Hormonal Imbalance: How It Affects Your Fertility

The delicate balance of sexual hormones, especially oestrogen and progesterone, plays a vital role in maintaining reproductive health and enhancing fertility. When hormones get out of balance, it can affect your ability to conceive. Many women facing fertility problems may not realise that hormones could be the cause.

In this article, we will discover the key hormones affecting fertility and provide actionable steps to manage hormonal imbalances for improved reproductive outcomes.

What are hormonal imbalances? 

Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Female hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, are central to regulating processes like ovulation, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy. When these hormones are imbalanced, they can interfere with reproductive health. 

Hormonal imbalance symptoms

Some common symptoms of female hormonal imbalance include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Unexplained weight fluctuations
• Persistent fatigue
• Hair thinning or loss
• Mood instability
• Difficulties with conception

It is important to recognise that the severity and combination of these symptoms can differ significantly between individuals. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis of hormonal imbalances. Request an appointment with our gynaecologists at Thomson Medical today.

What causes hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances in females can be caused by various factors. Here are some of the main causes:

1. Natural life stages

   • Puberty

   • Menstruation

   • Pregnancy and childbirth

   • Perimenopause and menopause

2. Medical conditions

   • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):

     • It disrupts ovulation, leading to irregular periods and making it harder to release eggs regularly.

   • Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism): 

     • Whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive, it can mess up the balance of hormones needed for ovulation and affect the menstrual cycle.

   • Hyperprolactinemia: 

     • This is when the body produces too much prolactin, a hormone that can block ovulation and lead to irregular periods. These imbalances make it more difficult for the body to release healthy eggs, which can reduce fertility.

   • Cushing's syndrome

   • Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)

   • Addison's disease

3. Lifestyle factors

   • Chronic stress

   • Poor diet and nutrition

   • Obesity or being overweight

   • Lack of sleep

   • Sedentary behavior

   • Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., pesticides, herbicides)

4. Medications and treatments

   • Hormonal birth control

   • Hormone replacement therapy

   • Certain cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy)

   • Steroid medications

5. Other factors

   • Eating disorders

   • Extreme exercise regimens

   • Tumors or growths on endocrine glands

   • Genetic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome)

   • Injuries or trauma to endocrine glands

It's important to note that hormonal imbalances can have complex and multifaceted causes. If you're experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Which hormones affect fertility?

For women, hormones play a key role in your ability to get pregnant. Each one has a specific job in the reproductive process: 

• Oestrogen

  • This hormone controls your menstrual cycle and gets your body ready for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining.

• Progesterone

  • After ovulation, progesterone helps prepare your uterus to support a fertilised egg, which is essential for pregnancy.

• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

  • FSH stimulates your ovaries to produce and mature eggs.

• Luteinising hormone (LH)

  • This hormone triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary, and also helps your body produce more progesterone.

  • Therefore, when these hormones are out of balance, it can disrupt ovulation and your menstrual cycle, making it harder to conceive.

• Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) 

  • AMH is produced by ovarian follicles to help maintain immature eggs. Measuring AMH levels helps doctors estimate how many eggs a woman has left. 

  • Low AMH suggests fewer eggs remain, while very high levels can indicate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility.

How to manage hormonal imbalances naturally to enhance fertility?

Even though doctors may prescribe medications for hormone disorders, there are many natural ways to support hormone balance on your own. By making certain lifestyle changes and seeking medical advice when needed, you can help bring your hormones back into balance. Here are some effective strategies to improve it:

• Maintain a healthy weight

  • Being overweight or underweight can disrupt hormone levels and make ovulation more difficult. Try to focus on gradual changes like portion control, reducing processed foods, and eating at regular intervals to avoid blood sugar spikes. 

• Eat a balanced diet

  • Include whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support hormone production and reproductive health. You may also consume fibre-rich foods like oats and legumes, which help eliminate excess oestrogen, improving hormonal balance. Learn more about foods to improve fertility here.

• Manage stress 

  • High stress increases cortisol, which can interfere with reproductive hormones. Besides, you can add daily stress-relief activities like deep breathing exercises, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation.

• Exercise moderately

  • Regular exercise helps balance hormones, but avoid over-exercising, which can disrupt ovulation. You should avoid high-intensity workouts if your body fat is too low, as this can suppress ovulation. Instead, consider strength training to improve muscle mass and metabolic health.

FAQ

Can I still get pregnant with a hormonal imbalance? 

Yes, many women with hormonal imbalances like PCOS, thyroid issues, or high prolactin levels can still conceive. However, it may require medical treatment, lifestyle changes, or fertility therapies to regulate hormones and improve ovulation.

Does age affect hormonal balance? 

As women age, especially after 35, their oestrogen and progesterone levels gradually decline, which can reduce fertility. Hormonal shifts are a natural part of ageing and may require special attention when trying to conceive. 

Learn more about how your age can affect your fertility here.

Can hormone levels be tested? 

Yes, doctors can check hormone levels through blood tests that measure oestrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, AMH, and others. These tests can provide insight into reproductive health and fertility status. Schedule a comprehensive blood test with Thomson Medical’s specialists to assess your hormone levels and gain valuable insights, helping you take control of your reproductive health journey. Request an appointment now to keep track of your reproductive health and take the first step towards enhancing your fertility.

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.