Receiving a pathology report can feel like looking at a page of another language. Between the abbreviations like AMH, FSH, and LH, and the various “reference ranges,” it’s natural to feel a bit lost.
At Dr. Tayade’s Pathlab, we believe that patients shouldn’t just receive a piece of paper; they should feel informed about their health journey. While your fertility specialist or gynecologist is the only person who can provide a medical diagnosis based on your unique history, this guide will help you understand what those common markers actually mean for your reproductive health.
Decoding Female Hormone Results
When we test for female fertility, we are essentially looking at the “conversation” between the brain and the ovaries. If that communication is loud (high levels) or faint (low levels), it tells a story about the ovarian reserve.
1. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
AMH is often considered the most important marker for egg quantity. It is produced by the small follicles in your ovaries.
- What a High Level Suggests: This often indicates a robust egg supply. However, very high levels are a common indicator of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- What a Low Level Suggests: It typically points toward a “Diminished Ovarian Reserve” (DOR). It means there are fewer eggs remaining, which helps your doctor determine how aggressively to approach treatment.
2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Think of FSH as the “gas pedal.” Your brain releases it to tell your ovaries to grow an egg.
- The Day 3 Rule: FSH is usually tested on the third day of your period. If the level is high, it means the brain is “pushing harder” because the ovaries aren’t responding easily – this often signals a lower egg count.
- What is “Normal”?: Generally, an FSH level under 10 mIU/mL is considered optimal for fertility.
3. Progesterone: The “Confirmation” Marker
Unlike the others, this is usually tested later in your cycle (around Day 21).
- The Goal: A high progesterone level at this stage confirms that you actually ovulated. If the level is low, it suggests that an egg was not released during that cycle.
Making Sense of the Semen Analysis
For men, the results are less about “communication” and more about the physical “stats” of the sperm. A semen analysis looks at three primary factors.
1. Sperm Count (The Numbers)
A normal count is typically considered 15 million sperm per milliliter or more. If the number is lower, it’s called oligospermia. It doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible, but it does mean there are fewer “players on the field.”
2. Motility (The Movement)
Getting to the egg is a long journey for a tiny cell. We look for at least 40% of the sperm to be moving well. If they aren’t swimming effectively (asthenozoospermia), they may never reach their destination.
3. Morphology (The Shape)
This is often the most confusing part of the report. Under a microscope, we look at the shape of the head and tail. Even in healthy men, it’s normal to have a high percentage of “abnormal” looking sperm. As long as at least 4% have a “perfect” shape (using strict Kruger criteria), the result is generally considered normal.
Why “Reference Ranges” Aren’t the Whole Story
You’ll notice a “Reference Range” column on every report from Dr. Tayade’s Pathlab. It’s important to remember that these are general laboratory averages.
Fertility is highly individual. A result that looks “low” for a 25-year-old might be perfectly “normal” for a 38-year-old. Your doctor will look at your AMH, FSH, and Ultrasound results together – rather than in isolation – to get the full picture of your fertility.
Accurate Results for Peace of Mind
The most important factor in understanding your results is knowing that the data is accurate. A slight error in lab processing can lead to a very different interpretation of your health.
At Dr. Tayade’s Pathlab, we use high-precision diagnostic tools to ensure that when your doctor looks at your report, they are seeing the true picture. Whether you are visiting us in Dange Chowk or utilizing our home sample collection in Wakad, we prioritize the integrity of your samples above all else.
Got Your Results and Need Clarity? Bring your report to your specialist for a full consultation. If you still need to get tested, contact Dr. Tayade’s Pathlab today for precise, reliable fertility panels.
Important Note: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is intended to help patients understand common diagnostic terms. Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional or fertility specialist in the context of your complete medical history, physical examination, and other diagnostic findings. Never self-diagnose or change your treatment based on lab reports alone.