Fertility Clinic Treatments: Correcting Hormonal Imbalances
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, hormone treatments have helped thousands of couples overcome infertility and go on to experience the joy of parenthood. In this article, we explore how hormonal imbalances affect fertility in women and men, the treatment options available, and why Medfem Fertility Clinic is the right choice for hormone therapy when trying to conceive.
A less well-known cause of infertility is hormonal imbalances in either the male or female partner in a couple, or both. This is because hormonal imbalances can disrupt the natural processes needed for conception and, if left untreated, may prevent a couple from achieving pregnancy altogether.
The reality is that healthy, balanced hormones are critical to fertility. In both male and female reproductive systems, hormones regulate key functions such as egg development, ovulation, sperm production, and the ability to sustain a pregnancy. When these hormones are out of balance, infertility can result.
Fortunately, the right hormone therapy can restore balance, re-establish normal reproductive function, and significantly increase the chances of falling pregnant.
How hormonal imbalances affect women’s fertility and how it is treated
For women, hormonal imbalances are often the root cause of irregular ovulation or complete lack of ovulation. In fact, ovulatory disorders are responsible for almost one-third of female infertility cases.
Common hormonal conditions in women
• Pituitary Dysfunction or Failure: This affects the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), which are responsible for follicle growth and ovulation.
• Anovulation: When ovulation does not occur for more than three months.
• Amenorrhoea: The absence of menstrual periods, often linked to ovulation failure.
• Ovulatory Dysfunction: Irregular menstrual cycles—either shorter than 21 days or longer than 36—can indicate hormone issues.
• High Prolactin Levels: This hormone naturally increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding but can disrupt fertility if elevated at other times.
• Other Disorders: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid dysfunction, early menopause, and conditions like Cushing’s syndrome (high cortisol levels) also interfere with ovulation.
Hormonal issues may also affect the quality of cervical mucus, the endometrial lining, progesterone levels, and the luteal phase, all of which play key roles in conception.
Hormone treatments for women
Hormone therapy is highly individualised, as there are many possible causes of ovulation issues.
The treatment will vary based on the woman’s specific diagnosis, however, common hormone treatments for women include the following:
• Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate): Often the first-line medication, Clomid stimulates FSH and LH production and triggers ovulation in up to 80% of anovulatory women, with approximately 45% conceiving within six months.
• Femora (Letrozole): An alternative to Clomid, especially for those who do not respond to Clomid.
• Metformin (Glucophage): An insulin-sensitising medication used for women with PCOS to help restore ovulation.
• Gonadotropins: Injections of FSH and LH, used when simpler treatments fail or when conditions like endometriosis are involved.
Typically, six months of treatment are needed to assess effectiveness.
For women with unexplained infertility or those who don’t ovulate at all, these hormone therapies can be life-changing.
How hormonal imbalances affect men’s fertility and how it is treated
In men, infertility often results from hormonal deficiencies that impact sperm production and testosterone levels. The primary hormones involved are FSH and LH, produced by the pituitary gland and essential for normal testicular function.
Common hormonal issues in men
• Low FSH And LH Levels: Disrupt the production of testosterone and sperm, leading to reduced sperm count or even azoospermia (no sperm in the semen).
• High Prolactin Levels: Just as in women, elevated prolactin in men can impair semen quality and fertility.
• Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Caused by inadequate hormonal stimulation of the testes.
Hormone treatments for men
Hormonal disorders in men can often be corrected with specific hormone therapies.
• Gonadotropin Injections: These stimulate the testes to produce testosterone and sperm. Over time, this can restore normal sperm levels.
• LH and FSH Therapy: Used particularly for men with low testosterone levels. While results take time—up to a year or more—these treatments can successfully restore fertility.
As with female hormone therapy, the exact approach depends on the cause of the imbalance, and treatment is personalised for the best outcomes.
Why choose Medfem Fertility Clinic when trying to conceive (TTC)
If you’re trying to conceive and suspect a hormonal imbalance may be contributing to infertility, it’s crucial to seek professional help.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we have decades of experience in identifying and treating the hormone-related causes of infertility in both men and women.
Here’s why you should consider Medfem Fertility Clinic:
A proven track record of success
Since the 1980s, our fertility specialists have helped bring more than 18,000 babies into the world, many of them conceived after hormone therapy.
Expert diagnosis and individualised care
Hormonal imbalances can be complex and subtle. Our experienced team conducts thorough assessments to pinpoint the exact cause of infertility and tailor a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
Advanced fertility treatments in one location
Medfem Fertility Clinic offers a full suite of fertility treatments – from hormone therapy to IVF – all under one roof, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and leading-edge technology.
Compassionate, experienced specialists
Our multidisciplinary team includes reproductive medicine specialists, embryologists, nursing staff, and counsellors – all dedicated to helping you succeed in your fertility journey with warmth and professionalism.
If you’re struggling to conceive and suspect hormones may be part of the challenge, we invite you to consult with one of our fertility experts.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:
Simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with you during a virtual consultation via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.
We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!
