Hormonal Imbalance Infertility Treatment
The Fertility specialists at PSFC are gynaecologists who also treat hormonal problems in women. These include irregular periods, thyroid and pituitary disorders, and issues with puberty. Some of the infertility related problems are associated with Hormone imbalance in women and doctors normally supplement hormones by medication.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Irregular cycles can range from 21 to 35 days in adults. A cycle is counted from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. There are many causes for irregular periods. One common cause of irregular periods is Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS). This is defined by having these two criteria: irregular periods, elevated male hormones (facial hair, acne, and elevated hormones in your blood). It is important to be evaluated if you have these symptoms, as PCOS has implications for fertility and long-term health issues including uterine precancer or cancer, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Frequently women only notice one criteria; hirsutism or increased facial and body hair. This may be genetic or due to your ethnicity, but it may also be an indication of an underlying disorder.
Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland controls most endocrine processes in your body. It can either be over producing thyroid hormone (hyperthyroid) or under producing (hypothyroid). Both can affect your well-being, fertility, and menstrual cycles. Thyroid symptoms are often subtle and may develop slowly over time. Symptoms of hypothyroid include fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, weight gain, and muscle weakness whereas symptoms of hyperthyroid include heat intolerance, tremor, increased bowel movements, agitation, increased heart rate, weight loss, and fatigue.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is located in your brain and controls most of your endocrine glands. If your pituitary gland is not functioning due to a prior hemorrhage after childbirth, tumor, or prior brain surgery, you may need replacement hormones. The pituitary hormone prolactin increases after childbirth to allow milk let-down and breast feeding. If that hormone is over produced (hyperprolactinemia), it may result in irregular menses and breast discharge (galactorrhea). This is easily treated with an oral hormonal medication and may correct both the irregular bleeding and discharge.
Pubertal Disorders
Pubertal issues may include precocious puberty or early development of puberty symptoms (breast development, pubic hair, menstrual bleeding) or delayed puberty. Precocious puberty should be evaluated if you are having those symptoms and are less than 8 years of age. Delayed puberty should also be evaluated if you do not have breast development by age 13 or menses by age 16. Both pubertal conditions require a history and physical exam as well as hormonal testing. Hormonal disorders are typically treated with medications to correct the underlying issue.