Can Unbalanced Hormones Cause Infertility?

At our endocrinologist in Greenville NC, we know how difficult dealing with infertility can be. No matter how alone you may feel, we want you to know infertility is a common issue for many couples trying to conceive. There are a myriad of factors that can contribute to infertility, including unbalanced hormones. From the doctors at Magnolia Place, let’s explore the relationship between unbalanced hormones and infertility.

Understanding Hormones

Unless you’ve spent years studying women’s health like an endocrinologist in Greenville NC, understanding hormones can be complicated (but not impossible) to understand. Let’s try breaking it down to the basics. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that regulate various bodily functions, including reproductive processes. These hormones are produced and released by the endocrine glands, which secrete them into the bloodstream. If there is an imbalance or deficiency in any of these hormones, it can lead to infertility. These hormones include:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Testosterone (in men)

What do all these hormones do? FSH helps to stimulate the growth of follicles in the ovaries, which contain the eggs. Luteinizing hormone (LH) helps to trigger ovulation or the release of the egg from the ovary. Estrogen and progesterone helps to prepare the uterus for the implantation and persistent development of a fertilized egg. Let’s talk about what happens when these become unbalanced.

Common Hormonal Imbalances

At our OBGYN Greenville, we often see women who have tried to conceive for some time struggling to understand what the delay is. What many women may not know is that their fertility issues may be the symptom of a hormonal imbalance. These hormonal imbalances can be a major contributing factor to infertility. Some of the most common hormonal imbalances include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can interfere with ovulation. Women with PCOS may have high levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin. These levels can disrupt the menstrual cycle, causing infertility and even androgynous symptoms.
• Thyroid disorders: Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can interfere with ovulation and cause irregular menstrual cycles.
• Low progesterone: Progesterone is a hormone that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.

Treating Hormonal Imbalances

While hormonal imbalances can throw a wrench into your pregnancy plans, it doesn’t always mean you will be unable to conceive. From medications to diet changes, there are plenty of ways our endocrinologist in Greenville NC can treat this. Let’s dive into the details!

PCOS

At our OBGYN Greenville, women with PCOS may be prescribed medications to regulate their menstrual cycle and induce ovulation. One of the most popular medications for this is Metformin. Some women with PCOs also find that a change in diet also helps boost their fertility. This is because by reducing sugar intake, you’re reducing your glucose levels, therefore decreasing your insulin and the resulting male hormone it creates.

Thyroid Disorders

While many patients think “sleepiness” when they think of thyroid symptoms, they may be surprised to discover that thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism can interfere with conceiving. In fact, one study found that 24% of women trying to conceive could attribute their long journey to hypothyroidism. One common medication used to treat thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism is levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that replaces the real hormone, thyroxine, in cases where the thyroid gland cannot produce it. Once this hormone is replaced, the patient’s success rate increases.

Low Progesterone

If your progesterone levels are low, your pregnancy success rate will be as well. One of the first lines of defense for low progesterone is to manipulate your hormonal axis where Drs. Rowe and Loftis will explain the telephone came between the brain, ovaries and uterus.  There are medical therapy options, referred to as ovulation induction medications, like Femara and Clomid, that will help clear the hurdles of hormonal deficiencies. These medications work by triggering the brain to hyper-stimulate the ovaries and is a required pathway responsible for triggering ovulation. By taking Femara or Clomid on the schedule you and your doctor agreed on, you can help retrain your brain to direct your hormonal physiology and achieve pregnancy.

Magnolia Place | Endocrinologist in Greenville NC

Hormonal imbalances can be a significant factor in infertility. However, there are many treatment options available to help regulate hormone levels and increase the chances of conception. Our endocrinologist in Greenville NC, is committed to helping patients in Pitt County navigate the complexities of infertility and find the best possible treatment for their unique needs. If you're struggling with infertility, you don’t have to give up your dreams of being a mother. Magnolia Place, women’s healthcare Greenville NC, is here to help. To schedule your consultation, call us today at (252) 751-9002.