Table of Contents
At-home hormone testing is an easy and accessible way to investigate your fertility at home. In this article, we will cover the best tests for fertility, breaking down the differences between them, costs, and accessibility.
Fertility Tests
Fertility tests for women focus on testing the following hormones, each of them playing a vital role in fertility:
- anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)
- estradiol
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- free thyroxine (fT4)
- luteinizing hormone (LH)
- prolactin
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
There are multiple at-home fertility tests available, one of which is called Modern Fertility. As one of the most well-known at-home hormone testing companies, Modern Fertility tests all seven of the hormones listed above, providing you with comprehensive insight into your fertility. You collect the blood sample with a skin prick, which you mail back to them and get your results within a few days for. This process costs $159 USD.
LetsGetChecked offers a Female Hormone Test kit that tests FSH, LH, prolactin, and oestradiol. This test is taken on day 3 of your cycle to detect if you are ovulating or experiencing a hormone imbalance. A team of board-certified physicians will review your results and a nursing team will call you to discuss your results and next steps if your results are abnormal. You also get access to a detailed breakdown of your results for your testing journey. The cost is $129 USD.
EverlyWell is another option for at-home hormone testing. Their Women’s Fertility Test analyzes estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and total testosterone. For $149 USD you get the testing kit, digital and printable results, your test is reviewed and approved by an independent board-certified physician within your state, and a live webinar led by a healthcare professional to learn more about your results and get your questions answered.
The best at-home testing for rapid results is the Ava Fertility Bracelet. This option is more costly, between $279 to $359 USD, however, is a great option for those who don’t want to prick their finger, track basal body temperature, or use urine ovulation strips. Overnight, the Ava Fertility Bracelet tracks your temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and sleep to predict ovulation which you review immediately on their app. It gained FDA approval in early 2021 and is CE certified which means the bracelet meets the requirements of the European Economic Area.
A budget-friendly option is PREGMATE Ovulation Tracking Kit, costing $10.95 USD for 25 tests. The ovulation testing strips included in this kit help you determine when ovulation is happening by testing luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. However, it is important to note that the test results are not reliable for those with irregular cycles. These testing kits are available on their website or third-party sites such as Amazon.
How to choose Home Hormone Fertility Testing Brands
Although at-home hormone tests might be more accessible and less stressful, you need to take the results from at-home hormone tests with a grain of salt. There is a risk of human error that must be factored in when self-testing. For example, when collecting blood samples, failure to follow instructions can result in inaccurate or inconclusive test results. Also, when choosing a brand, be sure to select one with a certified lab to ensure the accuracy of your results. Lastly, your hormone levels are only one part of your overall health and fertility. A health care provider can help you interpret the results from your hormone tests and investigate your overall health and other factors that may influence your fertility.
Choosing the Right At-Home Hormone Fertility Testing Brand
While at-home hormone tests can provide valuable insights into your fertility, it’s important to approach the results with caution and consider certain factors before making any conclusions. Here are some key considerations when choosing an at-home hormone fertility testing brand:
- Reliability and Accuracy:
Opt for a brand that utilizes certified laboratories and follows strict quality control measures to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their testing methods. Look for information about the brand’s testing processes, including how they handle samples, analyze hormones, and generate results. Choosing a reputable brand can increase the likelihood of obtaining reliable and accurate results.
- Comprehensive Hormone Testing:
Evaluate the hormone panel offered by the testing brand. Ideally, the panel should cover essential fertility hormones such as anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Comprehensive testing allows for a more comprehensive assessment of your hormonal status and fertility potential.
- Cost and Accessibility:
Consider the cost and accessibility of the testing kit. Compare the prices of different brands and the value they offer in terms of the hormones tested and additional services provided. Some brands may offer more extensive analysis or personalized consultations with healthcare professionals as part of their package, which can be beneficial if you require further guidance or interpretation of your results.
- User Experience and Convenience:
Take into account the user experience and convenience offered by the testing brand. Look for reviews and testimonials from other users to gauge the ease of sample collection, shipping process, and the clarity of the results provided. User-friendly platforms or apps can also enhance your overall experience with the testing process.
- Professional Support and Interpretation:
While at-home hormone testing can provide valuable information, it’s important to remember that hormone levels are just one aspect of fertility. Consider seeking professional support from a healthcare provider who specializes in fertility or reproductive endocrinology. They can help interpret your hormone test results within the context of your overall health, medical history, and other factors that may influence your fertility. This comprehensive approach will provide you with a more accurate assessment of your fertility status and guide you in making informed decisions.
At-home hormone fertility testing can be a convenient and accessible way to gain insights into your fertility. When choosing a brand, prioritize reliability, accuracy, comprehensive testing panels, and professional support. Remember that while hormone levels play a significant role in fertility, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your fertility and guide you towards appropriate steps to optimize your reproductive health.
Hormone University was created as an educational platform with the mission to improve hormone health through accessible knowledge and to advocate for social impact in our communities.
You’re not alone.
80% of the adult female population has experienced hormonal imbalance at one point in their life that affected not only their physical health but also their mental health. Coping with pain, infertility, anxiety, depression, body image issues, and, on top of this, judgment is the heavy load most of these women have to bear each day and an important problem we need to tackle as a society.
