Testosterone and infertility

When a couple makes the decision to start a family, the woman may start focusing more on managing her health to prepare her body for pregnancy. It is unfortunate that for many women who are desperate for children, their own bodies may be preventing what they want most. In the case of hormonal infertility, it may seem logical that too much testosterone in the female body could be a threat to fertility and healthy pregnancy.

Testosterone is generally considered the male sex hormone, but is necessary in small amounts in women to regulate sex drive and metabolism among other things. It is a testament to how precise the science of hormones is because if you don’t have enough testosterone, you won’t want to have sex, but if you have too much, your fertility is in jeopardy. If you are having problems with infertility, read below to find out how testosterone may be preventing your pregnancy.

Testosterone and menstruation

High levels of androgens, hormones associated with the male sex, like testosterone have been linked to menstrual irregularities. The menstrual cycle is the process the body undergoes to prepare an egg for fertilization; at the end of each cycle, a woman either becomes pregnant or menstruates. Menstruation is the part of the cycle in which bleeding occurs and is necessary for reproductive health.

Testosterone and ovulation

Mid cycle is the time when androgen levels are supposed to be at their highest, it’s also the time of ovulation. At this time, your body turns most of its testosterone, and much of its progesterone, into estrogen which is needed for the protection of the egg.

Polycystic-ovary syndrome

PCOS is a disorder characterized by hormonal imbalance, namely an overproduction of testosterone and other androgens which can lead to:

• Irregular periods.
• Hirsutism or irregular hair growth.
• Acne.
• Weight gain or trouble loosing weight.

If left untreated, PCOS can result in infertility. However, this is a very common syndrome among women and mild cases can often be treated with healthy diet and exercise.

For more information

Talk with your doctor about the possible causes of infertility, as testosterone imbalance is just one of the many. If you suspect you are suffering from an androgen imbalance, ask your doctor to test your levels and discuss possible treatment methods. Though there are many prescription pills, creams, and shots available, it is always best to start with the least invasive method first. Diet and exercise can have a profound affect on hormone levels. To find out more about diet and exercise for hormones, follow this link.