The FEMALE Factor

Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Possible consequences include inflammation and reduced fertility. Approximately 5-10% of all women suffer from endometriosis. Fertility is not only reduced, but the risk of complications during pregnancy and the likelihood of miscarriage are also increased.

Symptoms: For many women, the shed tissue from these growths, known as "endometrial implants," can flow out unnoticed and without pain. However, in other women, the remaining tissue can lead to inflammation, cysts, and adhesions, causing varying degrees of menstrual pain and pain in the area of the implants. These pains are often experienced as cramps and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of childbearing age. In Europe, 5-10% of women are affected, often without being aware of it. While the name suggests "many cysts," there are actually many follicles (egg sacs) present that cannot mature due to a lack of hormones. PCOS often involves insufficient follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and excessive luteinizing hormone (LH). Due to the lack of FSH, the follicles do not mature, ovulation does not occur, and no progesterone (corpus luteum hormone) is produced.

Cycles in affected individuals are typically very long, and menstruation is rare or absent. 75% of women with PCOS also have an increased insulin resistance. The elevated insulin levels required for glucose uptake stimulate androgen production in the ovaries, leading to an increased concentration of male hormones (androgens).

Symptoms: PCOS is characterized by irregular or absent menstrual periods. Often, ovulation does not occur. Triggers can include mild overweight and an elevated level of male hormones (androgens). Other symptoms include acne and increased body hair.

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and are crucial for fertilization. They facilitate the transport of eggs from the ovaries to the fallopian tube ampulla, where they can be fertilized by sperm. However, fallopian tubes can become blocked, adhered, or occluded due to inflammation and infections (often Chlamydia or Gonorrhea) or conditions like endometriosis. When the fallopian tubes are damaged or completely blocked, the transport of the egg or embryo becomes difficult or impossible.

Assessment of the permeability of fallopian tube can be done through a laparoscopy or a specialized ultrasound examination. In cases of fallopian tube blockage, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is often recommended as an alternative method to achieve pregnancy.

Hormonal disorders are often identifiable by changes in the menstrual cycle. Symptoms can include the absence of bleeding, irregular periods, or the occurrence of intermenstrual and spotting bleeding. Thyroid dysfunction is often a cause of infertility. Thyroid hormones influence the menstrual cycle, female fertility, and the brain development of the unborn child.

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Causes: Often Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Symptoms: Fatigue, dry eyes, hoarseness, constipation, or weight gain

Impact on Female Fertility: Cycle disturbances, prolonged cycles, infrequent bleeding, or ovulation, miscarriages

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Causes: Often Graves' Disease

Symptoms: High blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, nervousness, weight loss, diarrhea, excessive sweating, sleep disturbances, hair loss, fatigue, mood swings

Impact on Female Fertility: Cycle disturbances

Hyperprolactinemia (Elevated Prolactin Levels)

Causes: Often hypothyroidism, medications (antidepressants), stress

Impact on Female Fertility: Cycle disturbances, no or infrequent egg maturation

Hyperandrogenism (Elevated Male Hormones)

Possible Causes: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Androgenital Syndrome (metabolic disorder), ovarian tumor

Impact on Female Fertility: Lack of egg maturation and absent ovulation

Luteal Phase Deficiency (Progesterone Deficiency)

Symptoms: Spotting during the second half of the cycle, a too-short second half of the cycle, sleep disturbances

Impact on Female Fertility: Problems with embryo implantation. Progesterone is responsible for the implantation of the fertilized egg.

These hormonal imbalances can significantly affect female fertility and may require medical treatment or intervention to address and improve the chances of conception. It's essential for individuals facing fertility challenges to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Myomas are common benign lumps in the uterus. Nodes within the uterine cavity or the uterine wall can make it difficult for an embryo to implant. Depending on their size, they can be removed through minimally invasive surgery.

Polyps are benign and mostly harmless lumps of the uterine lining. They often shed with the next menstrual period. However, if a polyp is situated unfavorably, it can impact fertility. Polyps can be removed through a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C).

Symptoms: Myomas or polyps are frequently not noticed, and they may not cause any noticeable symptoms.

The uterus is an inverted pear-shaped muscular organ, a smooth cavity lined with mucous membrane in which an embryo can grow. Any malformation of the uterus can affect fertility. There are different types of malformations:

Arcuate uterus: The heart-shaped uterus is the mildest type of malformation. The upper part of the uterus has a small indentation that makes the uterus appear heart-shaped. It does not appear to affect female fertility or implantation.

Uterus septus: A partition of varying length and thickness is found in the uterus. This can negatively impact fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Malformations can be treated surgically, making natural pregnancy possible.

Premature menopause is the permanent cessation of the menstrual period before the age of 40. It occurs when the ovaries no longer release eggs regularly, and ovulation stops. Premature menopause is accompanied by hormonal changes in the female body.

Symptoms: While some women may not experience any symptoms, others may suffer from typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats.

Possible causes: Genetic abnormalties, autoimmune diseases, viral infections, surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, toxins such as tobacco.

Premature menopause can have a significant impact on a woman's reproductive health and overall well-being. It's important for individuals facing this condition to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.

The cause of female infertility can also be due to a disrupted immune response in the female body. The body's own immune system identifies the embryo as a foreign entity and fights against it as an intruder.