A Complete Guide to Understanding Female Fertility Hormones

A number of hormones can exercise a significant and sometimes potentially adverse impact over a woman’s fertility levels. Therefore, it is important to know what essential tasks these hormones fulfill in the woman’s body.

Important Female Fertility Hormones

Fluctuations in one or more of the following chemicals might cause women difficulty in conceiving.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

This substance is produced by the body and is often found in the tissues of various reproductive organs. Systemic concentrations of this substance can vary as a woman ages. However, women of childbearing ages typically possess higher levels of AMH. That said, occasionally, elevated AMH levels could indicate the presence of a potentially serious and fertility-threatening ailment known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Should concentrations be low, women might experience difficulties becoming pregnant. Often low concentrations are seen in prepubescent girls and older women entering or currently experiencing menopause.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

This chemical is produced inside the pituitary gland and is responsible for regulating the function of a woman’s ovaries, which are the chief reproductive organs integral to the conception process. Sufficient quantities of this chemical are necessary to aid the ovaries in the production of eggs that could be fertilized by sperm to create a fetus and eventually a newborn baby. Additionally, FSH stimulates the production and secretion of other chemicals vital to various reproductive processes.

Consistently excessive levels of FSH is often experienced by women entering the menopausal period or by those with pituitary ailments. Certain syndromes may precipitate the onset of too little systemic concentration of the chemical. These conditions can impact ovarian function and potentially threaten normal fertility levels.

Thyroid

Thyroid hormone, also known as thyroxine, is produced by the thyroid gland, which is a small organ situated in the neck region. Both excessive and diminished levels of this hormone can influence the production and secretion of certain reproductive hormones, which can adversely impact the ovaries and other reproductive organs. As a result, abnormal menstruation cycles and conception difficulties might occur.

Prolactin

Produced inside the pituitary gland, prolactin is a protein-based hormone that typically appears in low systemic concentrations. Typically, internal levels of this substance rise in pregnant women or women who have recently given birth, as the hormone also contributes to the production of breast milk.

In women who are not pregnant or did not recently give birth, elevated concentrations could indicate the presence of numerous hormonal, liver or kidney maladies. More often than not, diminished systemic concentrations are caused by the ingestion of certain medications. Pituitary damage might also be the cause of lower levels. Significantly elevated amounts could influence ovarian production of other vital reproductive hormones such as estrogen. Chronically diminished levels could eventually lead to the complete cessation of menstrual cycles.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Like FSH, LH’s primary function is to help reproductive organs, particularly the ovaries, function at optimal levels. In many instances, significant fluctuations in this substance are linked to puberty. Elevated levels often indicate early puberty, while diminished systemic quantities typically indicate late onset puberty. Either condition can exert an adverse impact upon a woman’s fertility levels.

Testosterone

Known to many as the chief male fertility hormone, testosterone also plays an integral role in female fertility. Testosterone is said to stimulate the ovaries and better prepare the eggs for conception by sperm. Too little testosterone can threaten this process. Elevated testosterone concentrations in women could diminish the effectiveness of specific female reproductive hormones, which can threaten a stricken individual’s ability to become pregnant.

Progesterone

This chemical is widely considered one of the chief female reproductive hormones. Its primary function is to strengthen the uterus and prepare the organ for the child development and birthing processes. Too little progesterone will often result in poor development of the uterus. Excessive systemic concentrations could result in abnormal menstrual cycles.

Estrogen

Considered by many to be the chief female reproductive hormone, estrogen exerts a significant influence over just about every reproductive process. Fluctuations can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and can significantly impact fertility.

Considerations

Fortunately, systemic levels of all of these chemicals can typically be discerned through simple blood tests. Treatment protocols for excessive or diminished concentrations can vary and are often dictated by factors including the underlying condition, the severity of the fluctuation, the woman’s age and her desire to become pregnant.