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Sub-Category:

Other Reproductive Endocrine Conditions

Number of Conditions: 1

Infertility (Endocrine Causes)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Reproductive Endocrinology

Sub-category: Other Reproductive Endocrine Conditions

Symptoms:
irregular menstrual cycles; absent ovulation; decreased libido; abnormal hormone levels; difficulty conceiving after one year of unprotected intercourse

Root Cause:
Hormonal imbalances affecting ovulation, sperm production, or reproductive organ function; may involve conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or hyperprolactinemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Hormonal blood tests (FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, TSH, prolactin), ultrasound to assess ovaries and uterus, semen analysis, and evaluation of medical and reproductive history.

Treatment:
Hormonal therapies (e.g., clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins), assisted reproductive technologies (IVF, IUI), surgery for anatomical issues, or treatment of underlying endocrine disorders (e.g., thyroid replacement or prolactin inhibitors).

Medications:
Clomiphene citrate (a selective estrogen receptor modulator), gonadotropins (FSH, LH), letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor), bromocriptine or cabergoline (dopamine agonists for hyperprolactinemia), levothyroxine (for hypothyroidism), metformin (to manage insulin resistance in PCOS).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-15% of couples worldwide; endocrine causes are responsible for 30-40% of infertility cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of endocrine disorders, obesity, advanced maternal age, lifestyle factors (smoking, excessive alcohol), chronic stress.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable depending on the underlying cause; many cases can be treated effectively with medications or assisted reproductive technologies.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psychological stress, strain on relationships, risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) from fertility treatments, multiple pregnancies with assisted reproductive techniques.