Endometrial Biopsy

The endometrial biopsy is performed near the end of the menstrual cycle and examines the thickness and vascularity of the endometrium (uterine lining). The endometrium must develop properly to support embryonic and fetal development.
A small sample of the endometrium is obtained by biopsy in our office. If the cellular development correlates with the cycle day, the biopsy is "in phase". If it does not correlate, a luteal phase defect may be present. A luteal phase defect can often be treated effectively with progesterone supplementation.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound has many diagnostic functions. The vaginal probe ultrasound is used to directly measure the width of the endometrial lining and the size and number of follicles. When a patient undergoes ovulation induction she is monitored regularly in our office using vaginal probe ultrasound. The size and number of the follicles is one of the means we use to determine when to trigger ovulation in an IVF cycle.

Ultrasound also examines the internal organs such as the tubes, ovaries, uterus and other reproductive organs. It uses sound waves to generate the images and is a harmless procedure. The fetal heartbeat is also documented using ultrasound.

Prolactin

Prolactin is known as the "breast milk hormone" because elevated levels stimulate breast milk production in pregnant women. Elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) in the absence of pregnancy also cause breast mild production and anovulation. Hyperprolactinemia is often caused by a small nonmalignant tumor located on the pituitary. Surgical treatment to remove the tumor is usually effective in lowering prolactin levels. Parlodel (bromocriptine) is a medication that also reduces prolactin levels.

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