Becoming parents is one of the happiest moments for a couple. The journey to parenthood isn't similar in all couples. Sometimes, to achieve parenthood, a couple, may need to undergo a series of treatments. Hormone imbalances are one of the leading causes of infertility. Ovulation may be disrupted, depending on the hormonal imbalances, which can manifest as irregular or absent periods. Some hormonal problems are caused when the pituitary gland in the brain doesn't release the proper hormones, or hormone levels are imbalanced due to stress, diet, exercise, radiation or a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS may cause eggs to get released at irregular intervals or totally stop releasing eggs.
One such hormone which can affect ovulation and cause infertility is Prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland within the brain. Prolactin has different functions in the body but the most important of them is to regulate periods and stimulate the breasts to grow and produce milk after giving birth. Once the woman has given birth to a baby the prolactin level increases, which prepares the body for breastfeeding. Too much prolactin in a person's blood is called hyperprolactinemia. An increased level of prolactin reduces estrogen and interferes with ovulation, causing irregular or absent periods, thereby affecting fertility. It causes non-pregnant women to also produce breast milk and can also lead to low bone density.
Causes of hyperprolactinemia:
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is an increased level of prolactin during pregnancy and this is considered normal.
• Prolactinoma: it is a non-cancerous growth in the pituitary gland which increases the production of prolactin.
• Underactive thyroid or(hypothyroidism) and stress: Adrenaline and cortisol are stress hormones. When coupled with increased intake of carbohydrates, it creates an imbalance in carbohydrate levels. Because of the inactive thyroid, the brain is stimulated to produce TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) and prolactin, which in turn reduces the estrogen affecting ovulation.
• Metabolic and hormonal conditions: any injury or damage to any other part of the body like diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid .
• Reproductive disorders like PCOS and amenorrhea can cause hyperprolactinemia.
• Certain medications used for depression and high blood pressure.
• Overactive cells in the pituitary gland: One of the common endocrinological disorders affecting fertility is Hyperprolactinemia causing anovulatory cycles, luteal phase defects and sex hormone imbalances.
Infertile women have a higher incidence of hyperprolactinemia. So serum prolactin estimation should be done at an early stage, which is cost-effective and causes a much better outcome.
Hyperprolactinemia is an absolutely treatable condition and it is possible to get pregnant, if treated in time. An expert infertility specialist is the best one to approach, for restoring the hormone levels to normal and makes conception easier.
Infertility has been one of the biggest problems for a long time, but with new treatments evolving, more methods to deal with this problem have surfaced.
Are you a couple facing infertility? Is this coming in your way of being parents?
Well then, nothing can stop you from experiencing the joy of parenthood if you take the right steps at the right time.
At GarbhaGudi IVF Centre, we have solutions for everything challenge related to fertility
Consult our fertility specialist for the right diagnosis and treatment to help you enjoy parenthood.
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