Hormones play a crucial role in fertility by regulating ovulation and reproductive health. When these hormones are imbalanced, this can make it difficult for people to conceive a child.
Key Hormones
Estrogen
Estrogen does everything it can to help a woman become pregnant. For example, estrogen levels increase in the days before a woman begins to ovulate. Right before ovulation, the cervix creates a fluid called “cervical mucus,” which is very wet and slippery. This fluid assists sperm in reaching the egg, making this the most fertile time for a woman to become impregnated.
Progesterone
Progesterone goes even further to promote pregnancy. To prepare for a fertilized egg, progesterone causes the uterine lining to be healthy. This is what makes it possible to support a fertilized egg so that it can develop into a baby.
When there isn’t enough progesterone, the pregnancy can be in jeopardy. For example, low progesterone levels can cause bleeding to occur, and it may even cause the pregnancy to miscarry.
Testosterone
In men, adequate testosterone levels are crucial for libido, energy levels, and overall well-being. Low testosterone levels can affect fertility by decreasing sperm production, reducing sex drive, and causing erectile dysfunction. If you are looking for ways that you can optimize your testosterone levels, check out TRT for sale for options that may increase it.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
The ovaries contain follicles, which are stimulated by the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to grow and prepare for egg release. As these follicles grow, they start to release a larger amount of estrogen and a smaller amount of progesterone into the bloodstream.
Each month, FSH begins to mature the follicles in one of the ovaries. Between the 10th and the 14th days of the menstrual cycle, only one follicle begins to develop a mature egg. On day 14, luteinizing hormone causes this mature follicle to release its mature egg, and this is known as “ovulation.”
After ovulation, the mature follicle becomes a temporary endocrine gland that produces progesterone at higher levels. This progesterone stops FSH from being released and begins to prepare the uterine lining to welcome the presence of a fertilized egg.
At this point, the egg passes through the fallopian tube to the uterus. If sperm enters the uterus, it fertilizes the egg, and the pregnancy begins. If pregnancy does not occur, the temporary endocrine gland, the corpus luteum, begins to break down. Then, the body stops producing progesterone and moves on to another menstrual cycle.
Luteinizing Hormone
Luteinizing hormone, or LH, stimulates the ovary to release an egg. To do this, LH levels must rise just before ovulation occurs. As we have seen above, this is the time when a woman is most likely to become pregnant.
LH is also important in a man’s reproductive cycle. He needs LH to stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone because testosterone is instrumental in producing sperm.
Prolactin
Prolactin is the hormone women need to breastfeed their babies. Its levels increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Prolactin contributes to several bodily functions, but the most important is causing the mammary glands to develop inside the breasts. The other is to allow a woman to breastfeed. Prolactin works together with estrogen and progesterone to stimulate the development of breast tissue and the production of milk. When a woman breastfeeds her baby, the release of her milk stimulates the pituitary gland to continue to release more milk. The baby also stimulates this action by suckling.
Thyroid Hormones
Hypothyroidism is when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones for the body to function normally. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. Both conditions can affect fertility by interfering with ovulation. If the menstrual cycle is affected by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, it can be more difficult for a sperm to fertilize an egg. That is because ovulation may not occur as easily with one of these conditions.
Supporting Hormonal Balance for Reproductive Functions
Eat More Nutrient-Rich Foods with Healthy Fats, Proteins and Antioxidants.
A person needs healthy fats for the production of estrogen and progesterone. They also help maintain the balance between your hormones. The body also needs protein and amino acids for hormones. Amino acids are the building blocks of hormones, and they produce essential hormones. Antioxidants are molecules that protect the cells from free radicals, so they help maintain the health of hormone-producing glands.
Examples of healthy fats are avocados, seeds and nuts, and olive oil. Proteins are lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins. Lastly, antioxidants are berries, green tea, and dark chocolate.
Manage Stress and Increase Physical Activity.
Exercise promotes hormonal balance. It helps reduce stress and decrease inflammation, allowing hormonal levels to remain regulated. Walking, in particular, increases blood circulation, causing hormone production to be at healthy levels.
Obtain Adequate Sleep, Which Supports Hormonal Regulation.
Adequate sleep every night keeps hormonal levels balanced. The best option is to obtain seven to nine hours of sleep and remain on this schedule.
Consider Medical Treatments if Needed.
At Medzone, we can offer you hormone replacement therapy or TRT if you are having difficulties conceiving a baby. Contact us by filling out the short form on our website today.
