Information
A balanced hormonal profile is an important indicator of a woman's reproductive health. If you are trying to conceive and have been unsuccessful for some time, or if you are postponing pregnancy until later, it is advisable to assess your hormonal balance and identify any abnormalities that may have a negative impact on fertility. At our clinic, we perform comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of infertility, in which determining the hormonal profile is one of the essential steps.
Hormonal factors that affect female fertility
A balanced balance of female sex hormones is essential for ovulation, fertilization, and pregnancy. First and foremost, these are the hormones on which the menstrual cycle depends. There are five basic hormones in particular: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone. Each of these hormones has a specific function during the menstrual cycle. An imbalance of the five basic hormones can cause infertility.
Another unfavorable factor for female fertility is an excess of male hormones in the body. In men, androgens, the best-known representative of which is the hormone testosterone, are essential for the development of the body, the development of male sexual characteristics, and the overall sexual health of men. In women, on the other hand, androgen production levels must be naturally low, otherwise they may develop some male characteristics and their fertility will be reduced.
An excess of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the production and maintenance of milk in the mammary glands, also has a negative effect on fertility in non-breastfeeding women, as it usually causes ovulation disorders. Female fertility is also affected by an imbalance of thyroid hormones, which is why a complete hormonal profile includes testing for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), fT4 (thyroxine), and aTPO antibodies.
How hormonal imbalance manifests itself
A certain degree of fluctuation in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle is natural, and women usually experience it as manageable changes in energy, vitality, and mood. Hormonal imbalance brings with it an irregular menstrual cycle with painful periods, lack of ovulation, and other problems such as severe premenstrual syndrome. It can be accompanied by acne and the development of cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis.
High estrogen levels lead to loss of sex drive and weight gain, especially around the abdomen, thighs, and hips. However, fat accumulation in these areas can also be caused by thyroid dysfunction. Low estrogen levels manifest as vaginal dryness.
High testosterone levels manifest as oily skin and acne, among other things. An imbalance of thyroid or adrenal hormones leads to feelings of low energy, lack of concentration, and memory problems.
