Fertility blood tests for women and men: what each one checks

A fertility blood test is a panel of hormone levels, not a single number. Hers covers AMH, FSH, estradiol, LH, prolactin and TSH, with preconception screening in the same draw. His, when his history or semen analysis calls for it, covers FSH, LH, TSH, total and free testosterone and SHBG. Gala Fertility uses walk-in Quest labs, so neither of you needs an appointment.

Start together

For male-female couples, both partners 18 or older.

Her panel, and why the day matters

FSH, estradiol and LH change across the cycle, so they are read at its start. ASRM's committee opinion says FSH and estradiol should be measured together early in the follicular phase, while AMH can be taken on any cycle day. Gala Fertility keeps it to one visit: she goes on day 2 to 5 of her period, counting the first day of full flow as day 1.

AMH and FSH together estimate her remaining egg supply, according to NIH.
A high FSH can mean the ovaries are failing or that she is in perimenopause.
Prolactin and thyroid problems are both on ASRM's list of common causes of ovulation problems.

The Gala app showing her cycle calendar, used to time her fertility bloodwork

His panel

NIH lists blood hormone tests, including testosterone, FSH, thyroid hormones and prolactin, among the tests in a man's fertility evaluation. Not every man needs them up front, so in Gala Fertility his clinician orders them when his intake or semen analysis points that way.

His test	Why it is checked
FSH, LH, total and free testosterone, SHBG	How the hormones behind sperm production are working
TSH	Thyroid function

Where to get them drawn

Your intake takes your address and finds the Quest lab nearest to you. Quest locations take walk-ins, so you go when it suits you within her day 2 to 5 window. The results show in your shared portal once a clinician has reviewed them.

Reading the numbers in context

Hormone levels move with the cycle, with birth control and with the lab that ran them, so a number outside the printed range is not a diagnosis. ASRM notes, for example, that a normal FSH with a high estradiol can still point to low ovarian reserve, and that AMH may read lower on hormonal contraception. Your clinician reads every value against your history and his, then explains them to you both on one video visit.

Questions, answered

What blood tests check fertility in women?

Usually AMH, FSH, estradiol, LH, prolactin and TSH, often with screening for infections and immunity in the same draw.

What blood test checks male fertility?

The core male test is a semen analysis. Blood tests such as FSH, LH, testosterone and TSH are added when his history or semen analysis calls for them.

What day should fertility blood work be done?

FSH, estradiol and LH early in the cycle; AMH any day. Gala Fertility draws the full panel on day 2 to 5 of her period.

Do I need an appointment for fertility blood work?

Not with Gala Fertility. The draw is at a Quest lab that takes walk-ins, chosen by the address in your intake.

Can I do a fertility blood test at home?

With Gala Fertility the blood is drawn at a walk-in Quest lab near you, not at home. His semen analysis is the part done at home, with a kit.

Does he always need bloodwork?

No. His clinician orders it if his intake or semen analysis points to a hormone question.

How to start

A $29.99 first step

Book an introductory video meeting with our care team. If you both agree to start, your plan begins and the $29.99 is credited to your first cycle. After that, your plan is one all-inclusive price per cycle, shown before you commit: medication if prescribed, a check-in after every cycle, your video visits, messages with your care team and all program tests for both of you. See what the program includes.