Each person has something called an endocrine system, which consists of seven glands. These glands often make & release chemicals. Such chemicals are released into the blood to carry out different functions in the body. Such chemical messengers via blood carry different messages.
This hormonal health is controlled by the endocrine system, which consists of the following glands, like Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, Pineal gland, Thyroid glands Parathyroid glands, and Adrenal glands, along with the Pancreas, Ovaries, and Testis.
Which are the key hormones for sexual health?
These Hormones are the drivers of human reproduction and direct the sexual development and menstrual cycle.
The key reproductive hormones are oestrogen and testosterone.
Oestrogen is responsible for egg maturation in ovaries during puberty and control maturation.
Testosterone stimulates sperm production in males. Other hormones are, Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) aids in follicle stimulation for egg maturation.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) then releases the egg from the ovaries.
Oestrogen and progesterone maintain the uterus lining which is for conception.
When these reproductive hormones don’t work properly, fertility problems can arise.
Are there any signs of balanced hormones?
Good sleep, able to maintain weight without crash dieting, good digestion, good libido, healthy skin, hair & strong nails, regular pain-free periods, no mood swings, feeling energetic throughout the day. No excessive sugar or salt cravings, warm hands, feet & nose.
Some factors that affect the hormonal balance.
Environmental factors like pollution, chemicals, genetics, stress, certain food, certain medications, trauma, excessive physical exercise, diseases, age & sleep pattern, and gut health to name a few.
Do you know, ovarian health is not just linked to reproductive health, ovaries produce many hormones that affect the overall well-being of a woman such as bone, heart & brain health.
Hormonal imbalance is a word often heard by all. These chemical messengers greatly impact our body, mind and soul. To understand hormonal imbalance hormonal health and how it impacts reproductive health, let’s talk about hormonal balance first
Which Hormones are very important in Fertility?
There are a few important female fertility hormones. Let’s look at them:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH is created by the pituitary gland. Ovaries contain follicles that hold immature eggs. Along with Luteinizing Hormone (LH), FSH promotes the growth of ovarian follicles FSH increases the production of estradiol, a kind of oestrogen which controls the menstrual cycle and fertility.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH): AMH is produced by the ovarian follicles and holds on to the immature eggs. AMH is closely linked with the number of eggs a woman has left. Low AMH mean a woman has few eggs remaining & very high AMH signal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Luteinizing Hormone (LH) helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, and stimulates the release of an egg from the ovaries. In women, an imbalance of LH means menstrual problems and infertility.
Estradiol (estrogen): Estradiol is a kind of oestrogen produced by ovaries, which helps in healthy ovulation and conception and pregnancy.
During the menstrual cycle, oestrogen levels is building up which develops and releases the eggs. Estrogen also facilitates pregnancy by thickening the womb lining, which makes implantation of fertilized eggs. If oestrogen levels are too low, a woman may have irregular periods or lack of ovulation too.
Progesterone: Progesterone is important for a woman’s menstrual cycle and capability to carry a baby. The progesterone makes the womb ready for possible implantation. If no egg fertilization occurs, then progesterone levels will decrease. But if conception happens, progesterone levels will rise & develop the placenta. This will ensure a supply of progesterone throughout the pregnancy.
Too low Progesterone levels can cause irregular periods and conception issues along with an elevated risk of miscarriage. However, high progesterone levels can prevent a woman from ovulating.
Thyroid hormones: There are many hormones created by the thyroid gland. Hormones like T3 and T4 regulate the function of the reproductive system including the uterus and ovaries.
Prolactin: it is vital for breast milk production and fertility. Abnormal levels of prolactin can cause irregularity in the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
How Does Hormonal Imbalance Affect Fertility?
Hormonal imbalances are directly linked to fertility issues.
Two of the most frequently occurring fertility problems associated with hormonal imbalance are:
Ovulatory dysfunction: Several hormone-associated abnormalities like thyroid hormone problems and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause ovulation issues or stop it completely. If untreated, makes conception difficult, because pregnancy depends upon an egg ready to be fertilized.
Short luteal phase: the luteal phase immediately heads to ovulation and its length is regulated by progesterone, the hormone that also helps to strengthen the womb lining. The average length for the luteal phase is two weeks. A luteal phase shorter than ten days simply means, there is not enough time for a fertilized egg to implant in the womb which may prevent pregnancy.
Symptoms of Hormonal imbalance can cause pregnancy issues, if not treated in time.
Irregular periods
Spotting/bleeding between periods
Male pattern body hair
Acne
Unexplained gaining of weight
Hair loss on the head
Pronounced mood swings
Fatigue, tired.
It is hazardous to self-diagnose, says Dr. Chaitanya Ganapule, a fertility expert at Pearl Women’s hops & Yash IVF.
Know the important 4 main causes of infertility.
Age, Hormonal issues, abnormal menstrual cycle, Obesity
As we have often seen at Pearl women’s hosp & Yash IVF center, Deccan, Pune, time to fertility primarily depends on age. Age is still the biggest fertility factor, so the early diagnosis & treatment of any problem, the closer you are to the achievement of your dream of parenthood.
Most women with hormone imbalances can get pregnant with the right diagnosis & fertility treatments, so don’t get panic and when in doubt, reach us for consultation, diagnosis & treatments.
Based at centrally located Deccan, Pune, Pearl women’s hosp & Yash IVF, is home to the most state-of-the-art technology in the industry and the best fertility doctors. If you are having hormone imbalance and fertility, call us.
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