Primary Causes & Action Plans

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)

Reflects ovarian reserve; predicts fertilization and pregnancy potential
AMH is produced by growing ovarian follicles and declines with age. AMH level indicates ovarian reserve and predicts egg quality and fertilization potential. Higher AMH indicates more remaining eggs; very low AMH indicates limited egg supply.
Target > 2.0 ng/mL
Suggested Action Plan

If AMH is low, focus on egg quality optimization: antioxidants (CoQ10, vitamin E), omega-3 fatty acids, stress reduction, and improved sleep. If very low, consider fertility specialist consultation sooner rather than later.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

Low FSH indicates good ovarian function; high FSH indicates declining reserve
FSH stimulates ovarian follicles to grow. In young, fertile women with plenty of eggs, FSH is lower. As ovarian reserve declines, FSH rises as the pituitary tries harder to stimulate fewer remaining eggs.
Target Day 3 FSH: < 8-10 mIU/mL
Suggested Action Plan

If FSH is elevated (>10), focus on maximizing egg quality: optimize diet, exercise, stress, sleep. Consider egg freezing sooner if family planning timeline is flexible.

Estradiol

Indicates ovarian response; baseline estradiol on day 3 should be low
On day 3 of the cycle (when testing FSH), estradiol should be suppressed (<40 pg/mL). Elevated baseline estradiol on day 3 suggests poor ovarian reserve or abnormal follicle development.
Target Day 3: < 40 pg/mL
Suggested Action Plan

If elevated, investigate causes (endometriosis, PCOS). Optimize ovarian function through CoQ10, antioxidants, and metabolic optimization.

Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T4)

Thyroid dysfunction impairs fertility through multiple mechanisms
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and are essential for ovulation and luteal phase progesterone production. Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism) significantly reduces fertility. Even subclinical hypothyroidism can impair ovulation.
Target TSH: 1.0-2.5 mIU/L; Free T4: 1.0-1.5 ng/dL
Suggested Action Plan

If thyroid function is abnormal, thyroid hormone replacement improves fertility outcomes significantly. Work with a fertility-aware thyroid doctor. Retest 6-8 weeks after treatment adjustment.

Vitamin D

Critical for ovulation, implantation, and successful pregnancy
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with reduced fertilization rates, lower implantation rates, and higher miscarriage risk. Optimal vitamin D levels enhance all aspects of reproductive success.
Target > 50 ng/mL
Suggested Action Plan

If deficient, supplement vitamin D3 4000-5000 IU daily plus 20-30 minutes of sun exposure 3-4 times per week. Target levels of 60-80 ng/mL for fertility optimization. Retest in 8-12 weeks.

Also in Women's Health

Endometriosis Biomarkers Low Progesterone Low Testosterone in Women Menopause Health

Explore by Biomarker

Estradiol Guide
Menopause Health
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Guide
Perimenopause
Estradiol Guide
Endometriosis Biomarkers

Getting Started

1
Get Comprehensive Fertility Testing

Test AMH, FSH, estradiol, thyroid panel, and vitamin D before attempting conception. These biomarkers predict your fertility potential and identify treatable impediments. Testing now prevents months of unsuccessful attempts later.

2
Assess Your Timeline

Your AMH and FSH results inform whether you have time for natural conception attempts or should pursue fertility intervention sooner. If AMH is very low or FSH very high, specialist consultation is warranted.

3
Optimize Egg Quality

Three months before attempting conception, maximize egg quality: supplement CoQ10 (600-900 mg daily), omega-3 (2000-3000 mg daily), antioxidants. Sleep 8+ hours, manage stress, exercise regularly. These interventions improve egg quality measurably.

4
Achieve Optimal Metabolic Health

Ensure thyroid is optimal, vitamin D is replete, insulin sensitivity is good, and inflammation is low. Overweight women should lose 5-10% body weight (improves ovulation rates). Underweight women should gain slightly to support menstrual health.

5
Monitor Ovulation

Use ovulation tracking (LH strips, basal body temperature, or cycle apps) to confirm ovulation occurs 12-16 days before the next period. If ovulation is absent or delayed, retest FSH and estradiol to investigate.

Why I built this guide.

"Female fertility is highly optimizable. Test before trying to conceive. Targeted interventions improve success rates and pregnancy outcomes."

Explore More

Get a Discount

Save $25 with our verified Function Health promo codes

Read Our Review

Our data-driven review of Function Health covering 14 insurers

Is It Worth It?

We analyzed costs across 42 states to answer this question

Compare All Insurers

See how every major insurer compares to Function Health