Endocrinology & Endocrine System

Virtus Health Specialist Diagnostics currently performs over 250,000 analyses each year.

This is where we analyse hormone, serology and virology blood tests for all our patients, and with dedicated scientists using the very latest equipment, we are able to return results to your fertility specialist highly efficiently.

Our laboratory provides the following tests, and new tests are being added to the service all the time:

  • Hormones: FSH, LH, Estradiol, Progesterone, HCG, Testosterone, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, FAI, DHEAS, Prolactin, Vitamin D, Free T4 and TSH and more...
  • Serological testing: Hepatitis BsAg, HCV, HIV, Rubella, Varicella, Syphilis, Anti-sperm Antibodies, Chlamydia tr.
  • Nucleic acid tests: Chlamydia tr. RNA, N. gonorrhoea RNA
  • Tumour Marker: CA125
  • Specialist tests: AMH blood test

We also refer specimens to major international laboratories for genetic testing in early pregnancy (NIPT) and endometrial receptivity testing (ERA). Our sister labs interstate also handle testing for karyotyping, cystic fibrosis, AZF/DAZ gene deletions and Fragile X.

What is a Reproductive Endocrinologist?

While endocrinology describes the field of medicine relating to all hormone-related and endocrine problems like diabetes, bone disease, thyroid dysfunction and more, a reproductive endocrinologist is a fertility specialist who focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of disorders in fertility and reproduction.

Meet IVFAustralia’s Specialists

IVFAustralia is very proud of the fact that we have one of the largest number of Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists accredited fertility subspecialists of any group in Australasia. Learn more about CREI accreditation, the Certificate in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Subspecialty.

Why do we do these tests?

It helps us to understand your fertility and provide the best advice for improving your chances of conceiving. Based on your results, our dedicated specialists will develop your tailored treatment plan.

Endocrine system & fertility

The endocrine system and our hormones regulate many aspects of daily function, including reproduction.

The hypothalamus, hormones and female fertility

You may have heard of the hypothalamus as the “control centre” of the brain.

The hypothalamus is in charge of stimulating the pituitary gland to produce hormones. These hormones in turn stimulate the ovary each month to produce an egg, and result in a monthly menstrual cycle. An imbalance in these hormones either from polycystic ovary syndrome, or thyroid disorders, might result in irregular cycles, and in turn, problems with ovulation and fertility.

If you experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle and have been trying to conceive for 12 months (6 months if you are over 35 years of age) you could consider booking an appointment with a fertility specialist. 

Male fertility and hormones

Normal hormonal stimulation from the pituitary gland is a key component in the male reproductive system, and necessary to achieve satisfactory sperm production and a pregnancy. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) cause the testes to produce testosterone and sperm, and hormone deficiency in this area can result in low sperm production and difficulties in falling pregnant.

The good news is that the most common causes of male infertility are easily diagnosed, and most can also be treated. Learn more about male fertility treatments.