Traditionally, hormonal tests such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are performed on day 2 or day 3 of the menstrual cycle. The reason is that, at this stage, these hormones are usually at a stable baseline, making it possible to assess ovarian reserve more accurately.
However, with the advancement of reproductive medicine, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing has become the gold standard for evaluating ovarian reserve. Unlike FSH and LH, AMH can be measured at any point in the menstrual cycle, as its levels remain relatively stable throughout. AMH provides a more sensitive and reliable indication of the remaining egg supply and overall ovarian function.
It is important to understand that the menstrual cycle is divided into three phases:
Follicular Phase (menstrual bleeding to ovulation)
Ovulatory Phase (release of the egg)
Luteal Phase (post-ovulation until the next cycle begins)
A professional who understands these phases and the dynamics of reproductive hormones will be able to determine which tests are cycle-dependent (like FSH and LH) and which are cycle-independent (like AMH).
