What are the key hormones involved in female fertility?
The key hormones are estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
How does age affect female fertility?
Female fertility typically declines with age, particularly after the age of 35.
What is the role of the ovaries in fertility?
Ovaries produce and release eggs, and they also secrete important reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
How does lifestyle impact female fertility?
Factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and excessive exercise can negatively impact fertility.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and how does it affect fertility?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts, leading to irregular ovulation and infertility.
What is endometriosis and its impact on fertility?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting fertility by distorting the pelvic anatomy.
Describe how the fallopian tubes contribute to fertility.
Fallopian tubes transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and are the site where fertilization occurs.
What is the importance of cervical mucus in fertility?
Cervical mucus helps sperm survive in the reproductive tract and facilitates its transport to the egg.
Explain the impact of thyroid disorders on female fertility.
Thyroid disorders can disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation, leading to infertility.
What role does body weight play in female fertility?
Both underweight and overweight conditions can negatively affect fertility by causing hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation.
How do fibroids impact fertility?
Fibroids can cause infertility by altering the shape of the uterus, blocking fallopian tubes, or disrupting embryo implantation.
What nutritional factors can influence female fertility?
Adequate intake of nutrients like folic acid, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids is important for maintaining fertility.
How does stress affect female fertility?
Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, disrupting menstrual cycles and decreasing fertility.
What is the link between menstrual cycle regularity and fertility?
Regular menstrual cycles often indicate regular ovulation, a key factor in female fertility.
What medical conditions can affect female fertility aside from PCOS and endometriosis?
Conditions like diabetes, lupus, and celiac disease can also impair fertility.