Hormonal imbalance as the cause of infertility

Hormonal imbalance as the cause of infertility

Hormonal imbalance is one of the causes of infertility in women. Hormonal imbalance can be caused by abnormal secretion or lack of secretion of pituitary gland hormones, which will affect the ovaries (LH and FSH), cause estrogen or progesterone deficiency, cause high levels of the milk hormone (prolactin), stress hormones secreted by the adrenal gland, insulin, or male sex hormones.

An imbalance of these hormones leads to irregular menstruation and difficulties fertilizing the egg and its implantation into the uterus.

Dietary supplements for treating hormonal imbalance in women

Vitex agnus castus (Abraham’s balm)

Vitex agnus castus is a medicinal plant. Essences that help heal hormonal diseases are extracted from the plant’s fruit. Research has revealed that Vitex agnus castus is effective in assisting cases of infertility among women as well as among men. It also helps relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other hormonal conditions.

The plant components are known in the medical world to help women with progesterone hormone balance problems.

According to German researchers, vitex agnus castus can help fertility problems. Clinical research has investigated the effect of ingesting a herbal formula in which the main component was vitex agnus castus essence on 96 women with various fertility problems. The participants in the research suffered from secondary amenorrhea, a defect that appears in the luteal phase (progesterone deficiency) or had unexplained infertility.

The use of vitex agnus castus did not lead to a change in their hormonal levels. Still, it nonetheless contributed to an improvement among those women with secondary amenorrhea or a defect in the luteal phase. The experiment was conducted over three months and showed that the number of women who conceived quickly due to using vitex agnus castus was double that of the group that received a placebo.

Repeated miscarriages occur among 1% of couples and are defined as three pregnancy losses in a row. Although it is disputed, there is evidence that normal progesterone levels could be an important cause of sustained pregnancy and that an increase in the levels of progesterone could increase the probability of success.

Studies report a case of repeated miscarriages in which low progesterone levels were observed. Taking the vitex agnus castus supplement for one month led to a successful pregnancy with normal progesterone levels and lived birth after a full-term pregnancy.

The second pregnancy was also successful with the use of the vitex agnus castus supplement, even though it’s impossible to confirm the exact role that Vitex agnus castus played in this case. This reinforces the evidence of the hypothesis that this plant can be used as an effective intervention in cases of repeated pregnancy loss and especially in cases in which there is a low level of progesterone.

Black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa)

The black cimicifuga racemosa extract comes from the plant’s root and contains chemicals, such as polyphenols (a compound with antioxidant qualities found in plants) and isoflavones – estrogen-like substances.

Black cohosh is a medical herb that helps to sustain the hormonal balance, regulates menstruation, and promotes fertility. So it is used today to treat menopausal symptoms:  hot flushes, mood swings, and irritability.

The plant is used for treating and alleviating PMS, menstrual cramps, and acne, for treating polycystic ovaries, and more. The plant fortifies the uterus, builds up endometrial tissue, and regulates estrogen levels. The plant also has a calming effect.

Maca (lepidium meyenii)

This edible medicinal plant originated in Peru and is considered a superfood; and is well-known worldwide for its unique ability to improve sexual functioning, fertility, hormonal balance among women, and energy levels. Maca is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. It contains potassium, iron, iron, magnesium, and zinc elements. It is also the source of the Vitamin B complex.

Studies show that the maca root increases sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm volume among men, thus improving conception chances. This is due to Maca’s ability to aid hormonal balance where needed. In addition, it provides nutrients to the body that are beneficial to cell health. It should be borne in mind that there is evidence that Maca contributes to an improvement of sperm functioning but that the evidence is limited.

Maca also helps to balance and regulate sex hormones in women. Maca influences the production of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone and helps to balance them when necessary, without containing the hormones themselves.

Maca also contributes to follicle health. Maca can help stimulate the follicles’ maturation in the ovary (as seen in studies conducted on animals). It also contributes to the health of the egg. Maca offers a platform of nutrients that support the health of the body at the level of the cells and ensures a healthy hormonal balance that contributes to more nutritious eggs.

Maca improves the body’s ability to cope with fertility problems related to vaccinations. Immunity-related fertility problems cause the body to identify some of its reproductive functions as hostile, causing the body to send natural killing cells to attack them. Maca helps the body maintain a normal immune response.

Maca also helps to ensure a healthy menstrual cycle, a healthy endometrium, and ovulation. This is the result of Maca’s ability to promote a hormonal balance, nourish the endocrine system (that controls hormonal functioning), and increase blood flow to the pelvic area.

Maca also benefits thyroid health. Some reports show that 10 grams of maca root contain 52 micrograms of iodine, while darker roots contain more iodine than light roots. Iodine is an essential substance for proper thyroid functioning. Maca has a balancing and nourishing effect on the hypothalamus (which controls, stimulates, and balances the other endocrine glands: pituitary, adrenals, ovaries, testicles, thyroid, and pancreas) and, as a result of this action, Maca can, in response, help someone who has thyroid problems.

There are different types of Maca. When it comes to improving the quality and quantity of male sperm counts, there is a preference for the black maca tuber.

More studies are being conducted in Peru and other countries to determine how Maca supports fertility and libido. The maca supplement can be taken in different forms, like pills or powder. The powder is often mixed into shakes.

To remove any doubt, the contents of this article are intended to serve as a general overview only, and the information in it does not relate to a product nor is it intended to provide guidance, it does not comprise a certified medical recommendation, and it is not intended to instruct the public or to be used by it as advice, instruction, or a recommendation for the use, modification, or stopping use of any medication, and does not comprise a substitute for personal or other medical advice. Pregnant women, lactating women, children, and anyone taking prescription drugs must consult a doctor before using dietary supplements.