Hormone imbalances are the leading cause of infertility in women. Several hormones are responsible for maintaining fertility in females. Any abnormality in the quality and quantity of the hormones can cause hormonal imbalances. Timing of the hormone’s release & its interaction with other hormones are also important.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time or just planning for a baby now, it is important to know your hormone status beforehand.
Effects of hormones on fertility
Different hormones play different role in infertility. Some of the important ones are :
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
FSH is important in regulating normal menstrual cycle. It helps in maturation of eggs in ovaries. Women with high levels of FSH indicates the loss of ovarian function as the body tries to compensate by releasing more and more FSH. In males it also controls sperm production.
- LH (Luetinizing Hormone)
This hormone is responsible for the release of the mature egg during ovulation. As it rises just before ovulation, it is used in the at-home ovulation prediction kits. In males it causes testes to produce testosterone which is needed for sperm production.
- AMH (Anti Mullerian Hormone)
This hormone indicates the number of immature eggs in the ovary or ovarian reserve. Reduced levels of AMH indicates less number of eggs that may be present in ovary indicating infertility.
- Estrogen
It is a hormone that supports the regulation and development of primary and secondary sex characteristics & the reproductive system in females. Estrogen dominance is sometimes found responsible for difficulty in conception.
- Progesterone
Important hormones responsible for maintaining of pregnancy. It helps in the thickening of the uterine lining for embryo to develop. Low levels of progesterone can lead to miscarriages.
- Thyroid hormones
Low levels of thyroid hormones (especially T3 and T4) can interfere with the release of an egg from the ovary ( ovulation) which causes difficulty in conceiving.
- Prolactin
Though its levels are important in production of breast milk after delivery , irregular prolactin levels can cause irregular periods and ovulation problems in reproductive age women leading to infertility.
Causes of hormonal imbalances that can lead to infertility
Some of the common causes include :
- Anovulation
- PCOD
- Hyperprolactinemia
These conditions often causes infrequent or absent ovulation, thus hampering with the couple’s ability to conceive.
Signs of hormonal imbalances that affect fertility
Some of the commonly found symptoms in women with hormonal imbalances are
- Irregular or absent menstrual bleeding
- Heavy bleeding or painful periods
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Acne
- Increase in facial hair
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
Men are likely to have less hormonal imbalances that contribute to infertility than women, but they may still experience symptoms like
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
- Breast tenderness/ increase in size of breast
- Thinning/ hair loss
Many of the individuals may not show any external symptoms. So these should not be used to self- diagnose.
Testing for hormonal imbalances
Both male and female can be tested for hormonal imbalances by simple blood or urine analysis. Fertility specialists can look at the level of these hormones and determine the cause of infertility & provide appropriate treatment.
Treatment for hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are usually treatable and should be done in every individual whether or not they are trying to conceive. Treatment may include medications to restore normal thyroid function, normalise different hormone levels, induce ovulation or those that release a fully mature egg. Doctors might even suggest lifestyle modifications such as weight loss or diet changes that can improve the fertility by regularising hormonal imbalances.
Do consult your Gynecologist or Fertility expert if you are experiencing any of the hormonal imbalance symptoms or are trying to conceive.
