Top 5 Causes of Female Infertility
When you want to have a baby and are struggling to get pregnant, you want answers. Knowing what's going on with your body is the first step in taking charge of your health and taking back your power.
As an acupuncturist and chiropractor, I believe in simple and natural solutions to support health and infertility is no exception. Understanding both natural and allopathic approaches is essential because knowledge is power. Few things feel more disempowering than struggling to conceive. While infertility has many possible causes, let’s explore the five most common conditions affecting women today.
1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women, affecting over 7 million women, according to Dr. Louise Chang. This condition leads to multiple ovarian cysts, which create a hormonal imbalance by increasing androgen (male sex hormone) production. Elevated androgen levels can disrupt ovulation, making conception more difficult.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Irregular or missed periods
- Acne and skin tags
- Unwanted facial or body hair growth
- Male-pattern baldness
- Anxiety and depression
Managing PCOS is important not only for fertility but also for your long-term health, as it increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. While there is no conventional cure, lifestyle changes, targeted nutrition, and acupuncture can help manage symptoms and support overall well-being.
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition that occurs when your uterine lining, or endometrium, develops outside of your uterus. Your endometrium can grow on your fallopian tubes or ovaries, creating cysts. Symptoms include pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, painful periods, and pain with intercourse, urination, and bowel movements. You may also experience nausea, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Medical treatments often involve hormonal medications or surgery to remove excess tissue. However, surgery can lead to scar formation, which may further complicate fertility. Alternative approaches such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary changes can help manage symptoms and support reproductive health.
3. Pituitary Problems
The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it regulates the entire endocrine system, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and ovaries. Dysfunction in the pituitary gland can disrupt ovulation by affecting levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The most common signs of FSH-LH imbalances are irregular or absent periods. Conditions affecting the pituitary gland that impact fertility include:
- Hyperprolactinemia occurs when the anterior portion of your pituitary gland produces too much prolactin, which can lower estrogen levels and disrupt ovulation, making conception difficult. Hyperprolactinemia may resolve on its own but is often managed with medication.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine (T4). Low thyroid hormone levels interfere with ovulation but can often be managed with medication and holistic approaches, such as supplements and diet.
- Adrenal insufficiency occurs when your adrenal glands don't make enough cortisol and ATCH. Cortisol is necessary for immune function, stress response, and homeostasis. If you have adrenal insufficiency, you have to take steroids to make sure you stay alive. Hydrocortisone is the closest to the natural cortisol produced by your body.
- Cushing’s disease happens when a tumor forms on your pituitary gland. Common symptoms truncal obesity, excessive hair growth on your face and body, rounding of the face (“moon face”), spinal distortions ("Buffalo hump"), weakening of your muscles and bones, fragile and thin skin, fatigue, acne, and of course... elevated cortisol. Some doctors may advise you to "watch and wait," which is fine if your symptoms are mild. But it is ultimately better to get the surgery before the tumor grows too large.
If you suspect a pituitary disorder, working with an endocrinologist and integrating supportive therapies like acupuncture and stress management can be beneficial.
4. Premature Ovarian Failure
Premature ovarian failure occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs. The decrease in estrogen that occurs produces the following symptoms: irregular or missed periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, and of course, infertility. Premature ovarian failure may also be caused by chemotherapy, and you will want to inform your oncologist if this happens to you.
However, you can be misdiagnosed and labeled as "menopausal" or "perimenopausal." This is why blood work is so important, because it provides tangible evidence that cannot be dismissed. Blood work should test the levels of your estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin.
Another option would be genetic testing. Genetic testing may include a "karyotype" that would examine your chromosomes for any problems and an FMR1 test to make sure that both of your X chromosomes are intact. In addition to infertility and discomfort, prematurely low estrogen can lead to osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia.
5. Unexplained Infertility
Sometimes there is no known cause for not being able to have a baby. When there is no “traditional” medical answer, there is no way to label your infertility. Even though you and your partner may both be very healthy, it still hurts. Since there is no "reason" you are left feeling even more helpless. When there is no apparent reason for your infertility, focusing on alternative methods such as acupuncture, herbs, and nutrition, can be extremely beneficial. These approaches will support and nourish your body and help you to be better able to support a baby.
A Final Note
If you're struggling with fertility, know that you're not alone. There are many natural and integrative approaches that can help support your journey. If you're ready to take the next step, I invite you to explore personalized fertility support through acupuncture, nutrition, and energy healing. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can work together to optimize your fertility and overall well-being.
