How to Get Pregnant With a Hormone Imbalance

Infertility affects approximately one out of every six couples, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Although there are many reasons why a couple may be infertile, hormonal imbalances are one common cause. Hormonal imbalances in a woman may cause ovulation problems, while a hormonal imbalance in a man may interfere with sperm production. While the situation can be challenging, many medical treatments are available that may allow a couple to get pregnant.

A woman looking at a pregnancy test. (Image: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Step 1

Get a physical exam. A doctor will run a variety of tests and ask about previous medical history. The results of the tests will confirm if a hormone imbalance is responsible and will rule out other potential causes for infertility.

Step 2

Discuss treatment options. The exact treatment approach depends on the specific hormonal imbalance. Women with high prolactin levels may take a medication called Bromocriptine, while those who are insulin-resistant may take Metformin.

Both men and women with hormonal imbalances may take clomiphene or gonadotropins, but these medications are only approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of female infertility, explains the medical advisory board at BabyCenter.com. The success rate of clomiphene and gonadotropins are also significantly higher for women. Men may also take testosterone for hormonal imbalances.

Step 3

Follow treatment instructions from a doctor to help ensure that the treatment is effective. Continue treatment as instructed until hormone levels are at their desired level.

Step 4

Have sexual intercourse before and during ovulation. Women can predict when they are about to ovulate by charting their basal body temperature, monitoring their body for ovulation symptoms, checking their cervical mucus or using an ovulation predictor kit. Having sexual intercourse during the few days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation increases the likelihood of pregnancy.

Step 5

Discuss artificial reproductive technology procedures with a doctor. In some cases, it is impossible for a couple to get pregnant on their own. Artificial reproductive technology procedures may help these couples conceive. The most common procedures include in vitro fertilization, electric or vibratory stimulation, surgical sperm aspiration, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and assisted hatching, according to MayoClinic.com.

Tip

Couples who find it difficult to manage their feelings or their relationship when confronting infertility may benefit from counseling.

Warning

Products sold online or over the counter that claim to boost fertility are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Couples should talk to a doctor before using any of these products.