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“Hormonal balance plays an important role in regular ovulation and reproductive health. Identifying the underlying hormonal problem allows treatment to be planned according to the woman’s individual fertility needs.”
- Dr Mannan Gupta, Chairman & HOD, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS is among the prevalent hormonal disorders linked with difficulty in getting pregnant. It blocks the normal process of egg formation and release, leading to irregular or absent ovulation.Women suffering from PCOS may experience:
- Irregular, delayed, or missed periods
- Rarely ovulating
- Acne or oily skin
- Excessive body hair
- Gaining weight or difficulty losing weight
PCOS impacts every woman in a different manner. Treatment is tailored according to their complaints along with the medical history and present health conditions, as well as the desire to get pregnant.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid hormones have an impact on various body processes, including menstrual cycles and reproductive functions. There are problems with thyroid function, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, that impact reproductive processes.Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not function properly, which could result in irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation problems. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the thyroid produces excess hormones, thereby impacting the menstrual cycle.
It is essential for women with thyroid problems who wish to get pregnant to see a doctor; hormone levels can be studied through blood tests, and necessary treatment may help correct abnormal hormone levels.
Hyperprolactinemia
Prolactin is responsible for lactation in women. Prolactin levels increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If prolactin levels are abnormally high in a woman at other times, it can inhibit production of hormones necessary for ovulation.High levels of prolactin can cause:
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Lack of ovulation
- Problems getting pregnant
- Unplanned lactation
Low Ovarian Reserve
Ovarian reserve is simply the quantity of eggs present in the ovaries. While it naturally diminishes over time, some women might have a smaller ovarian reserve than anticipated.Nonetheless, a lower ovarian reserve does not imply that women can't conceive naturally. Still, a diminished ovarian reserve might limit the number of eggs that women produce during ovulation and affect the choices about fertility treatment.
When assessing ovarian reserve, doctors may conduct blood tests, including an anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test, ultrasound scans, and other necessary tests.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition where the normal functioning of the ovaries diminishes before the age of 40. This condition can lead to missed periods since ovulation becomes unpredictable or ceases.
There are several possible causes of POI, including genetic, autoimmune, and medical factors. Sometimes, doctors may not be able to determine the specific cause in women diagnosed with this condition.
Women who develop ongoing problems with their menstruation earlier than expected should have their case assessed by a specialist.
Treatment
The options for treatment depend on the exact hormonal problem. Treatment can involve hormones for the thyroid, treatment for elevated prolactin levels, medications to help with ovulation, and possibly assisted reproductive treatment. Dr Mannan Gupta cautions women against taking any hormonal medicine or fertility supplements without first being evaluated by a qualified fertility specialist. Correct treatment of the condition relies on obtaining an accurate diagnosis of what is causing the hormonal problem in a particular case.Hormonal problems can disrupt the ovulation process and hinder pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is possible to treat them and help women conceive by knowing what causes the problems. The issue is that irregular and absent periods should not be ignored by women. If you want to get pregnant and are concerned about your health, you should get in touch with a good gynaecologist or a fertility specialist to get evaluated in time and receive an individual treatment plan.
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FAQs on Hormonal Disorders That Make Conception Difficult in Women
- Are hormonal disorders genetic?
Some hormonal disorders have genetic components, while others develop due to lifestyle, medical conditions, or environmental factors. A family history may increase risk but does not always mean infertility. - Are hormonal disorders responsible for recurrent miscarriages?
Some hormonal conditions can exacerbate the risks of pregnancy when not under control, yet recurrent miscarriages may have several other causes that require individual medical assessment. - For how long should a woman try to conceive before seeking medical assistance?
This depends on the age and personal situation. Women with known reproductive or hormonal problems can consult a doctor earlier rather than waiting for the recommended period.
