Full Description
Fertility Test 101
Human fertility is measured by being able to successfully conceive. Infertility is considered to be the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of attempting to do so. Although infertility can cause significant feelings of hopelessness, fortunately there are actions that can be taken to improve fertility. Thorne's fertility panel is a biological assessment that reflects the convergence of biological, psychological, and social elements. This biological assessment, when combined with proven methods to improve your diet, nutrition, stress, sleep, activity level, and other primary factors, can both empower you and promote healthy fertility.
Fertility is measured by success in the natural capability of humans to conceive. Human fertility is a complex process that can be affected by a wide array of factors. Alterations in the biological status of these factors can contribute to infertility. Factors that have been shown to effect fertility include the following:
- Age
- Disease or disorders
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Sleep patterns
- Stress
- Nutrition
- Environmental toxins
- Exercise and activity level
- Weight and level of body fat
For more details on these factors, check out the Thorne Take 5 Daily article 9 Factors that Can Affect Your Fertility.
Although infertility is relatively common, couples are nevertheless confronted with medical, psychological, and financial uncertainty. This uncertainty is highly frustrating and can lead to feelings of despair and powerlessness.
Often, infertility is due to hormonal imbalances. Symptoms attributable to a hormonal imbalance can include the following:
- Skin changes, including acne above normal levels
- Changes in sex drive and desire
- Dark hair growth on the lips, chest, and chin
- Loss or thinning of hair
- Unexplained weight gain
Fortunately, there are proven, evidence-based steps that can be taken to improve biological fertility function. The first step is assessing your biological status, on both the cellular level and the lifestyle level. The resulting fertility profile will reveal the status of three categories of biological markers that have been shown to alter fertility on a biological level. The three categories of biological markers are:
- Reproductive Hormones – Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Thyroid Hormones – Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH), T3, T4, and TPOAb
- Stress Hormones – Cortisol (measured for rhythm at four time-points) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
These three categories of biological markers ‐ Reproductive, Thyroid, and Stress Hormones ‐ are assessed in the Thorne fertility panel. These hormones work synergistically in your body to promote or impede fertility. Certain of these biological markers, when they are out of normal range, will contribute to infertility more than others.
The test panels in Thorne's fertility test are not intended to be used as diagnostic measures relative to determining your fertility. Instead, this test is intended as a screening tool, that is within your control, that will reveal patterns in your hormones that might be influencing your fertility. With a knowledge of these patterns, you can take basic supportive steps and more precisely communicate with your health-care practitioner.
Usage Directions
You should take this test if you
- Plan to get pregnant someday
- Are trying to conceive
- Have irregular or no periods
- Experience persistent stress
- Want to understand your hormones
- Have family thyroid issues
Test taker must be 18+ and reside in the U.S.
At-home tests are not permitted for use in:
- Armed Forces Americas
- Armed Forces Europe
- Armed Forces Pacific
- American Samoa
- Maryland
- Northern Mariana Islands
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
The test panels in Thorne's fertility test are not intended to be used as diagnostic measures relative to determining your fertility. Instead, this test is intended as a screening tool, that is within your control, that will reveal patterns in your hormones that might be influencing your fertility. With a knowledge of these patterns, you can take basic supportive steps and more precisely communicate with your health-care practitioner.
How it works
1 • Delivered
After purchasing, all home-test materials are delivered to your door
2 • Locate Barcode
Locate the barcode included with your kit and enter at thorne.com
3 • Complete Collection
Complete your test collection and return with prepaid shipping
4 • Reviewed
Your results are reviewed by an independent board-certified physician
5 • Receive Results
You'll receive your results & personalized recommendations within 7-9 days