Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.
Skip to main content

Infertility Specialist

Fort Wayne Endocrinology

Endocrinologists & Private Medical Practices located in Fort Wayne, IN

Few couples anticipate having a hard time getting pregnant, but after a year of trying, 12-15% face infertility. In many cases, infertility comes from a hormonal imbalance. That's when it's time to consult Ashok Kadambi, MD and Crystal Webb, NP-C, at Fort Wayne Endocrinology. As experts in the hormone-based causes of infertility, they precisely identify your underlying problem and begin individualized treatment to restore your fertility. If you need help with infertility, call the office in Fort Wayne, Indiana at 260-436-1248 to schedule an appointment.

Infertility Q & A

What hormone imbalances cause infertility?

Though a hormone imbalance can affect sperm production, it's not the most common reason for male infertility. The same can't be said for women. In the female reproductive tract, every step toward pregnancy depends on hormones.

Egg maturation, ovulation, and thickening of the endometrial lining inside the uterus need specific amounts of hormones at precise times during your cycle. Then you need a well-timed cascade of hormonal events for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine lining.

Lack of hormones or a hormonal imbalance at any step can interfere with getting pregnant. However, the most common causes of female infertility include:

Ovulatory disorders

Ovulatory disorders account for 30% of women's infertility, and they're usually caused by hormone imbalances. The most frequent ovulatory problem, anovulation, occurs when the ovaries don't release a mature egg.

In some cases, problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus lead to hormone deficiencies that affect ovulation. However, the most common cause of anovulation is polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS develops when women have higher-than-normal levels of hormones called androgens. High androgen levels interfere with ovulation and cause abnormal menstruation. 

Women with PCOS often (but not always) have multiple ovarian cysts. They also have symptoms such as acne, weight gain, and the growth of dark, coarse hair on their face, chest, abdomen, and upper thighs.

Estrogen imbalances

Several different hormones affect fertility, but estrogen has a primary role. Low estrogen may develop due to thyroid disorders, pituitary gland problems, being severely underweight, and excessive exercise.

When should I seek help for infertility?

If you’re younger than 35 and you have regular, unprotected intercourse for a year without getting pregnant, you should get a fertility evaluation. Women between the ages of 35 and 40 should try for six months before seeking help.

Women who are over the age of 40 or know they have a condition like PCOS that affects their fertility should consult a specialist as soon as they decide to get pregnant. 

After 40, it’s more difficult to get pregnant. An early fertility evaluation can improve your chances by identifying and treating potential problems. 

How is infertility treated?

Your provider at Fort Wayne Endocrinology diagnoses and treats any underlying conditions. Then they focus on restoring normal hormone levels, a complex process that often involves a mix of hormone-containing medications, as well as non-hormonal medications that regulate hormones.

If you need help with infertility, call Fort Wayne Endocrinology or book an appointment online today.