Generally speaking, infertility comes down to this: Having regular, unprotected sex for 12 months and not conceiving. So if you’re still trying after a year without success, it might be time to talk to a doctor about what might be going on. 

For a lot of women, hormones play a huge role in their fertility levels. From Estrogen and Progesterone imbalances to disruption in the H-P-O axis, the feedback loop that includes your Hypothalamus and Pituitary glands, along with your Ovaries, hormones are at the heart of fertility.

It’s a delicate balance that’s easily upset, and any number of things can impact that balance.

As you may have guessed, those same hormones that make sure you ovulate in a timely fashion can also be the cause of infertility. In essence, regular ovulation is the key to conception. And for that to occur, FSH, Estrogen, Testosterone, and LH have to be in sync. Why? Those four hormones all play vital roles in the growth and release of your eggs.

At the start of your cycle, FSH and Estrogen slowly climb from their base levels. FSH encourages the growth of eggs, while your Ovaries produce Estrogen as they grow those eggs. As you get closer to Ovulation, both levels will rise to a peak. Once your dominant egg is almost ready for release, LH spikes. 

Once you’ve ovulated, FSH, Estrogen, and LH fall, while Progesterone climbs to prepare your uterus to house a possible fertilized egg.

Any imbalance in those hormone levels can change when or even if you ovulate, how well your eggs grow, and whether or not your uterus can support a fertilized egg.

But it’s not just those hormones that can affect your fertility. Thyroid hormone imbalance, and chronic exposure to Cortisol to name just two, are also involved in irregular cycles and infertility.

• Hormone imbalance is one of the biggest contributors to infertility. But that can also include the ripple effect caused by, for instance, diet and exercise, or other hormone issues. And while this is in no way an exhaustive list, contributors can include:

  • PCOS
  • Menopause
  • Endometriosis
  • Diabetes
  • Irregular cycle
  • Over/underactive Thyroid
  • Extreme diet/exercise
  • Chronic stress
  • Weight gain/loss
  • Disordered eating

If you’ve been having regular, unprotected sex with a man for 12 months without conceiving, it’s probably time to see a doctor. They can help you rule out any underlying hormone issues that may be a factor. They’re also best placed to recommend the best treatment for you, should it come to that.

If you’ve been trying for less than 12 months, there are some things you can do to support your hormones as well as your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Recording your cycles, however long, as well as your periods and how you feel physically and emotionally can help you see things more clearly. Improving your nutrition and sleep quality while lowering stress is vital for overall physical and emotional health. And talking about your experiences can work wonders while you’re working out your fertility.