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Reproductive endocrinology
Reproductive endocrinology is a branch of medicine that treats infertility caused by hormonal dysfunction. Hormones play a significant role in human organism and stimulate almost all process from the metabolism to ability to conceive a child. Reproductive endocrinologist identifies factors involved in male and female infertility and recommends appropriate methods of treatment.
Male hormones are responsible for spermatogenesis, the process in which sperm cells are produced and developed. Dysfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary endocrine system may cause fertility problems.
Hormonal imbalance may be caused by:
- a disruption in gonadotropin-releasing hormone release which influences testosterone synthesis and sperm production
- the failure to produce luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary which influences testosterone and sperm production
- the Leydig cells (producing testosterone) which do not react to LH stimulation
- other hormones interfere with the hormonal balance
Infertility in men is often caused by hormonal imbalance. Thus, it is important to diagnose hormonal problems at the beginning of the treatment.
Specialists claim that even 30%-40% infertility problems are caused by hormonal imbalance. The endocrine system is responsible for ovarian functioning and producing substances needed in the process of embryo implantation. Problems with hormonal dysfunction may concern women at every age. Thus, the hormonal tests are the first step in infertility diagnosis.
The basic hormonal diagnosis is based on testing following hormones:
- FSH
- LH
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- TSH
Hormonal dysfunction may cause following problems:
- Ovulatory disorder
- PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Hyperprolactinaemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Primary ovarian insufficieny