Endocrinology, metabolism and fertility

The endocrine system plays a fundamental role in human reproduction. Hormones regulate essential processes such as ovulation, sperm production, follicular development and preparation of the endometrium for embryo implantation.

For this reason, certain hormonal or metabolic alterations can influence both female and male fertility and affect different stages of the reproductive process.

In addition, metabolism and nutritional status are also closely related to reproductive function. Factors such as obesity, insulin resistance or certain endocrine disorders can alter hormonal balance and affect the chances of pregnancy.

At Viamed Fertility Institute, we work in coordination with endocrinology specialists to carry out a comprehensive assessment when the case requires it and to optimise conditions before fertility treatment.

What is the relationship between endocrinology and fertility?

The endocrine system is made up of glands and organs responsible for producing hormones, substances that coordinate multiple functions within the body. In the reproductive field, these hormones participate in processes such as:

Ovulation

Sperm production

Follicular development

Endometrial receptivity

Embryo implantation

Early pregnancy development

When hormonal alterations occur, these mechanisms may be affected and require specialist assessment. The aim of reproductive endocrinology is to study these factors and promote adequate hormonal and metabolic balance.

Hormonal alterations that can influence fertility

There are different endocrine disorders that may be related to reproductive difficulties.

The most common alterations include:

Thyroid disorders

Obesity

Hyperprolactinaemia

Insulin resistance

Metabolic alterations

Hormonal imbalances

The clinical impact may vary depending on each patient and must always be assessed individually.

Thyroid and fertility

The thyroid gland participates in the regulation of numerous metabolic and hormonal processes. Alterations such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can influence reproductive function and affect processes related to:

Ovulation

The menstrual cycle

Embryo implantation

Pregnancy development

For this reason, thyroid function is often included in the endocrinological study of fertility when there is a clinical indication.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (SOMP), and reproduction

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (SOMP) is one of the most common endocrine alterations in women of reproductive age.

It may be associated with:

Ovulatory alterations

Menstrual irregularity

Insulin resistance

Metabolic changes

Each patient presents different characteristics, so the approach must be individualised and aimed at optimising hormonal balance before fertility treatment.

Insulin resistance, metabolism and fertility

Insulin resistance is a metabolic alteration that can appear in different clinical contexts and, in some patients, may be related to hormonal and reproductive changes. Its assessment may be especially relevant in cases associated with:

Metabolic alterations

Obesity

Reproductive difficulties

Endocrinological assessment makes it possible to analyse these factors and propose strategies aimed at improving metabolic status.

Obesity and fertility

Obesity is a complex condition that goes beyond body weight and can influence different aspects related to reproduction. Several studies have shown that it may be associated with:

Hormonal alterations

Changes in ovulation

Modifications in oocyte quality

Alterations in sperm quality

Changes in endometrial receptivity

Increased risk of complications during pregnancy

Metabolic optimisation before fertility treatment can help improve the patient’s general conditions.

Low body weight, nutrition and reproductive function

Excess weight is not the only factor that can influence fertility.

Low body weight or certain nutritional deficiencies can also alter hormonal balance and affect reproductive function.

Assessment of nutritional status forms part of the comprehensive study of the patient and, when necessary, may be complemented with specific guidance or coordination with nutrition professionals.

Endocrinological assessment before fertility treatment

The endocrinology specialist performs a global evaluation of the patient’s hormonal and metabolic status. When there is a clinical indication, this assessment may include:

Hormonal study

Metabolic assessment

Review of nutritional status

Optimisation of endocrine alterations

Coordination with nutrition or other specialists

The aim is to optimise conditions before treatment and favour a more positive reproductive and pregnancy outcome.

A multidisciplinary approach to fertility

Fertility depends on multiple factors and, in some patients, hormonal, metabolic, immunological or reproductive alterations may coexist.

For this reason, at Viamed Fertility Institute we work from a multidisciplinary approach that integrates specialists in assisted reproduction, endocrinology, andrology, haematology, immunology and psychology.

This model allows us to carry out a comprehensive assessment and adapt treatment to each patient’s needs.

Frequently asked questions about endocrinology and fertility

Hormones regulate essential reproductive processes such as ovulation, sperm production and preparation of the endometrium.

SOMP may be associated with ovulatory and metabolic alterations that influence reproductive function.

Thyroid alterations can affect different reproductive and gestational processes, so in some cases they require specialist assessment.

It can influence hormonal balance, gamete quality, the probability of embryo implantation and the risk of complications during pregnancy.

No. The endocrinologist also evaluates metabolic and nutritional aspects that may influence fertility and pregnancy development.

We are here to support you.
We are here to support you.

Dr. Pamela Valdivieso Mejía

gynaecologist and specialist in assisted reproduction

Dr. Silvia Valladares Jiménez

Specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition

Dr. José Vilar

GYNAECOLOGIST

Ángeles Bretón

CLINICAL EMBRYOLOGIST

Dr. Carlos Javier Vega Reina

GYNAECOLOGIST

Dr. María Miró

IMMUNOLOGIST

Dr. María Eugenia Molina

HEMATOLOGIST

Elena Mantrana Bermejo

Gynecologist. Specialist in Reproductive Medicine

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville.
  • Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Master’s Degree in Human Reproduction from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
  • Specialist Physician of the Andalusian Health Service in the South Health Management Area (AGSS) of Seville.
  • Coordinator of the Assisted Human Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Member of the Human Reproduction Advisory Committee of AGSS of Seville.
  • Member of the working group for the update of the Guide for Assisted Human Reproduction of the Ministry of Health of the Andalusian Regional Government.
  • Tutor of Specialist Doctors in Training of the Teaching Area of the University Hospital of Valme.
  • Clinical Tutor Medical Students University of Seville

Alberto Armijo

Gynecologist. Reproductive Medicine Specialist