Hormonal levels in failure of conception
Hormonal levels are important for fertility, as they regulate the reproductive processes in both men and women. Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by various glands and organs, and they act on specific target cells or tissues. Some of the key hormones that affect fertility are:
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): This hormone stimulates the growth and maturation of the follicles in the ovaries, which contain the eggs. It also stimulates the production of estrogen, which prepares the uterus for implantation.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): This hormone triggers ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. It also stimulates the production of progesterone, which supports the pregnancy.
Estrogen: This hormone is mainly produced by the ovaries, and it regulates the menstrual cycle, the development of female characteristics, and the function of the reproductive organs. It also affects the cervical mucus, which helps the sperm to reach the egg.
Progesterone: This hormone is mainly produced by the corpus luteum, which is the remnant of the follicle after ovulation. It prepares the uterus for implantation, maintains the pregnancy, and prevents further ovulation.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): This hormone is produced by the small follicles in the ovaries, and it reflects the size of the ovarian reserve, which is the number and quality of eggs available for ovulation. A low AMH level indicates a low ovarian reserve, which can reduce the chances of pregnancy.
Prolactin: This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, and it stimulates the production of breast milk after childbirth. It also inhibits the secretion of FSH and LH, which can affect ovulation and fertility.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, and it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate the metabolism and energy levels. Thyroid disorders can affect the production and function of reproductive hormones, which can cause menstrual irregularities, ovulation problems, and infertility.
Testosterone: This hormone is mainly produced by the testicles, and it regulates the production and the quality of sperm, the development of male characteristics, and the sex drive. Low or high testosterone levels can affect sperm count, motility, and morphology, which can reduce the chances of fertilization.
These are some of the main hormones that affect fertility, but many others play a role in the complex network of the reproductive system. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by various factors, such as age, lifestyle, diet, stress, infections, medications, or genetic disorders. Hormonal imbalances can be diagnosed by blood tests, urine tests, or saliva tests, and they can be treated by medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive techniques, depending on the cause and the severity of the condition.
