying to conceive.
Optimal range: 1.0–4.0 ng/mL
Too low? It may indicate low ovarian reserve.
Too high? It could suggest PCOS or anovulation issues.
Key takeaway: AMH alone won’t tell you your egg quality, but it’s an important piece of the puzzle.
-2- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Ovulation Function
FSH tells you how much effort your brain is putting into stimulating your ovaries. High FSH can be a warning sign that your body is struggling to ovulate regularly.
Optimal range: Below 10 IU/L (lower is generally better)
High levels? May indicate diminished ovarian function.
Key takeaway: FSH should be checked alongside estradiol for a more complete picture.
-3- Estradiol (E2): Ovulation and Egg Quality
Estradiol (a form of estrogen) is crucial for egg development and ovulation. Too much or too little can throw everything off.
Optimal range (early follicular phase): 25–75 pg/mL
Too low? It could signal poor egg development.
Too high? It may indicate estrogen dominance, PCOS, or premature ovarian failure.
Key takeaway: Estradiol influences cervical mucus, uterine lining thickness, and even libido—so it’s kind of a big deal!
-4- Progesterone: The Pregnancy-Sustaining Hormone
Progesterone rises after ovulation to support implantation and early pregnancy. If it’s too low, it could be a sign of ovulatory issues or luteal phase defects.
Optimal range (mid-luteal phase): 10+ ng/mL
Too low? May indicate weak ovulation or trouble sustaining pregnancy.
Key takeaway: If you’ve ever had spotting before your period, progesterone might be the culprit.
-5- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): The Overlooked Fertility Factor
Your thyroid plays a HUGE role in fertility, and even slight imbalances can make conception harder. If your TSH is above 2.5, it could be affecting ovulation, implantation, and even early pregnancy success.
Optimal range for fertility: 1.0–2.5 mIU/L
Above 2.5? It may contribute to infertility, miscarriage, or irregular cycles.
Key takeaway: If your doctor only checked TSH without a full thyroid panel (free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies), you might be missing something.
Why Your Labs Might Be “Normal” But Not Optimal
Most doctors use standard reference ranges, which are designed to catch disease—not to assess optimal fertility. Just because your numbers fall within a “normal” range doesn’t mean they’re in the best range for getting pregnant.
This is exactly why I created Optimizing Fertility: Essential Lab Tests for Women trying to Conceive Ebook—to give you the knowledge you need to understand your results, identify red flags, and start taking action.
In this ebook, you’ll:
✅ Understand what your lab results really mean
✅ Identify hormonal imbalances affecting fertility
✅ Advocate for the right tests beyond the basics
✅ Learn natural ways to optimize your fertility
What You Will Learn in Optimizing Fertility
If you’ve ever walked away from a doctor’s appointment feeling more confused than when you walked in, you’re not alone. This ebook was designed to answer the questions most women have but rarely get clear answers to.
How do I know if my fertility hormones are optimal?
You’ll get a deep dive into AMH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, TSH, and more, so you can understand what your lab results mean and what numbers are ideal for conception.
What labs should I ask my doctor to run?
Many essential fertility markers aren’t included in standard lab panels. Chapter 9 of this ebook will guide you on how to advocate for yourself and ask for the right tests—beyond just the basics.
What if my doctor says my labs are “normal,” but I’m still not conceiving?
You'll learn how to interpret your numbers beyond standard reference ranges—because optimal is what truly matters when trying to conceive.
When is the best time in my cycle to get my labs checked?
Timing is everything when it comes to hormone testing! This guide will walk you through when to test each hormone to get the most accurate results.
What do my labs say about my egg quality and ovarian reserve?
You'll get a breakdown of AMH, FSH, and estradiol to understand how they impact egg health and fertility potential.
What if I have PCOS, irregular cycles, or unexplained infertility?
The ebook covers common hormone imbalances and how to identify hidden issues that may be affecting ovulation and conception.
This ebook isn’t just about numbers—it’s about helping you become your own best advocate on your fertility and TTC journey.
Your Next Step: Take Control of Your Fertility Today
If you’re ready to stop feeling confused and start feeling empowered about your fertility, this ebook is for you.
⚡ Understand your labs
⚡ Optimize your hormones
⚡ Take charge of your reproductive health
Because your fertility isn’t just about numbers—it’s about having the knowledge and tools to make the best decisions for your body.
I've helped women increase their chances of getting pregnant just by running the appropriate markers.
Invest in this guide today and take charge of your TTC (trying to conceive) journey.
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Preview of What's Inside Optimizing Fertility:
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*Dr. Francesca works only with patients physically located in California.*
*Disclaimer: Although I am a doctor, I may not be your doctor. The information contained within the pages of this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to treat conditions. Please consult with your doctor before implementing any of the treatments, diets, supplements, etc. mentioned in this blog.*