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(Dr. Keerthana Ravipati, Consultant – Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital, Bengaluru)
Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate nearly every aspect of a woman’s reproductive health. From the onset of puberty to menopause, a delicate balance of hormones governs menstrual cycles, ovulation, conception, and pregnancy. Even minor disturbances in this balance can lead to gynecological complaints and difficulties in achieving or sustaining pregnancy. Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common and treatable causes of infertility in women.
Understanding Reproductive Hormones:
The female reproductive system functions through a coordinated interaction between the brain, ovaries, and uterus commonly known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Key hormones involved include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone. Other hormones such as prolactin, thyroid hormones, and androgens also play a crucial supporting role. Proper timing and levels of these hormones are essential for regular ovulation and preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.
Common Hormonal Disorders Affecting Women and Signs and symptoms you need to check:
Hormonal imbalances often manifest as irregular cycles, heavy or scanty menstrual bleeding, painful periods, or complete absence of menstruation. From a fertility perspective, these imbalances can cause failure of ovulation, poor egg quality, inadequate uterine lining development, implantation failure, and increased risk of early pregnancy loss. They may also reduce the success rates of assisted reproductive treatments if left uncorrected.
One of the most prevalent hormonal disorders is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It is characterized by excess androgen levels, irregular ovulation, and often insulin resistance.Women with PCOS commonly experience irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excessive facial hair, and difficulty conceiving.
Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism, are another frequent cause of menstrual irregularities and infertility. Thyroid hormones influence ovulation, implantation(embryo attachment to your uterus), and early fetal development. Untreated thyroid dysfunction can increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications.
Hyperprolactinemia, a condition marked by elevated prolactin levels, can suppress ovulation by interfering with the normal release of reproductive hormones. Women may present with absent or irregular periods and, in some cases, breast discharge unrelated to pregnancy.
Luteal phase defect, caused by inadequate progesterone secretion after ovulation, may lead to difficulty in embryo implantation or early pregnancy loss.
In some women, especially those experiencing extreme stress, excessive physical activity, or significant weight loss, can result in absent menstrual cycles due to suppressed hormone release from the brain.
Another important condition is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, where ovarian function declines before the age of forty, leading to irregular periods or early periods, vaginal dryness, reduced libido and reduced fertility.
Preventive measures
Hormonal imbalance can be corrected. Your hormones talk to you, alert you when your body needs help. Small changes in your daily life can help to balance your hormones, includes:
Eat natural, do regular exercise and yoga to manage weight and stress, add regular health check-ups in your schedule, take medicines after consultation. Most importantly, listen to your body.
The reassuring fact is that most hormonal imbalances are treatable, and early diagnosis significantly improves reproductive outcomes. Women experiencing menstrual irregularities or delayed conception should seek timely medical evaluation, as hormonal correction is often the first step toward restoring fertility and long-term gynecological health.
