Hormone Imbalance
Fertility for both men and women is critically dependent upon an intricate balance of hormones. In women, reproductive hormones are designed to initiate the maturation and release of eggs while simultaneously preparing the uterus to accept an embryo for implantation. This delicately balanced hormone system is susceptible to a number of perturbations that can result in infertility. A few common examples of hormone imbalance include polycystic ovary syndrome, anorexia nervosa, thyroid disorders, and hyperprolactinemia. The underlying conditions causing such problems are complex and varied and range from weight changes to medication use to psychological stress to hormone system abnormalities (endocrinopathies).
Reproductive endocrinologists are specially trained obstetrician/gynecologists who subspecialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility including reproductive endocrinology problems. Each individual situation will be carefully evaluated.
