What causes female
infertility?
About one quarter of female
infertility is caused by a problem with ovulation. This can be due to an
imbalance of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
FSH & LH help normal follicular growth. Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a
key role in gonadal function. LH in synergy with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
stimulates follicular growth and ovulation. LH plays complimentary to FSH
Thus, normal follicular
growth is the result of complementary action of FSH and LH.
What happens if FSH hormone
is high?
High FSH is found in women
nearing menopause. High levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in a
woman’s blood could reduce chances of getting pregnant. High FSH indicates
failing ovaries. There is no treatment available when FSH level rises and
couple are offered egg donation programme to procure a baby.
What is the role of LH
hormone in female reproduction?
LH is important for oocyte
maturation. LH along with FSH regulate steroidogenesis throughout follicular
development.
LH also stimulates the
conversion of progesterone into androgens which helps to maintain pregnancy.
High LH levels are found in PCOS and indicates low quality of oocytes.
How progesterone helps
fertility?
Progesterone, prepares the
uterus of a woman to get pregnant.
The ovaries produce the
progesterone hormone just after ovulation. Progesterone levels generally peak
one week after ovulation. Throughout pregnancy progesterone levels remain high
and prevents abortion or premature deliveries. In IVF treatment progesterone
preparations are given to help implantation and sustain pregnancy.
How important is AMH in
female reproduction?
Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)
predicts ovarian reserve. AMH is produced by the very small pre-antral stages
of ovarian follicles. AMH testing can be done on any day of the woman’s cycle.
High AMH is seen with PCOS and low AMH in patients with low ovarian reserve.
Usually women with very low AMH do not produce eggs and are advised for oocyte
donation programme.
Why Prolactin is tested in
female infertility evaluation?
Prolactin (PRL), hormone
helps females, to produce milk.
High levels of Prolactin can be
caused by pituitary tumours.
Prolactin is produced by the pituitary
gland in the brain. Elevated prolactin levels interfere with the secretion of reproductive
hormones from the brain (hypothalamus), resulting in a decrease in circulating
levels of estrogen (female). This can lead to infertility, menstrual irregularity,
and absence of menstruation, and loss of sexual interest in women.
How thyroid hormone affects
fertility?
Normal TSH levels are the
pre-requisites for fertilization. Undiagnosed and untreated thyroid disease can
be a cause for infertility. Normal thyroid function is necessary for fertility
and to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Low thyroid hormone levels (Hypothyroidism) influences ovarian function by
decreasing levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin and increasing the secretion
of prolactin. In women of reproductive age, hypothyroidism can be reversed
by thyroxine therapy to improve fertility and avoid the need for use of
assisted reproduction technologies.
Can oestrogen play a role in
infertility?
Oestrogen is one of the most
important female reproductive hormones which is produced by the developing
follicles in a woman’s ovaries. Oestrogen prepares the endometrium of uterus
for implantation. Abnormal levels of estradiol, an important form of oestrogen,
decreases chances of IVF success. A woman’s ovarian function and quality of
eggs can be evaluated through testing oestrogen.
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