What initial blood tests are crucial for a female patient with no clear clinical evidence of ovulation?

The selection of Day 3 levels of LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, and TSH as crucial initial blood tests for a female patient with no clear clinical evidence of ovulation is supported by several factors.

In this context, assessing hormone levels on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle is a standard practice in investigating potential ovulatory disorders and evaluating ovarian reserve.

• LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) are key regulators of the menstrual cycle and play essential roles in ovarian function. Day 3 measurements of these hormones can help identify conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency or hypothalamic amenorrhea.

• Estradiol levels on Day 3 give insight into ovarian estrogen production and help in determining if follicles are developing appropriately.

• Progesterone levels, although typically measured in the luteal phase, can provide information about whether ovulation has previously occurred, as elevated progesterone indicates corpus luteum activity.

• Testosterone can help evaluate for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which may present with ovulatory dysfunction.

• **Prolactin