Endocrine Disorders

What are hormonal disorders and how can it affect fertility in women and men?

Hormones are chemical substances in the body that are transported through the blood system and send signals to target cells in another organ. Hormonal imbalance is when the interaction of hormones in the body does not work properly. The menstrual cycle is controlled by 3 areas of the body, 2 of them in the brain and ovaries. In men, this applies to the same areas of the brain and testicles. Hormone disorders can occur for a number of reasons such as certain medical conditions (e.g., obesity and PCOS in women), stress, and diet.

An irregular menstrual cycle is often a sign of a hormonal imbalance and may indicate problems with egg maturation and ovulation. Thus, the fertility of women with hormonal imbalance may be reduced. In men, a low testosterone level can affect sperm production leading to reduced sperm quality and fertility. While some medical interventions can help correct hormone imbalances, lifestyle changes will also be able to help achieve a hormonal balance. Eating a healthy diet, reducing stress levels, and exercising regularly are examples of lifestyle changes that can contribute to an improved fertility.

Signs that you may have hormone disorders and what you can do about it.

Many signs may indicate that you have a hormonal imbalance. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to talk to a doctor or specialist:

• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Low energy level
• Decreased sex drive
• Infertility

There are a number of ways to treat hormonal imbalances, but the best course of action will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can be enough to restore balance. For other women, hormone replacement therapy may be necessary. Ultimately, it's important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and find the right treatment for you.

The benefits of seeking help from a fertility specialist if you are struggling to conceive.

If you have tried to get pregnant without success, it may be time to seek help from a fertility specialist. Our doctors can help you determine the cause of your fertility problems and create an individual treatment plan for you. Seeking help from a fertility specialist can give you the best chance of success when trying to conceive.

Most of the causes, investigation and treatment can be answered and planned by just one consultation. Instead of spending time and resources on your own to find answers to what you are wondering about your hormonal system, you can get those answers quickly and accurately from one of our gynecologists. Book an appointment for a fertility test (fertility check).

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are common signs of hormonal imbalance for women? The menstrual cycle is the body's response to how sex hormones are regulated. Changes and irregularities in the cycle are often an indication of whether there may be a hormonal imbalance. However, a regular cycle does not exclude that there may be a problem with ovulation.
• Is it possible to check hormonal imbalance? Our fertility specialists will be able to give you many answers based on a thorough conversation and ultrasound examination. It is also possible to take blood tests to chart hormonal imbalance.
• How can hormones in the body affect fertility and infertility? Hormones are essential for regulating egg maturation, ovulation, and preparing the uterine lining for a fertilized egg to attach. In men, hormones regulate sperm production and thus sperm quality. The use of steroid hormones (anabolic steroids such as testosterone) will inhibit sperm production and may be the cause of infertility.
• How can hormonal disorders affect the menstrual cycle? Hormonal disorders can produce changes in the regulation of egg maturation. When the two important cell groups in the ovary do not work together well, it can eventually create problems with ovulation. Without a regular egg maturation and release, the cycle will often change and become irregular.