IVF and Fertility Blood Tests in Edinburgh
Private fertility hormone blood tests at our Bruntsfield clinic for people planning a pregnancy, preparing for IVF or egg freezing, or asked by a fertility clinic for up-to-date results. A pharmacist helps you choose the right tests, and your report explains every result in plain language.
Who this test is for
This panel may be useful if you:
- are planning a pregnancy and want to understand your hormone levels
- are thinking about IVF or egg freezing and want results to take to a first consultation
- have been asked by a UK or overseas fertility clinic for recent hormone or screening bloods
- have irregular or very long cycles and want results before speaking to your GP
- are supporting a partner through fertility treatment and have been asked for your own blood tests
If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more, or 6 months if you are 36 or over, please also see your GP. Fertility investigations are available free on the NHS, and your GP can refer you to NHS fertility services if you are eligible. Our tests can sit alongside that process, but they do not replace it.
What's included
| Test | What it tells you | When in your cycle |
|---|---|---|
| AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) | An estimate of ovarian reserve: roughly how many eggs remain. Fertility clinics use it to plan IVF treatment. | Any day |
| FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) | How strongly the brain is signalling the ovaries. Read together with oestradiol. | Day 2 to 5 |
| LH (luteinising hormone) | Works with FSH to trigger ovulation. The balance of LH and FSH can help the assessment of conditions such as PCOS. | Day 2 to 5 |
| Oestradiol | The main form of oestrogen. Helps interpret FSH. | Day 2 to 5 |
| Progesterone | Shows whether you have ovulated in that cycle. | About 7 days before your next period is due (day 21 of a 28-day cycle) |
| Prolactin | High levels can interfere with ovulation and periods. | Any day, ideally in the morning |
| TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) | Checks thyroid function, which can affect cycles and pregnancy. | Any day |
The full Fertility Panel also includes free T4, testosterone and SHBG, vitamin D, ferritin, a full blood count and more (See all 44 markers). Optional add-ons (ask when booking): HbA1c and rubella immunity. Many fertility clinics also ask both partners for infection screening before treatment, commonly HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. Bring your clinic's list and we'll match it.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Fertility Panel + AMH (the full IVF and fertility panel: AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin, thyroid and more) | £250 |
| Fertility Panel without AMH | £180 |
| AMH on its own | £120 |
| FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin or TSH on their own | £80 each |
Prices include the blood test appointment, lab analysis and your report. We confirm the price with you before your appointment. See all prices.
What these tests can and cannot tell you
These tests give a snapshot of your hormone levels on the day of the test. AMH estimates the number of eggs remaining, but it does not measure egg quality and cannot tell you on its own whether you will get pregnant naturally. A single result outside the reference range does not mean you are infertile. Hormone levels change through the cycle and over time. Your results are most useful when they are interpreted alongside your history by your GP or fertility specialist.
Timing your test
- Day 1 is the first day of full bleeding, not spotting.
- FSH, LH and oestradiol are measured on day 2 to 5. AMH, prolactin and TSH can be taken at the same appointment, so one visit covers most of the panel.
- Progesterone needs a separate sample about 7 days before your next period is due. For a 28-day cycle that is around day 21. If your cycles are irregular, the pharmacist will suggest the best day.
- If you are using hormonal contraception (pill, patch, ring, implant, injection or hormonal coil), tell us. It changes FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone results and can lower AMH. Please do not stop contraception just for a test without advice.
- If you take biotin (vitamin B7) or a hair, skin and nail supplement, tell us. You may be asked to stop it for a couple of days before your test, as it can affect some hormone results.
- You do not need to fast for fertility hormones. If you add HbA1c or other tests, we'll tell you if any preparation is needed.
How it works
- Choose your tests. Book the IVF and Fertility panel, or call us to tailor it to your clinic's list.
- Book online. Pick an appointment on the right day of your cycle and add "IVF and Fertility" and your cycle day in the booking notes.
- Visit our clinic. Appointments at 129 Bruntsfield Place take 15 to 20 minutes, and a trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from your arm.
- Get your report. Samples are analysed by an accredited UK laboratory. Most results are back within 24 to 48 hours, and we'll tell you if any test takes longer.
- Talk it through. Your report shows each value, the reference range and a plain-language explanation. A pharmacist can go through it with you, and you can share it with your GP or fertility clinic.
IVF and Fertility Blood Tests: FAQs
This information is for general guidance and does not replace medical advice. Blood tests give information about your hormone levels at the time of the test. They do not diagnose infertility or predict whether you will become pregnant. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain or think you may be pregnant and are unwell, seek medical advice promptly.