The 7 Fertility Hormones & Harnessing Them To Nurture Your Healthiest Fertility & Future Baby

Fertility hormones are the pivotal agents that govern our reproductive capacity, and understanding their intricate roles in both women and men provides a profound insight into the fascinating world of human conception (NIH, 2016). These biochemical messengers have their hands in various aspects of the reproductive system. They regulate the maturation of eggs and sperm, pinpoint the timing of ovulation, ensure the uterine lining is ready for a potential pregnancy, and even play a crucial role in placenta development during pregnancy. 

Understanding these hormone dynamics is essential for you and your partner/donor if you’re looking to start a family or simply curious about the science behind fertility. In this exploration of fertility hormones, we’ll delve into their roles in both men and women, providing insights into the fascinating interplay between these chemical regulators and the complex processes that underlie human fertility.

If this is your first time crossing paths with me, I’m Dr. Cleopatra, leading fertility specialist, professor, scientist, and Founder and Cheif Scientific Officer of the Fertility & Pregnancy Institute. I’ve dedicated nearly 30 years of my career to my obsession with helping women and families create and have their healthiest superbabies and experience the joy of becoming parents. Allow me to extend my years of experience and gained wisdom to you today. Let’s dive into the intricate landscape of fertility hormones and how you can harness these messengers to work in your favor and leave the porch light on for your baby.

Fertility Hormones, Their Role, & Impact of Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are two small structures that sit on top of each kidney. These glands are responsible for producing several hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone (Dutt & Jialal, 2019). While they don’t take center stage in fertility discussions as major fertility hormones, their role is significant, encompassing:

• Regulating Stress: The adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress, aiding the body in coping by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing inflammation.

• Regulating Blood Pressure and Fluid Balance: Aldosterone, another adrenal hormone, assists in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance by managing sodium retention and potassium excretion.

Regulating Metabolism and Energy Production: Adrenaline, the third hormone from the adrenal glands, primes the body for action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

Cortisol, one of the adrenal hormones, can significantly influence fertility. Studies have shown that it can suppress the production of fertility hormones, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (Whirledge & Cidlowski, 2010). This suppression can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation problems, and fertility challenges. High and sustained levels of cortisol can have deleterious effects on the ovaries and testes, further complicating fertility problems.

Before diving into these two vital fertility hormones, I want to tell you about how you can manage stress and reduce your cortisol levels for improved mental, physical, and reproductive health, nurturing your fertility brain. With our Prime Pre-Pregnancy Prenatal, you gift your body with nutrients known for cortisol and stress reduction, like magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and much more. Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal is a nutrient-dense fertility aid for your primemester, pregnancy, motherhood, and beyond.

 Get your Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal today.  

The 7 Fertility Hormones & How They Influence Your Reproductive Function

FSH & LH: In the realm of female fertility, two primary hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), take center stage. These fertility hormones, originating from the pituitary gland in the brain, are pivotal in orchestrating the complex dance of reproduction. FSH stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles containing eggs while promoting estrogen production, another vital hormone for female fertility (Raju et al., 2013). 

Conversely, LH triggers the release of a mature egg from the follicle during ovulation. These hormones work in a delicate balance to ensure the proper functioning of the female reproductive system, offering valuable insights for couples aspiring to conceive. Let’s dig a little deeper into the mechanics of what takes place.

The interplay between FSH and LH is crucial for successful conception (Bosch et al., 2021). At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, FSH levels rise, signaling the ovaries to start developing follicles. As the follicles grow, they produce increasing amounts of estrogen, which in turn suppresses the production of FSH. This feedback mechanism ensures that only one dominant follicle continues to develop while the others regress.

When estrogen levels reach a certain threshold, it triggers a surge in LH production, causing the release of the mature egg from the dominant follicle. This is known as ovulation. If fertilization occurs during this time, the chances of conception greatly increase. LH also stimulates the remaining follicle cells to transform into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone (Oduwole et al., 2021). Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation and supports early pregnancy if fertilization occurs.

Estrogen:

This hormone is a cornerstone in the intricate world of female fertility. Its role is two-fold, beginning with the essential task of nurturing the development and maturation of eggs within the ovaries. This crucial function ensures that eggs are prepared and primed for potential fertilization. Additionally, estrogen is pivotal in thickening the uterine lining, a process known as the proliferative phase (Findlay et al., 2010).

This thickening is a fundamental prerequisite for successfully implanting a fertilized egg. In essence, estrogen is a fertility hormone that creates the ideal environment within the uterus, laying the foundation for a potential pregnancy to take root. Vitamin D is essential for estrogen production, while vitamin B6 aids in its metabolism, magnesium regulates estrogen levels, and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), found in veggies like broccoli, supports healthy estrogen function, all contributing to hormonal balance. Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal is an incredible way to support and boost these nutrients while optimizing your reproductive function.

Progesterone:

This hormone steps into the spotlight following ovulation and is produced by a specialized structure known as the corpus luteum. Its primary role is to prepare the uterine environment for potential implantation and to support early pregnancy if fertilization occurs. During this phase, referred to as the secretory phase, progesterone is responsible for maintaining the uterine lining’s thickness and creating a receptive, nourishing milieu for a fertilized egg (Cable & Grider, 2020).

This hormone acts as a guardian of the early stages of pregnancy, ensuring that the developing embryo has the necessary sustenance and support to thrive. Vitamin C supports progesterone production, contributing to its overall balance, while vitamin E plays a crucial role in helping regulate progesterone levels. Zinc, an essential nutrient, is a cornerstone of progesterone production, reinforcing its stability. Use our Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal to support adequate progesterone production to benefit your fertility.

Androgens:

While often associated with male biology, androgens, including the well-known testosterone, also make significant contributions to female fertility (Gleicher et al., 2011). These hormones have a dual role. First, they participate in regulating the menstrual cycle, helping orchestrate the complex sequence of events leading to ovulation. Secondly, androgens play a role in promoting the development of eggs within the ovarian follicles, ensuring that eggs are adequately prepared for their journey toward fertilization.

This multifaceted involvement underscores the intricate interplay of hormones in female fertility. Zinc is pivotal, as it is indispensable for producing androgens, while vitamin B6, actively involved in androgen metabolism, ensures their effective utilization. Additionally, magnesium, a versatile regulator of hormonal levels, helps maintain androgen balance. To support you and your partner/donor, our Superbaby Nutraceutical Complete Mama & Dada Bundle will ensure you are primed with the 5 essential nutrients your body needs to boost nutrient levels and lay the foundations to improve your fertility effectively.

Inhibin and Activin:

These two hormones are integral to the fine-tuned regulation of female reproductive function. Inhibin acts as a precision regulator, participating in the control of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), pivotal players in the reproductive process. Both the ovaries and testes produce it, and it operates as a feedback mechanism, modulating the production of these critical hormones.

In doing so, inhibin helps maintain the delicate balance essential for optimal fertility, ensuring that FSH and LH are produced in appropriate quantities at the right times and facilitating the processes of egg maturation and ovulation. In contrast, activin, also originating from the ovaries and testes, takes on a distinct role as a stimulant.

It actively encourages the production of FSH and LH, contributing to the intricate web of hormonal interactions that underlie the efficient regulation of female reproductive processes, ensuring harmonious and efficient fertility mechanisms (Lockwood, 1998). Vitamin B6 plays a key role in their metabolism, facilitating their effective utilization within the body. Magnesium, with its versatile regulatory capacity, aids in maintaining inhibin and activin levels within an optimal range.

Additionally, zinc is an indispensable component for producing both inhibin and activin. These nutrients work harmoniously to ensure that the delicate balance necessary for optimal fertility is upheld. Both our Prime Male and Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal supplements ensure both you and your partner are well-nourished with these essential nutrients and many more.

For a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to fertility health, give your family the gift of generational health with our Superbaby Nutraceutical Complete Mama & Dada Bundle. Balance hormones, correct suboptimal nutrient status, and lay the foundation for your healthiest fertility experience today.

Get your Complete Mama & Dada Bundle today!

Factors Influencing Fertility Hormones

Different factors influence hormonal production and balance. Understanding these factors and their impact on fertility hormone levels is crucial for women and couples looking to conceive, as it allows for better-informed decisions and potential interventions to overcome fertility challenges. Let’s look at each in detail.

Age: Also known as the ticking of the biological clock, age plays a significant role in fertility as women grow older. With age, there’s a decline in both the quantity and quality of eggs. This decline leads to changes in hormone production. Specifically, FSH levels tend to increase as the ovaries become less responsive, while estrogen levels decrease. These hormonal shifts can make it more challenging for women in their late 30s and 40s to conceive naturally (Owen & Sparzak, 2022).

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common condition that disrupts the balance of key fertility hormones, such as FSH and LH. In PCOS, the ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgens, which are typically male hormones (Dennett & Simon, 2015). This overproduction of androgens can inhibit the release of FSH and prevent regular ovulation, leading to fertility issues. With our Extra Neural Tube & Chromosomal Care, you can protect your body and reproductive well-being from the effects of PCOS, promote hormone production, protect your baby’s development from adverse outcomes, and much more. 

Thyroid Disorders: Medical conditions affecting the thyroid can directly impact hormone production and fertility. Thyroid disorders may cause imbalances in the production of hormones necessary for successful conception, further complicating the reproductive process (Lalani et al., 2017). You can prevent and protect your body and future baby from these disorders and balance fertility hormones with nutrients like iodine and selenium, found in sufficient doses in our Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal.

Pituitary Gland Abnormalities: Abnormalities in the pituitary gland can disrupt the regulation of hormones essential for fertility (Sadiq & Tadi, 2020). Since the pituitary gland plays a crucial role in controlling hormone secretion, any irregularity in its function can interfere with the overall hormonal balance, affecting fertility. Protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin D are essential for pituitary gland health and fertility hormones. These nutrients support the production and regulation of key hormones like LH and FSH. You can support your nutrient intake adequately with our Prime Pre-Pregnancy & Prenatal to help fortify your fertility and regulate fertility hormones.

Psychological Well-Being: Your mental health plays a significant role in hormonal balance, as the intricate connection between the brain and the endocrine system closely regulates your body’s hormone levels. Stress, anxiety, and depression trigger the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt the production and release of other essential fertility hormones, such as sex hormones and thyroid hormones (Ranabir & Reetu, 2011). Chronic stress, for instance, often results in elevated cortisol levels, which can, in turn, suppress the production of sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

This hormonal imbalance can lead to various complications, including fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, and a decreased libido. Likewise, anxiety and depression can lead to hormonal imbalances, with elevated norepinephrine levels affecting the production of sex hormones and thyroid hormones (Clifton et al., 2020).

Furthermore, our psychological well-being can impact hormone metabolism, as stress may hinder the effective metabolization of estrogen, leading to conditions like estrogen dominance and associated problems such as weight gain, PMS, and mood swings. Join our FPI Village and Facebook group, The Art & Science of Getting Pregnant, today and start managing stress and other extreme emotions so you can move out of the urgent state they place your body in. Share your experiences and start your healing process.

To help make all this information easier to access, remember, and store, I’ve compiled it into a nifty checklist. You can use this to help you stay on track when working toward fostering hormonal balance. 

Get your FREE Fertility Hormones Checklist here, Precious Mama-to-be.

Fertility Hormones & Promoting a Balanced Internal Environment For Your Baby

The intricate landscape of fertility hormones can make finding hormonal balance seem like pure rocket science. With the complexities and stresses of our modern world, finding ways to promote and maintain internal balance is integral to having a healthy fertility experience. To make this process less stressful for you, I want to tell you about a comprehensive approach to fertility bliss. The Superbaby Nutraceuticals Complete Mama Bundle is your all-in-one essential nutrients package, bolstering your fertility hormones and priming your body with the foundational nutrients needed to build a fortified reproductive function.

The Complete Mama Bundle contains several of the nutrients I’ve spoken about today. This bundle has been carefully put together to help you address any underlying issues like suboptimal nutrient status, the root of many of the fertility struggles we face, and reverse the effects of reproductive aging. Our unique epigenetic approach focuses on your entire well-being (mind, body, and fertility) and carries you through each phase of your fertility journey. Give you and your baby and future generations the long-life health benefits you deserve, and start with the Complete Mama Bundle today.

Join your FPI Village today.

Get the Supebaby Neutraceuticals Complete Mama Bundle today!

Sent with superbaby dust,

Dr. Cleopatra.

Dr. Cleopatra is a distinguished fertility strategist, renowned scientist, and tenured professor at the University of Southern California (USC). With over 80,000 hours of dedicated research, she has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of fertility and the creation of “superbabies.” Her innovative Primemester Protocol has transformed family planning by optimizing fertility and ensuring the healthiest possible start for future generations.

Dr. Cleopatra’s remarkable achievements include securing nearly $3 million in grant funding, and her research has been cited in over 1,000 scientific studies. She received the Most Courageous award from the Mindshare Collaborative in 2020 and is a selected member of the Fulbright Specialists Roster. As the co-founder of The Fertility & Pregnancy Institute, Dr. Cleopatra empowers women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to reverse reproductive aging, achieve pregnancy quickly and easily, and fulfill their dreams of having superbabies.

FAQ’s:

References

Bosch, E., Alviggi, C., Lispi, M., Conforti, A., Hanyaloglu, A. C., Chuderland, D., Simoni, M., Raine-Fenning, N., Crépieux, P., Kol, S., Rochira, V., D’Hooghe, T., & Humaidan, P. (2021). Reduced FSH and LH action: Implications for medically assisted reproduction. Human Reproduction, 36(6), 1469–1480. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deab065

Cable, J. K., & Grider, M. H. (2020). Physiology, Progesterone. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558960/

Clifton, J., Parent, J., Seehuus, M., Worrall, G., Forehand, R., & Domar, A. (2020). An internet-based mind/body intervention to mitigate distress in women experiencing infertility: A randomized pilot trial. PLoS ONE, 15(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229379

Dennett, C. C., & Simon, J. (2015). The role of polycystic ovary syndrome in reproductive and metabolic health: Overview and approaches for treatment. Diabetes Spectrum, 28(2), 116–120. https://doi.org/10.2337/diaspect.28.2.116

Dutt, M., & Jialal, I. (2019, January 2). Physiology, adrenal gland. NIH; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537260/

Findlay, J. K., Liew, S. H., Simpson, E. R., & Korach, K. S. (2010). Estrogen signaling in the regulation of female reproductive functions. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 198, 29–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_2

Gleicher, N., Weghofer, A., & Barad, D. H. (2011). The role of androgens in follicle maturation and ovulation induction: friend or foe of infertility treatment? Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 9(1), 116. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-9-116

Healthdirect Australia. (2019, February 11). The role of cortisol in the body. Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/the-role-of-cortisol-in-the-body

John Hopkins Medicine. (2019). Adrenal Glands. Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adrenal-glands

Lalani, S., Nizami, I., Hashmi, A. A., Saifuddin, A., & Rehman, R. (2017). Thyroid dysfunction and infertility treatment. Acta Endocrinologica (Bucharest), 13(3), 302–307. https://doi.org/10.4183/aeb.2017.302

Lockwood, G. (1998). Inhibins and activins in human ovulation, conception and pregnancy. Human Reproduction Update, 4(3), 284–295. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/4.3.284

NIH. (2016). Eunice kennedy shriver national institute of child health and human development – NICHD. Www.nichd.nih.gov. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/infertility

Oduwole, O. O., Huhtaniemi, I. T., & Misrahi, M. (2021). The roles of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone in spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis revisited. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(23), 12735. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222312735

Owen, A., & Sparzak, P. B. (2022). Age related fertility decline. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576440/

Raju, G. A. R., Chavan, R., Deenadayal, M., Govindarajan, M., Gunasheela, D., Gutgutia, R., Haripriya, G., Patel, N. H., & Patki, A. S. (2013). Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone synergy: A review of role in controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 6(4), 227.

Ranabir, S., & Reetu, K. (2011). Stress and hormones. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 15(1), 18–22. https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.77573

Sadiq, N. M., & Tadi, P. (2020). Physiology, pituitary hormones. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557556/

Whirledge, S., & Cidlowski, J. A. (2010). Glucocorticoids, stress, and fertility. Minerva Endocrinologica, 35(2), 109–125. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3547681/