Reproductive Endocrinology

Reproductive endocrinology

Reproductive endocrinology describes the hormones and control mechanisms that regulate sexual development, sexual function, and reproduction.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome commonly known as PCOS is the most common endocrinological abnormality encountered in women of reproductive age and is quite often associated with obesity. These women having higher incidence of having metabolic problems earlier in life such as diabetes, hypertension & lipid profile abnormalities. Infertility is often associated with PCOS due to delayed ovulation or non ovulation which is reflected by irregular and delayed menstrual cycles. A common presesentation of this syndrome starting ealy in life, right from adoloscence, is the psycological impact on body image due to excessive hair growth on face and body, acne and blackish discoloration of some areas of body which need very considerate medical, cosmetic as well as psycological management.

Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism is a condition present usually from birth in both females and males causing failure to start menses in women or failure in sperm production in men. These patients can restore fertility completely by the help of gonadotropin injections.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a metabolic defect by birth and often leads to delayed onset of periods and excessive hair growth on body. Can be associated with electrolyte imbalance also. It is an effectively treatable endocrine disorder provided the diagnosis is made correctly

True hyperprolactinemia often presents with delayed mestrual cycles leading and warrants treatment if presents with ovulatory dysfunction and thus inferility. May be associated with milk production from breasts also known as galactorrhea and higher level of prolactin hormone in blood could be associated with pituitary tumours.

Thyroid hormone disturbance if severe may also lead to menstrual and ovulatory abnormalities. Both high and low levels of thyroid may impair fertility but high levels may lead to more severe consequences especially during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Sexual development, reproduction, and sexual function are all affected by reproductive endocrinology. Symptoms of reproductive endocrinology include infertility, virilisation, hirsutism, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in women, and altered sexual function and infertility in men. Reproductive endocrinology disorders can occur anywhere along the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Infertility affects many people. It is estimated that up to 15% of couples are infertile, and the problem affects both men and women equally.

To treat infertility, reproductive endocrinologists use medicine, surgery, or procedures. It is essential to find the source of the problem before developing a treatment plan. To accomplish this, they may:

Ensure that there are no abnormalities in your blood sugar or thyroid

Test your semen

OA Uterine and fallopian tube X-ray is ordered to confirm there are no problems

Why Should You See a Reproductive Endocrinologist?

If you have difficulty getting pregnant, you may consider seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. Generally, if you are under 35 and want to have a child, you should wait a year before seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. A six-month trial is recommended if you are over 35 years old.

It may be advisable to schedule an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions,

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycle or painful menstruation
• More than one miscarriage
• Fertility-affecting treatment(s)
• Diagnosis or symptoms of endometriosis
• The signs or diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A reproductive endocrinologist may be able to help you become pregnant if you have had regular, unprotected sex for at least a year or if you’ve had any of the following,

• Sexual function problems
• A lump or swelling around the testicles
• Breasts that grow abnormally
• Having fewer sperm than usual