Hormone Therapy For Infertility: Do These Work?

BySharath P Devdas
Hormone Therapy For Infertility

Hormone therapy is a vital part of fertility treatments. In this article, you will be able to understand different types and concepts of hormone therapy. Before we begin, let’s get some clarity about the basics.

What Is A Hormone?

A hormone is a chemical substance that helps to facilitate the proper functioning of internal organs. Hormones are a part of all multicellular organisms. Different cells and glands in the human body release hormones. There are several kinds of hormones in the human body. 

They all have various purposes. For example, insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas. Insulin helps to regulate glucose levels in the body. Fundamentally, hormones are the exceptional messengers in your body. All hormones have chemical structure. Based on it, there are four types of hormones. They are

  • Amino acid-derived  hormones
  • Peptide hormones
  • Steroid hormones
  • Fatty acid-derived hormones 

Fertility Hormones And Their Roles

Fertility hormones help to reproduce. Both males and females have reproductive hormones in them. Each fertility hormone has different parts and purposes to fulfill. These tiny conductors of life possess remarkable power. Reproductive hormones shape the destiny of human life. Let’s embark on a journey to find the intricacies of human fertility hormones. The main types of reproductive hormones include,

  • Estrogen
  • Testosterone
  • Progesterone

These three hormones influence everything from the menstrual cycle to fertility. They control puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, libido, and sperm production. In females, ovaries produce reproductive hormones. In males, testicles produce the most essential reproductive hormone – testosterone. Other major reproductive hormones include,

  • Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): The anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important hormone that helps for the growth of the fetus. AMH helps in the development of the reproductive system. Both sexes have AMH in them. It helps to facilitate puberty.
  • Dihydrotestosterone: This hormone helps to develop male characteristics.  Dihydrotestosterone is another form of testosterone. Boys at the stage of puberty have higher levels of dihydrotestosterones.
  • Estrogen: Ovaries produce estrogen hormones. So, it is clear that estrogen is a female hormone. It helps them reach puberty and also promotes reproductive development.
  • Estradiol (E2): Estradiol has a presence both in men and women. It plays a crucial role in the maturation of reproductive growth. In females, it aids the release of eggs. In men, estradiol helps to improve brain functions and bone strength.
  • Estrone: Estrone is a hormone found at a higher rate in women who reached menopause. It controls your libido. Lower levels of estrone may result in lower sex drive, fatigue, hot flashes, and menopause.
  • Progesterone: It is a steroid hormone that females produce after ovulation. Fundamentally, they prepare women to get pregnant. Progesterone aids the muscle contraction of the uterus to confirm a fertilized is not getting rejected.
  • Relaxin: Relaxin is a reproductive hormone commonly found in the female placenta and the ovaries.  As the name suggests, it relaxes the muscles in your pelvis in order to prepare you for giving birth.
  • Testosterone: Testosterone is a vital sex hormone found in men. Women also produce a smaller percentage of testosterone. In men, testosterone helps to maintain libido, bone strength, muscle strength, and production of healthy sperm.

The imbalance of any of the reproductive hormones can result in health conditions. Hormonal imbalance is also a leading cause of infertility. If you are someone who has doubts regarding your infertility after spending a considerable amount of time and money to fulfill the dream of becoming a parent. Hormone therapy for infertility will wield remarkable improvement in your journey.   

Fertility Challenges And Why Hormone Therapy Is A Ray Of Hope?

In the medical arsenal, hormone therapy is an invincible guard that can wage a relentless battle against numerous health conditions. Hormone therapy for infertility has been giving hope to people all over the globe to embrace the journey to parenthood. Let’s venture into the world of hormone therapy for infertility.

What Is Hormone Therapy For Infertility? How Does It Work?

Hormone therapy is a fertility treatment. It works by promoting hormonal balance in the body. In this treatment, the expert will inject hormones through the muscles or under the skin after careful medical evaluation. The injected hormones stimulate the ovaries and aid the production and maturation of eggs. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe hormone medicines instead of injections.

What Are The Different Types Of Hormone Therapy?

There are fertility drugs and injections available for hormone therapy. As per the reason behind your infertility, a fertility expert will suggest a suitable hormone therapy method.

Different Types Of Hormone Therapy for infertility

There are injections and fertility pills. Commonly used fertility pill is,

Clomid: It is an oral tablet. Clomid works by stimulating ovulation. Doctors prescribe clomid to treat abnormal ovulation in women.

Widely used hormone injections include,

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist): It eliminates the risk of premature ovulation during IVF.
  • Human Menopausal Gonadotropins (hMG): Fertility treatments often involve a procedure where a doctor will surgically remove the eggs and bond them with sperm. During this procedure, known as ART, hMG stimulates ovaries.
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A doctor may prescribe FSH for patients who remain unresponsive to fertility pills.
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): hCG is for treating ovulation abnormalities. Commonly, hCG is used in combination with other drugs.
  • Progesterone: Progesterone injection aids embryo implantation by strengthening the uterine lining.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy For Infertility?

Generally, hormone therapy does not pose severe side effects. But, in some cases, symptoms can get worse, so immediately seek help from your fertility clinic. Some common side effects include

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Hot flashes

Is There Hormone Therapy For Men With Infertility Issues?

There are a few hormone therapies for men with infertility in IVF treatment. The doctor may prescribe estrogen receptor blockers to improve sperm count. Doctors may also suggest human chorionic gonadotropin to men for balancing FSH and LH levels.

Conclusion

As we conclude, our journey through hormone therapy for infertility, it is very important to understand that, the field of hormone therapy is a constantly improving medical sphere. If you are planning to undergo any kind of infertility treatment, always seek the help of an experienced fertility expert. Follow the instructions of your doctor. Take your medicine properly. Do not stress about the whole process. Practice meditation for a peaceful state of mind. Stay healthy and stay positive.

Dr. Sharath P Devdas is a highly skilled fertility specialist and gynecologist with a passion for providing the best care to his patients. He completed his MBBS from Universal College of Medical Science (Tribhuvan University) and pursued further specialization with a Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine (FRM). With over a decade of experience in the medical field, Dr. Sharath has earned a reputation as one of the country's finest practitioners in his field. He currently serves as the director and chief consultant at Fertility First IVF Centre, where his compassionate approach and vast knowledge create a sanctuary for his patients.

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