The instability of a woman's cycle can originate from many causes. Blood tests will detect hormonal disorders, anaemias, and infections that can affect a woman's cycle and her fertility, often to a great extent.
Complete Blood Count, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Iron (Fe), Ferritin: used to assess iron levels in women of childbearing age. In cases of severe iron deficiency, significant cycle irregularities may be observed, even leading to amenorrhea for a period.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle- Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Oestradiol (E2), Progesterone (PRG): the basic hormones regulating a woman's cycle, responsible for egg maturation and its attachment to the uterine lining.
Prolactin (PRL): increased levels are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition reported as one of the main causes of infertility.
Testosterone, Free Testosterone (Testo, freeTesto), DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate), D-4 (D-4 Androstenedione): hormones known as "androgens," which interfere with the normal cycle, competing with female hormones.
T3 (Triiodothyronine), Free T4 (Free Thyroxine), TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone), anti-TPO (Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies), anti-TG (Antithyroglobulin Antibodies): thyroid analyses to check for possible dysfunction of the gland that may disrupt the cycle and cause infertility.
CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125): an ovarian neoplasm indicator that detects possible endometriosis (inflammation of the ovaries), associated with infertility.
Vaginal cultures: performed for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, Chlamydia, and parasitic infections that can affect the menstrual cycle. If left untreated for a long period, these conditions can even lead to infertility.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B: their analysis is additionally recommended for women over 40 to assess the reserve of available eggs for maturation and fertilization.