Investigating the Link Between Hormonal Imbalances and Unexplained Infertility

By Your Health Magazine

Hormonal imbalance occurs when the system produces too much or too little hormones, causing issues like IVF failure. When a couple is unable to get pregnant after years of trying, they can see a fertility specialist for help. Here is more information about the link between hormonal imbalances and unexplained infertility:

Disrupts Regular Ovulation

When hormones are balanced, they stimulate the body to release mature eggs from the ovary, which the sperm fertilizes. If the system produces too few hormones, eggs might not be mature enough, or they may fail to be released. Without regular ovulation, there might not be any eggs for fertilization, leading to issues such as unexplained infertility.

Struggling to conceive due to ovulation issues may cause issues like making the hormonal imbalance worse. Women who have experienced an IVF failure sometimes undergo tests to examine how well the uterine lining responds after ovulation. After this procedure, a fertility specialist may prescribe medication to help the body produce eggs naturally.

Affects Follicle Development

Follicles are found in the ovaries, and they nurture and prepare eggs, which are useful for fertilization. If hormonal levels are too low or fluctuate consistently, the eggs won’t reach full maturity, affecting the chances of conceiving. Due to incomplete development, the embryos stop growing early, which may cause miscarriage or failed implantation. Poor follicle development could be a sign of low egg count, which reduces the number of healthy eggs for fertilization. When follicles don’t develop or release eggs properly, they may turn into fluid-filled cysts, making fertility worse for many women. To help manage this issue, a care provider sometimes suggests hormonal therapies to boost hormones within the system.

Interferes With the Uterine Lining

When there is sufficient estrogen, it allows the uterine lining to become stronger and thicker to sustain a pregnancy. If the levels are too low or high, the lining can be thin or unstable, making it difficult for an embryo to attach and grow. Some hormonal imbalances inflame the uterus, which means it won’t allow the embryo to implant and stay in place.

If there is low progesterone, the lining may break down prematurely, leading to early pregnancy loss due to poor support. Because of this, a woman may experience different issues, such as irregular periods or abnormal bleeding. Pelvic pain could also be a symptom.

Contributes to PCOS

In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), there are higher levels of male hormones, which cause irregular or absent ovulation. This reproductive health issue changes the quality and amount of cervical mucus, which helps sperm travel through the cervix to meet the egg. If the mucus is thick and less fertile, it prevents the sperm from moving properly, affecting fertilization.

PCOS may come with inflammation, which increases scar tissue inside the uterus, stopping implantation from taking place. When this part of the body is inflamed, oxygen and nutrients may not flow freely, which can prevent a healthy pregnancy. For couples struggling with this health issue, a specialist recommends in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help them have a successful pregnancy.

Causes Menstrual Issues

When hormones fluctuate, it sometimes becomes harder to know fertile windows because menstrual cycles get longer, shorter, or inconsistent. Without proper testing, it’s possible for healthcare providers to confuse these menstrual issues with lifestyle changes or stress. Low or high hormone levels can cause excessive or spotty bleeding, which is one of the signs that the uterus isn’t fit for implantation. Certain hormonal imbalances cause menstrual bleeding without ovulation, so there is no egg to fertilize, even though a period occurs.

An imbalance may also cause missed periods, which means ovulation won’t occur, preventing any eggs from being released. Having periods too close together can prevent the uterus from fully recovering, so it won’t support a fertilized egg. Some women have silent endometriosis, which can affect infertility. Silent endometriosis is when the lining that is inside the uterus grows in other areas inside the body, but it doesn’t present with symptoms. Since many women with silent endometriosis have regular menstrual cycles, a doctor extracts a biopsy to test it for underlying issues.

Get Tested to Prevent IVF Failure

Couples who are unable to conceive and experience constant IVF failure cycle can undergo different tests to establish the root cause. Since hormonal imbalances affect reproductive organs, a fertility specialist conducts tests to determine whether there are uterine problems. For more information about these tests and treatment options, call a trusted fertility clinic today.