What it is
Reproductive hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, are controlled by signals from the brain and pituitary gland to the ovaries and testes. When this system is disrupted, it can affect periods, fertility, sexual health, bones and general wellbeing.
Conditions include:
- Irregular or absent periods with a hormonal cause
- PCOS and other causes of excess androgens, such as unwanted hair growth
- Premature ovarian insufficiency: the ovaries stop working normally before age 40
- Menopause-related hormone concerns
- Male hypogonadism: low testosterone
- Hormonal causes of infertility, such as high prolactin or thyroid disease
Common symptoms
- Periods that are irregular, very infrequent or have stopped
- Unwanted facial or body hair
- Hot flushes and night sweats, particularly before age 40
- Difficulty conceiving
- In men: low sex drive, erectile problems, less muscle and body hair, or breast enlargement
- Low energy, low mood or thinning bones linked to low sex hormones
When to see a specialist
- Your periods have stopped for three months or more and you aren't pregnant
- You have menopausal symptoms before age 40
- Unwanted hair growth is new or increasing quickly
- You and your partner are having difficulty conceiving and hormones may be a factor
- A man has symptoms of low testosterone, or a low morning testosterone result
Treatment and management
- Hormone tests, timed to your cycle where needed, and a pelvic ultrasound when appropriate
- Treating the underlying cause, such as thyroid disease or high prolactin
- Hormone therapy to replace missing hormones and protect bone and heart health, when suitable
- Treatment for unwanted hair growth and to regulate periods
- Working with gynaecologists and fertility specialists when needed
How an endocrinologist helps
Dr. Marium Zaman looks at the whole hormonal picture, from the pituitary to the ovaries or testes, to find the cause, and explains the options clearly, including their effects on fertility, bones and long-term health.
