Endocrinology Services

Our reproductive endocrinologists offer a full range of services to evaluate and treat abnormalities of the endocrine system. Dysfunction of the endocrine system affects ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Conditions that may be caused by problems with the endocrine glands are:

• amenorrhea or the absence of menstrual periods
• abnormal menstrual periods
• hirsutism or male pattern hair growth in women
• hyperprolactinemia/galactorrhea, abnormalities in production of the hormone lactin. Lactin signals the breast when to produce milk.
• hyperthyroidism or overproduction of thyroid hormone that raises metabolism and overstimulates estrogen production
• hyperthyroidism or underproduction of thyroid hormone that lowers metabolism and interferes with ovulation and the menstrual cycle

Endocrine glands are the body’s hormone producers. Hormones from the endocrine glands affect almost every bodily process, including growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, and reproduction. The glands that affect menstrual and reproductive function are listed below:

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They make male hormones called androgens that the liver converts into testosterone and estrogens. Excessive production of androgen may cause fertility problems in both men and women. Polycystic ovaries or a tumor in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, or ovary may cause women to experience an increase in androgen levels.

The hypothalamus, located above the pituitary gland, is the part of the brain that regulates hormone production. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which stimulates the pituitary to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) into the bloodstream. These hormones, in turn, stimulate the ovaries and the testicles.

The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck that produces thyroid hormones to regulate the body's metabolism. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause menstrual disturbances and fertility problems.