The swing is enormous
Across a single cycle, oestradiol can move several-fold and FSH moves inversely to it. In perimenopause the swings get wider, not narrower. A draw taken in a high-oestrogen week produces false reassurance; a draw in a low week produces a false alarm and sometimes a prescription that was not needed.
When each marker is worth drawing
If you are still cycling, FSH, LH and oestradiol are read in the early follicular window — roughly days two to five — and progesterone about a week after ovulation, where it confirms whether you ovulated at all. AMH is not on this panel, and it is the exception to cycle timing: it is broadly stable across the cycle, so wherever it is ordered, almost any day will do.
And if you are on hormonal contraception
Combined hormonal contraception suppresses FSH, LH and your own oestradiol, and lowers AMH somewhat. A panel drawn on the pill does not describe your underlying state, and it cannot be used to stage the transition. Your physician needs to know what you are taking before the result means anything — which is why the intake asks.
Key points
- FSH, LH and oestradiol: early follicular. Progesterone: mid-luteal.
- AMH is not on this panel; where it is ordered, any day will do.
- On hormonal contraception the panel describes the pill, not you.
Aethera Women's Lab is not a medical provider and does not practice medicine. Medical services are provided exclusively by independently licensed physicians of our partner physician network and their affiliated professional entities.
Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by FDA for safety or effectiveness.
This is not emergency care. Aethera Women's Lab does not provide urgent or emergency medical services. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.