Hormone Disorders in Women

Anyone who’s had a problem with their hormones knows how frustrating it can feel. Fortunately, the experts at our Center for Reproductive Medicine can help with these common challenges. They provide relief from painful periods, ovarian cysts, fibroids and other issues related to fertility. While women with hormone disorders need to see a reproductive endocrinologist, they often benefit from the insight of additional specialists. At Henry Ford Health, we provide all the care you need, in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Learn more about our infertility treatments.

How do hormones affect reproduction?

The body’s glands produce hormones to direct important processes. Among other tasks, these natural chemicals work together to help your reproductive system function. They do everything from prompting your eggs to mature during puberty to releasing them during menstruation.

Female hormones related to reproduction include:

• Estrogen
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Progesterone

Hormone disorders we treat in women

We provide a trusted place to turn for your care, with a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Since our doctors are true experts in their field, we can treat a wide range of female hormone disorders:

Common hormone conditions

• Female puberty disorders: A number of conditions can affect the normal development of puberty. Our experts can help treat these issues.
• Menopause: A normal part of aging, menopause is caused by falling hormone levels and marks the end of menstruation. We can help relieve symptoms such as cramps and protect against related conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
• Menstrual disorders: We can treat a variety of menstrual cycle disorders — from heavy bleeding to missed periods.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): We can help relieve this group of symptoms, which usually appear one to two weeks before periods.

Hormone conditions affecting organs

• Endometriosis: This condition is a leading cause of female infertility and pelvic pain. Learn more about endometriosis.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This painful condition can lead to infertility and several other side effects. Learn more about PCOS.
• Premature ovarian failure (POF): This condition causes a woman’s ovaries to stop working before she turns 40.
• Uterine Fibroids: These common, noncancerous (benign) growths on the uterus can cause heavy periods and other reproductive problems. Learn more about uterine fibroids.

Other hormone disorders

• Hirsutism: This condition causes abnormal hair growth that is usually dark and coarse.
• Hyperprolactinemia: With this condition, a woman produces too much of the hormone prolactin. This change can cause a loss in periods and other problems.

How to get help with hormone disorders

When you have a hormone disorder, you may not realize exactly what is happening. You just know you have heavy periods. Or you have pain in your lower abdomen. And you just want it to go away.

Start by discussing your concerns with your doctor. The doctor will work with you to determine what to do next. That step may include referring you to a reproductive endocrinologist, like those at our center.

When you come to your first appointment here, your reproductive endocrinologist will talk to you about your symptoms. The endocrinologist will also examine you and discuss any tests you’ll need. From there, you and the specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan.

Our reproductive endocrinologists are here to find a solution for you.