Understanding Female Infertility and Growth Hormone Deficiency
The ability to conceive a child does not always come easily for every woman. There are many different factors that can inhibit this problem. As medical science continues to study and evolve, other avenues for possible treatment are uncovered.
One such area involves understanding female infertility and growth hormone deficiency, and how they may be intertwined with one another.
To begin with, the chemical in the body known as somatotropin (growth hormone, GH) is a 191- amino acid single-chain polypeptide that is produced and secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland. In addition, the ovaries are also involved in the synthesis of this “master hormone” in the body.
GH, IGF-1 (which is produced in the liver upon receipt of growth hormone stimulus), and GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) increase the sensitivity of the ovaries to gonadotropin stimulation. Follicular development and the conversion of androgen into oestrogens are also enhanced. GH works in both a direct and indirect (via its IGF-1 connection) method.
The more medical science explores the connection between female infertility and growth hormone deficiency the better able we are to find ways to improve this situation for a positive outcome.
For those wishing to explore this avenue further, blood testing is provided by Kingsberg Medical to determine if low GH levels are an issue.
Growth Hormone Deficiency and Infertility Connection
The connection that we see between these two conditions is evident when examining the oocytes (eggs) that have been harvested from follicles. Those that come from women with normal GH levels are more fertile than those with low GH concentration. Growth hormone has been proven to enhance the quality of oocytes through the acceleration of cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation.
When we look at female infertility and growth hormone deficiency as a connection, of sorts, we see that by increasing the level of somatotropin in the body through the use of HGH (human growth hormone) therapy we can improve ovarian stimulation in some cases.
There is also a possibility of combining this approach with hMG and hCG to improve follicle growth, and hopefully the pregnancy rate in patients who have been diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. This approach has been shown to reduce the dosing requirement of gonadotropin, the duration of hMG treatment, and has improved the overall success rate seen in these patients.
Careful review must always be done between doctors dealing with and treating female infertility and growth hormone deficiency. As with any type of therapy, this is not warranted for all women dealing with issues of fertility. Every case is to be taken independently.
Trying Growth Hormone Injections for Infertility
It may be exciting to think about trying this approach if all else has failed. While it may be beneficial for some women, there is a starting point that must be looked at before going any further.
The diagnosis of GH deficiency requires blood testing for a number of different conditions. This is done in order to rule out other problems that might be the cause of any possible symptoms. Please realize that if difficulty with conception is the only issue, female infertility and growth hormone deficiency may not be intertwined.
There are going to be other concerns that occur when GH levels are low, such as fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle tone, memory decline, and much more that could be present. We suggest checking out some other pages on this website that explain the symptoms associated with low somatotropin production for further information on this subject. This will help determine if it is even worthwhile to pursue this avenue of testing.
For those who do believe that HGH injections may be beneficial, our doctors will order the necessary blood panels to be tested, and a quick visit to a local lab will provide the necessary answers.
Receiving treatment for female infertility and growth hormone deficiency relies on all participating medical practitioners to work together for the good of the patient. To that end, we will also need a complete report from a recent physical examination, as well as the completion of a medical history questionnaire. This form can be accessed through our website for added convenience.
A Final Word about Growth Hormone in Infertility Treatment
Difficulty with conception can be a trying time for any woman or couple. It is natural for stress levels to be increased at this time. Unfortunately, stress also inhibits proper GH secretion. As we explore a final word about this topic, it is important to remind every woman to take care of herself during this time – physically and emotionally.
As part of our exploration of female infertility and growth hormone deficiency, we want to point out that ensuring that eight hours of quality sleep each night is crucial for the body’s ability to produce all necessary chemicals. Since half of each day’s supply of GH is secreted during this time, these eight hours are essential.
Engaging in a regular exercise program is also recommended, as is consuming a nutritious diet consisting of an array of fresh (preferably organic, where possible) vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, heart-healthy grains, and avoiding fats and sugars whenever possible. A good rule to follow here is that if you cannot pronounce an ingredient, you should not be consuming it.
Although these recommendations may not assist with increasing the chance of conception, they will help maintain higher levels of growth hormone in the body for those who are not dealing with a decline. Unfortunately, once a decline is noted, and is too severe for natural methods such as those just listed, supplementation with HGH therapy will often be required.
The doctors and clinical staff at Kingsberg Medical are happy to answer any questions about female infertility and growth hormone deficiency that you might have. Please feel free to contact us during regular business hours by phone, email, or the contact form on this page.
As always, we offer complimentary consultations to men and women concerned about any type of hormone deficiency and replacement therapy. We are here to help.
