Hormone Imbalances And Fertility
Hormones orchestrate all reproductive functions within the body. Each hormone must be balanced, determining not only the health of reproductive organs but also the ability to conceive without issue. Hormone imbalances are 1 of the primary reasons women and some men struggle with infertility. About 11% of women of reproductive age are diagnosed as infertile. A large percentage of these women struggle with irregular periods, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and uterine abnormalities. These conditions are all due to hormone imbalances. With this information, doctors can tackle fertility troubles by managing hormone function with fertility medications.
Improving your chances with IVF
Women with hormone challenges who are struggling to get pregnant often seek help from fertility specialists. These doctors will confirm hormone imbalances with blood tests. If initial attempts to get pregnant naturally fail, doctors will suggest assisted reproductive technology (ART) strategies to get pregnant. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most effective form of ART. This procedure involves extracting multiple follicles from the ovaries and creating viable embryos. The doctor will surgically implant at least 1 into the uterus to kickstart pregnancy. IVF has high success rates and is especially effective for older couples with hormone challenges.
Why hormones and IVF go hand in hand
To achieve a successful IVF cycle, one must have a complete grasp of hormones and the role each chemical plays in the process. The fertility team will provide the IVF patient with specific hormone medications at different intervals. These fertility medications supplement or boost the hormones responsible for egg production, egg release, and pregnancy. Without these hormones, the fertility team is unable to control the ovulation process or produce multiple eggs for extraction. There will be more failed attempts, as IVF will be left up to chance.
From injectables to oral fertility drugs
Most IVF patients start with injectable medications called gonadotropins. These hormones are responsible for stimulating the ovaries to produce an egg during ovulation. An injectable option boosts this process, prompting the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Women with ovulation disorders like PCOS may start with oral ovulation-inducing medications to regulate the menstrual cycle. Additional drugs, like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, will be used to control ovulation. At the final maturation stage, the fertility team administers injectable human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to prepare for the release of the eggs. Each hormone is necessary for the successful extraction of multiple eggs. While the embryos are developing, oral hormones such as progestin help support the uterine lining for implantation.
How can you increase your success rates?
Fertility medications supplement or work around any hormone-related issues. However, the process is not foolproof. Patients can still fail to produce multiple eggs or have a failed implantation. For the best results, patients are encouraged to stick to the hormone regimen. Follow all guidelines from the pharmacist and report any side effects so adjustments can be made. Patients can also increase success rates with a healthy diet, exercise, and adequate sleep. Managing stress also helps, so consider yoga, meditation, and other stress-relieving activities.
Your hormones matter in IVF
Hormones are at the forefront of fertility and reproduction. An imbalance can lead to conditions that cause infertility. IVF treatments use fertility medications to produce eggs and closely manage the ovulation cycle. Without proper hormone treatment, hopeful parents will experience failed IVF cycles, delayed treatment, and higher costs. IVF treatments have a 40% success rate on average, with many cases needing multiple cycles to see results. Speak with the fertility team for guidance on the hormone medication process.
