Author Description

"There is considerable debate and substantial individual variation in clinical practise regarding what hormones should be assessed in all patients prior to commencing IVF treatment. While it would appear logical to measure multiple hormones such as gonadotrophins (LH, FSH), steroids (testosterone, 17 hydroxy-progesterone), prolactin and thyroid function (TSH, FT4) in all woman with suspected anovulation (irregular menstrual cycle), the utility of such an extensive hormone analysis in the average ovular patient about to commence IVF for male or tubal factor infertility is less certain. In today's environment of escalating medical costs it is imperative that we only order tests that have potential clinical value. Furthermore, abnormal test results can produce anxiety in the patient, an undesirable outcome at a time when the patient is already under considerable psychological distress"--Provided by publisher.