Hormonal imbalance is the main cause of female infertility. A woman’s inability to ovulate and regulate hormone levels leads to over- or under-production of a particular hormone. This hormonal imbalance manifests itself with symptoms that are easily detected and that allow treatment to be started as soon as possible. These symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive or very little bleeding, abdominal and pelvic cramps, missing a menstrual period for periods of time, and excessive weight gain and loss.

The following can result in hormonal imbalances:

· Glandular problems such as problems with the thyroid, pituitary and hypothalamus glands.

These glands are the primary glands that are responsible for the creation and production of reproductive hormones. They can be affected by the intake of birth control pills, stress and diseases such as hypothyroidism. Once problems are found in any of these glands, an imbalance will prevent the full ovulation process from taking place, hence the difficulty in conceiving.

· Ovulatory disorder such as overproduction of “prolactin”

Like the glandular problems, the overproduction of “prolactin” leads to the alteration of the hormonal levels. Prolactin is a milk-producing hormone that suppresses and interferes with ovulation. The incomplete ovulation cycle called anovulation causes the overproduction of androgens. These androgens are called “male hormones”, overproduction of these, particularly testosterone, results in less production of estrogen which marks and signals the ovulation process.

· Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

This condition is characterized by multiple growths of cysts on the ovaries, resulting in hormonal imbalance and menstrual reflux. Less production of estrogen and progesterone necessary for ovulation results in lower egg quality and failure of the eggs to mature. These immature ova develop into cysts and line the external and internal ovaries.

Furthermore, PCOS attracts high insulin production which results in a type II diabetic condition and increased androgen production.

· Premature menopause and abnormal cervical mucus

Menopause in women usually begins at age 40, if it comes earlier; it becomes a sure sign of infertility. The ovulation process reaches well into the forties, POF or Premature Ovarian Failure represents about 1% of female infertility. Aside from the slowing down and cessation of the ovulation process, menopause causes a variety of bodily changes in women. Menopause is often manifested by extreme mood swings, sleepiness, irregular menstruation, and hot flashes.

Abnormal cervical mucus is a condition in which the mucus lining the cervix and uterus is not as it should be; The change in the consistency of the mucus during the ovulation process is primarily designed to aid in the journey of the sperm and the fertilization of the egg. The alteration in the consistency of the mucus, with which the normal one is thin and watery, becomes an obstruction for the spermatozoa to reach the ovum to ensure conception. With low estrogen production, the mucus thickens for sperm to pass through or swim through. Specific reproductive glands are responsible for the secretion of adequate mucus to line the cervix, and repeated infections and the presence of sexually transmitted diseases are common culprits for abnormal cervical mucus production.

The above are ailments related to the endocrine and reproductive system that cause a significant alteration in normal hormone levels and the ovulation process. The presence of these irregularities represents around 25% of the cases of female infertility. About 80% of these cases are caused by inherent biological irregularities and 20% of these cases of hormonal imbalance are due to psychological and emotional stress. As defined, stress is any event in the course of our existence that poses a direct threat and pressure to our well-being. With stress often come changes in sleep pattern, diet, and mood swings. Women who experience extreme psychological and emotional stress tend to sink into depression, which in turn triggers fluctuating hormone levels.

Hormonal infertility is almost a household phrase in fertility clinics. Learn more about the symptoms and early signs of hormonal irregularity to detect infertility as early as possible. Once the irregularity is corrected and the hormones are regulated, couples will most likely be able to conceive. Talk to your fertility specialist and approach hormonal infertility with the utmost optimism.