Diagnostics and treatment of hormonal disorders as a sign of care for procreative health and a prophylaxis of infertility.: Can fertility awareness methods be helpful?

Abstract

Hormonal disorders both, in females and males, may be a cause of infertility, making impossible to conceive or to maintain full-term pregnancy. Therefore it would be optimal for every couple to be pre-evaluated for disorders of endocrine glands before starting efforts to get pregnant, not just in difficulty with obtaining conception. Diagnostics and treatment of hormonal disorders can be, in this case, treated as a prevention of infertility and – at the same time – an expression of concern for reproductive health. In people of reproductive age , it is also important to continue treatment of diseases diagnosed in childhood. 

The study discusses selected disorders related to ovarian function (disorders of ovulation, luteal insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome), hypothalamus and pituitary gland (hypothalamic amenorrhoea, hyperprolactinemia), thyroid gland (hypothyroidism, Hashimoto disease, hyperthyroidism) that may cause infertility. 

In women, self-observation of the menstrual cycle, which allows to state such symptoms as: inappropriate length of particular phases of the cycle, may be of particular importance in the diagnosis of endocrine diseases, abnormalities of cervical mucus or of basal body temperature. Correct and early observation of these disturbing symptoms requires close cooperation of the patient not only with the doctor, but above all with the instructor of natural family planning.

Key words: Infertility, hormonal disorders, fertility awareness methods, procreative health