Balancing the Scales of Fertility 

by Katelynn Mouton 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 10 percent of American women ages 15-44 are affected by infertility, yet it is rarely talked about. Some of the most common causes include ovulation disorders, fallopian tube issues, uterine abnormalities and endometriosis. Infertility can also be related to lifestyle choices, such as alcohol consumption, weight and hormonal imbalances. 

“Some of the most common risks for infertility include age, smoking and obesity,” says Dawn Hinton, APRN with Revitalized Health. “Anorexia and other eating disorders can interfere with ovulation and a patient’s sexually transmitted disease (STD) history can also play a role.”  

According to Hinton, lifestyle changes are considered the first line of treatment for infertility. “Increasing physical activity to 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week is a great first step. Smoking cessation and a decrease in alcohol intake are also some important behavioral and lifestyle changes to consider. And I always encourage a quality prenatal vitamin with methylated folate, B vitamins and iron.” The CDC also recommends a healthy bodyweight, with a BMI ranging from 18.5 – 24.9.  

Hormone imbalances can also be a factor affecting fertility. “Women with symptoms of irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of periods), spotting and/or bleeding between periods, male pattern baldness, facial hair, acne, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, PMS, and pronounced mood swings, depression or anxiety should discuss hormone imbalances with their provider,” explains Hinton. A few common imbalances that affect fertility include polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, obesity, thyroid disease and hyperprolactinemia.  

“PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women,” Hinton says. “It causes irregular periods and anovulation, along with excess androgen levels and a decrease in progesterone levels. Women with PCOS are three times as likely to miscarry.” 

Obesity increases chances of insulin resistance, says Hinton. “Insulin resistance increases the chances of developing Type-2 Diabetes and PCOS, both of which affect ovulation by impacting hormone levels and fertility.”  

The thyroid plays a crucial role in the body’s metabolism. “Thyroid disorders can affect female infertility by causing irregular periods, anovulation, luteal phase defect and hyperprolactinemia,” Hinton explains. “Women with Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder, are at a higher risk of miscarriages.” 

Thyroid disorders do not only affect female fertility. “Men with thyroid dysfunction can also suffer from low sperm counts and reduced sperm motility,” adds Hinton. 

Lastly, hyperprolactinemia is an overproduction of the hormone prolactin, commonly caused by pituitary tumors, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and certain drugs.  

Hyperprolactinemia is found in about one-third of women experiencing amenorrhea.  

Hinton concludes that there are some steps that can be taken to help balance the scales on fertility. “We can look at medications that reverse insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes and work through steps for medial weight loss. We can also work to optimize thyroid levels with the goal of increasing metabolism and assisting with ovulation. Finally, progesterone is needed to make the lining of the uterus thick and ready for implantation, so optimizing these levels is a key step.” 

To learn more, visit www.revitalizedhealth.org.