What are the signs of infertility in females?
- September 4, 2023
- 4:40 pm
- Irregular periods: a menstrual cycle that is shorter than 21 days, longer than 35, or changes significantly from one month to another[1]
- Significant changes to your period: the period flow becomes significantly heavier or lighter suddenly, is lasting longer or is shorter than usual, or you find that you are spotting between periods
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalances: excessive facial or body hair, acne, hair loss, hyperpigmentation (particularly along the neck creases, in the groin, or underneath the breasts), skin tags, vaginal dryness or inflammation, pain during sex, night sweats, headaches
Female infertility is characterized by the inability to become pregnant and/or carry a successful pregnancy. You and your partner should consider seeking help if you are above 35 years old and have been trying to conceive naturally for over 6 months, or 35 years and under and have been trying to conceive naturally for a year without success[2].
If you have been trying for a while with no luck, you may need to look out for symptoms of infertility. This article outlines some common symptoms that may indicate underlying conditions, possibly hindering your efforts to become pregnant.
Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are characterized by a menstrual cycle that is shorter than 21 days, longer than 35, or changes significantly from one month to another[3].
Irregular periods can have several causes, including being underweight or overweight, stress or excessive exercise[4]. However, it can also be indicative of an irregular ovulation cycle, which may make it more difficult to estimate your fertility window [5]. Other underlying conditions may include thyroid disorders, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (also known as Premature Menopause)[6].
Significant Changes to Your Period
Significant changes to your period can also indicate an underlying condition. You should consult your medical practitioner if you find that your period has suddenly become significantly heavier or lighter, is lasting longer or is shorter than usual, or you find that you are spotting between periods[7].
You should also tell your doctor if you experience severe menstrual cramps that interfere with your daily life, as these pains may indicate conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis which can cause a blockage in the fallopian tubes[8].
Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones such as the Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, Prolactin, Estrogen, and Progesterone are essential for fertility, so a hormonal imbalance is likely to affect your fertility[9]. Symptoms that indicate hormonal imbalance can include[10]:
- Irregular or missed periods
- Excessive facial or body hair
- Acne on the face, chest or upper back
- Hair loss
- Hyperpigmentation, particularly along the neck creases, in the groin, or underneath the breasts
- Skin tags
- Vaginal dryness or atrophy
- Pain during sex
- Night sweats
- Headaches
Throughout your fertility journey, it’s important to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Fortunately, most conditions can be treated. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should speak to your medical practitioner (there are many fertility specialists and fertility clinics in Malaysia and Singapore) for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. For more information on fertility and fertility treatments, start with this article on the different treatments available, and check your fertility status here !
References
[1] (2021, November 24). What to know about irregular periods. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178635
[2]Female Infertility: Causes, Risk Factors, Tests & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17774-female-infertility
[3] Pregnancy tests | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Office on Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pregnancy-tests
[4] Sweet, M. G., Schmidt-Dalton, T. A., Weiss, P. M., & Madsen, K. P. (2012). Evaluation and management of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal women. American Family Physician, 85(1), 35-43.
[5] Lum, K. J., Sundaram, R., Buck Louis, G. M., & Louis, T. A. (2015). A Bayesian joint model of menstrual cycle length and fecundity. Biometrics, 72(1), 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1111/biom.12379
[6] NHS website. (2022, May 25). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/; Ameratunga, D., Weston, G., Osianlis, T., Catt, J., & Vollenhoven, B. (2009). In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor eggs in post-menopausal women: are there differences in pregnancy outcomes in women with premature ovarian failure (POF) compared with women with physiological age-related menopause? Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 26(9–10), 511–514. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9351-5
[7] Sweet, M. G., Schmidt-Dalton, T. A., Weiss, P. M., & Madsen, K. P. (2012). Evaluation and management of abnormal uterine bleeding in premenopausal women. American Family Physician, 85(1), 35-43.
[8] Bulletti, C., Coccia, M. E., Battistoni, S., & Borini, A. (2010). Endometriosis and infertility. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 27(8), 441–447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9436-1; Dun, E. C., & Nezhat, C. H. (2012). Tubal factor infertility: diagnosis and management in the era of assisted reproductive technology. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, 39(4), 551-566.
[9] Ben-Chioma, A. E., & Tamuno-Emine, D. G. (2015). Evaluation of female fertility hormone profile in women with primary and secondary infertility. International Journal of Science and Research, 4, 1583-5.
[10] Osborn, C. O. (2022, May 11). Everything You Should Know About Hormonal Imbalance. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance#signs-or-symptoms
SG-NONF-00268 | 13 July 2023
