5 Blood Test Markers Every Woman Should Check Before Trying to Conceive

Most women are told their bloodwork is ‘normal’—but normal doesn’t mean optimal.

You’ve likely been told “everything looks fine” after your latest labs, only to still feel off, frustrated, or stuck when trying to conceive. Here’s the thing: standard lab ranges are based on the general population—not thriving, fertile women.

At RESTORED HEALTH, we help women and couples decode their bloodwork to support natural fertility and hormone balance. Because your body is speaking and your labs might be telling a different story than your doctor.

Why Standard Ranges Fail Women

Lab reference ranges are designed to flag disease not dysfunction. This means you can be “in range” but still struggle with ovulation, irregular cycles, fatigue, and other hormone-related issues. Conventional medicine often overlooks the nuances of bloodwork for fertility, missing red flags that can be resolved naturally when caught early.

We don’t want “barely normal.” We want optimal.

The 5 Markers I Check with My Fertility Clients

Whether you're just starting your TTC journey or have been trying for a while, these are the markers that can unlock answers:

1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

A “normal” TSH can still signal suboptimal thyroid function. For optimal fertility, we aim for TSH between 1.0-2.0. Thyroid imbalances are a hidden cause of ovulatory issues and early miscarriage.

2. Free T3 & Free T4

These provide a clearer picture of how your thyroid is actually functioning, especially if your TSH is borderline. We look for Free T3 in the upper third of the range—energy, metabolism, and egg quality all depend on it.

3. Vitamin D

Low levels are linked to infertility and poor IVF outcomes. Ideal range: 50-80 ng/mL. This is a simple fix that’s too often overlooked.

4. Progesterone (Day 21 or 7 Days Post-Ovulation)

This hormone holds the uterine lining and supports implantation. Many women have “silent ovulation” or luteal phase defects that go undiagnosed. Progesterone should be above 10 ng/mL—ideally 15+.

5. Ferritin (Stored Iron)

Too little iron and your body may delay ovulation to conserve energy. Ferritin should be at least 50 for optimal hormone production.

What Your GP Might Miss

Most general practitioners aren’t trained to interpret bloodwork for fertility through a functional lens. They’re focused on pathology, not preconception health. This is why you might walk out of your appointment with a clean bill of health but still no positive pregnancy test.

You deserve better than “let’s wait and see.” You deserve answers.

Additional Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Track your cycle: Knowing when you ovulate is crucial for accurate progesterone testing.

• Avoid testing hormones on the wrong days: Timing matters—especially for progesterone and estradiol.

• Don’t self-diagnose: Partner with someone who understands the difference between normal and optimal.

• Support digestion and liver health: These organs play a major role in hormone clearance and balance.

Your Bloodwork Can Hold the Key to Your Fertility

These five markers are just the beginning of a comprehensive approach to natural fertility and hormone balance. When you know what to test and how to interpret the results you can make empowered decisions for your body and your future.