Hormone Treatment for Fertility

Hormones are messengers that regulate various functions in the body. They play a crucial role in fertility treatment.

Hormone therapy is used to regulate the function of the ovaries. Generally, bioidentical hormones are used. Some hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, others trigger ovulation to enable fertilization, and others support the implantation of embryos after ovulation.

The most commonly used hormones are:

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

FSH is produced in the pituitary gland and regulates the cycle by stimulating the maturation and growth of follicles.

Since FSH has a very short half-life, it is always administered via injection under the skin. These stimulation injections are self-administered by women – there is no need to visit the doctor’s office. The effect of the hormones on the ovaries is then monitored via ultrasound at the fertility center.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

LH is also produced in the pituitary gland. When the follicle reaches an adequate size, the LH levels rise sharply, leading to ovulation. The now mature egg can be successfully fertilized.

Hormone therapy for the ovaries in the context of fertility treatment uses the effects of LH to precisely trigger ovulation, stimulate egg maturation, and support the production of progesterone.

Progesterone

Progesterone is produced in the follicle after ovulation and has several vital functions, particularly for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Progesterone transforms the uterine lining, making it suitable for embryo implantation. A sufficient level of progesterone is crucial to prevent the shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy occurs.

Many women have a deficiency in progesterone, which manifests as spotting and breakthrough bleeding.

Progesterone hormone therapy can be prescribed by the doctor for vaginal or oral administration.

Key Points:

1. Hormones must always be administered according to an individualized hormone therapy plan for fertility.
   
   
2. Depending on the planned fertility treatment, such as cycle optimization, insemination, or IVF/ICSI therapy, the doctors at Ceres Fertility Center will create a personalized treatment plan.

A preliminary consultation is always conducted to explain the very rare side effects and address any concerns or reservations about hormone therapy.