Unusual hormone levels in both males and females can lead to infertility. Types of hormonal imbalances include:
- Hyperprolactinemia (high male hormone levels)
- Luteal phase defect (low progesterone levels)
- Ovulatory dysfunction
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Symptoms of hormonal imbalances vary, and can include:
- Excessive facial or body hair in females (hirsutism)
- Infertility
- Sporadic, irregular menstrual cycles
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
Our experts use the latest approaches to diagnose hormonal disorders and develop a personalized treatment plan. You will work with a team that understands the physical and emotional needs of couples who are trying to start a family. We offer comprehensive care and support to help you achieve results.
Tests
Physical Examination
Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam, including a Pap smear and testing for infection.
Medical and Sexual History
Your doctor evaluates all possible physical causes of infertility and determines if sexual intercourse has been timed appropriately.
Hormone Testing
Hormone testing allows your doctor to evaluate hormone levels, which increase and decrease throughout your monthly cycle. Results can help your doctor find hormone imbalances and plan treatment.
Ovulation Evaluation
If your doctor suspects you’re not ovulating regularly, you may need to track your basal body temperature (your lowest temperature over 24 hours) over a few months to help pinpoint fertility problems and predict ovulation. Using a special thermometer, called a basal thermometer, you take your temperature first thing in the morning and write down the results. You do this every morning at the same time. Doctors also use urine tests to predict and assess ovulation.
*This procedure is considered experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Treatments
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF refers to the creation of embryos in a laboratory setting by placing sperm and eggs in a culture dish and then transferring them to the uterus.
Low-Dose Stimulation IVF (Natural IVF)
Also called non-stimulated IVF, low-dose stimulation IVF is similar to traditional IVF, but without the larger dose of medicines required to stimulate ovaries to make multiple eggs. For women who haven't responded well to traditional IVF or who need to avoid hormonal therapy, this method can offer an alternative. The procedure is also an option for couples who are unable to conceive because of low sperm count or quality.
Assisted Hatching
Assisted hatching is a procedure performed on embryos before implantation to enhance the potential of the embryo to establish pregnancy. This lab-based procedure creates an artificial opening in the zona pellucida (the membrane or shell surrounding the embryo), allowing it to “hatch” or break out from the zona pellucida and attach itself successfully to the uterine lining. Assisted hatching is only used in certain instances, such as a thickened zona pellucida or prior IVF failures. In these cases, assisted hatching can improve the rate of embryo implantation and successful pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also called artificial insemination, is a simple, lower cost fertility treatment that can be highly effective — especially when combined with fertility drugs, such as Clomid or injectable medication. The procedure works by identifying the highest quality sperm from a semen sample. Prepared sperm are placed directly into the uterus through a thin catheter (tube), bypassing the cervix.
IUI is a procedure used when a semen analysis shows the male partner is sub-fertile, if they have ejaculatory problems, or when a woman has insufficient or absent cervical mucus. This procedure can be performed with donor sperm.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help some women with fertility disorders such as an elevated follicle stimulating hormone, repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, spasmed tubes, luteal phase defect, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). When combined with the advanced technology available in reproductive medicine today, it can increase pregnancy success rates significantly. Acupuncture can also benefit women with endometriosis, pelvic pain, and overactive bladder.
Why Choose UHealth?
A comprehensive approach. Our team of experienced professionals includes female and male fertility specialists, endocrinologists, acupuncturists, and other specialists with expertise in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances.
High pregnancy rates. We have some of the highest pregnancy rates in not only South Florida, but in the entire United States. Our success stories include even the most challenging cases.
The latest, research-backed treatments. As an academic medical center, we leverage the latest research completed by the nationally recognized University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to offer the latest treatments. We offer medical advancements before they’re widely available, provided by leading experts in fertility and endocrinology. You receive the most sophisticated diagnostic tests and advanced fertility treatments available.