Hormonal imbalance impacts fertility

Hormonal imbalance is a common cause of infertility in females, however many women attempting to get pregnant are unaware of this, a fertility doctor has warned.

Currently in Ireland, as many as one in seven couples have fertility issues, and according to Dr Ahmed Omar, medical director at Beacon Care Fertility in Dublin, hormonal imbalance is ‘extremely common' and can have a ‘very significant impact on fertility'.

A hormonal imbalance affects a woman's ability to ovulate and regulate hormone levels. This leads to the production of too much or too little of one particular hormone. Related conditions include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, which leads to low thyroid function.

Symptoms of hormone problems in women can include irregular menstruation, excessive weight gain or excessive weight loss.

"When a hormonal imbalance is severe it can have a very significant impact on fertility. I would urge all women who are trying to conceive to firstly ensure that they adopt the healthiest lifestyle possible.

"Obvious factors such as maintaining a healthy weight will be important, as well as avoiding or minimising alcohol and not smoking. In addition to this exercise, plays a key role in balancing hormones and a diet high in nutrients is extremely important," Dr Omar said.

People showing signs of hormonal imbalance should also seek medical advice, as in many cases, the problem can be easily dealt with, for example, with medication.

"If the problem persists a woman suffering with hormonal imbalance may need other treatment such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but the best and most effective treatment is recommended on a case-by-case basis," Dr Omar added.