Hormonal imbalance is the main cause of female infertility. A woman’s inability to ovulate and regulate hormone levels causes an over or under production of a particular hormone. This hormonal imbalance is manifested by symptoms that are easily detected, allowing treatment to be started as soon as possible. These symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive or very little bleeding, abdominal and pelvic cramps, missed periods for periods of time, and excessive weight gain and loss.
The following can lead to hormonal imbalances:
· Glandular problems such as thyroid, pituitary, and hypothalamus gland problems
These glands are the primary glands responsible for the creation and production of reproductive hormones. They can be affected by taking birth control pills, stress, and illnesses like hypothyroidism. Once problems are found in any of these glands, an imbalance will prevent the full ovulation process from taking place, hence the difficulty in conception.
· Ovulatory disorder such as overproduction of “prolactin”
Like glandular problems, overproduction of “prolactin” leads to altered hormone levels. Prolactin is a milk-producing hormone that inhibits and interferes with ovulation. The incomplete ovulation cycle called anovulation causes excess androgen production. These androgens are called “male hormones”, the overproduction of these, particularly testosterone, results in a lower production of estrogen that marks and signals the ovulation process.
· Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
This condition is marked by multiple cyst growths on the ovaries, resulting in hormonal imbalance and reflux of menstruation. The lower production of estrogen and progesterone necessary for ovulation results in a lower quality of the eggs and a failure in the maturation of the eggs. These unripened eggs turn into cysts and line the external and internal ovaries.
Also, polycystic ovary syndrome attracts high insulin production that results in a type II diabetes condition and increased androgen production.
· Premature menopause and abnormal cervical mucus
Menopause in women usually begins at age 40, if it comes earlier; it becomes a sure sign of infertility. The ovulation process continues well into the forties, PFO or premature ovarian failure accounts for about only 1% of female infertility. In addition to slowing down and stopping the ovulation process, menopause causes a variety of body changes in women. Menopause is often characterized by extreme mood swings, drowsiness, irregular periods, and hot flashes.
Abnormal cervical mucus is a condition in which the mucus lining the cervix and uterus is not exactly as it should be; the change in mucus consistency throughout the ovulation process is primarily designed to aid in the travel of sperm and fertilization of the egg. The alteration of the consistency of the mucus, which is normal and thin and watery, becomes an obstruction for the sperm to reach the egg to ensure conception. With low estrogen production, the mucus becomes thick for sperm to pass through or swim through. Specific reproductive glands are responsible for the secretion of adequate mucus to line the cervix, and repeated infections and the presence of sexually transmitted diseases are common culprits for abnormal cervical mucus production.
The above are endocrine and reproductive ailments that cause a significant disruption in normal hormone levels and the ovulation process. The presence of these irregularities represents approximately 25% of cases of female infertility. About 80% of these cases are caused by inherent biological irregularities and 20% of these cases of hormonal imbalance are due to psychological and emotional stress. As defined, stress is any event in the course of our existence that poses a direct threat and pressure to our well-being. With stress often comes changes in sleep pattern, diet, and mood swings. Women who experience extreme psychological and emotional stress tend to sink back and forth into depression, which in turn triggers a fluctuation in hormone levels.
Hormonal infertility is almost a familiar phrase in fertility clinics. Learn more about the symptoms and early signs of hormonal irregularity to detect infertility as early as possible. Once the irregularity is corrected and hormones are regulated, it is highly likely that couples will be able to conceive. Talk to your fertility specialist and approach hormonal infertility with the utmost optimism.