The Fertility Fitness Podcast

Fertility: Focus on Hormones

Episode Summary

In this week's minisode of Fertility Focus, I look into the five key hormones crucial for female fertility and their optimal levels. Whether you're gearing up for IVF, managing your BMI, or fully committed to your conception journey, understanding these hormones can make a significant difference.

Episode Notes

5 Key Hormones Involved in Female Fertility:

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Role: Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH is essential for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain your eggs.
• Optimal Levels for a 35-Year-Old Woman: Measured on day 3 of your menstrual cycle, FSH levels should be between 3 to 9 milli-international units per milliliter (MIU/mL).

Luteinising Hormone (LH)

• Role: Also produced by the pituitary gland, LH regulates the menstrual cycle. The surge in LH triggers ovulation, releasing the mature egg from the ovary.
• Optimal Levels: On day 3 of your menstrual cycle, LH levels should be between 2 to 12 MIU/mL.

Estradiol (E2)

• Role: This form of estrogen is produced by the ovarian follicles. It regulates the menstrual cycle, prepares the uterine lining for implantation, and develops female secondary sexual characteristics.
• Optimal Levels: On day 3 of your menstrual cycle, estradiol levels should be between 25 to 75 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).

Progesterone

• Role: Produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation, progesterone prepares the uterine lining for implantation and supports early pregnancy. Low levels can lead to luteal phase defects, affecting fertility and pregnancy maintenance.
• Optimal Levels: In the luteal phase, around seven days post-ovulation, progesterone levels should be greater than 10 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

• Role: Produced by the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicles, AMH is a marker of ovarian reserve, reflecting the remaining quantity of eggs. Higher levels indicate a greater number of remaining eggs.
• Optimal Levels: For women in their mid-30s, AMH levels should generally be between 1 to 4.0 ng/mL.

Additional Resources:

• If you have concerns about your fertility or hormonal levels, visit your GP for essential blood tests.
• For more personalised advice and support, DM me on Instagram at @fitness_fertility. Join my community of women on the same journey for regular workouts and support.

Stay Connected:

• Follow me on Instagram: @fitness_fertility for more updates and to connect with a supportive community.
• Visit fitnessfertility.com to sign up for a free workout tailored to your fertility journey.
• Subscribe to the Fitness Fertility Podcast and tune in every Friday for expert interviews and in-depth discussions on fitness and fertility.

Spread the Word:

• Share this episode with friends and loved ones who are on their fertility journey. Your support could be the encouragement they need.

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