Hormone therapy fertility

What is hormone treatment for the desire to have children?

If you are unable to conceive, medication can help to initiate a pregnancy. This involves the intake of various hormone preparations which influence or support the woman's natural cycle. Before hormone treatment, however, it must be established whether a hormonal disorder is actually the cause of infertility or if there are other illnesses or difficulties. Hormone therapy is then carried out either with tablets or in the form of injections. During the hormone therapy, the woman's blood hormone levels are regularly monitored so that, ideally, the exact time of ovulation can be identified. As a result, fertilization can be induced either naturally or artificially.

Who qualifies for hormone therapy?

Before hormone therapy can begin, a number of tests need to be carried out to rule out other causes of infertility. First of all, both partners undergo a detailed physical examination and a medical consultation to discuss the couple's lifestyle and sexual habits.
Should possible risk factors for infertility already be apparent (for example, anatomical anomalies of the reproductive organs, lack of sexual drive or psychosocial stress of one of the partners), these will need to be addressed first.

All of these examinations focus in detail on the hormones in the body.

The female cycle, which results in the successful maturation of the follicle in the ovary and subsequent ovulation, depends on a unique interaction of sex hormones. LH, FSH, progesterone and estradiol represent the key hormones here. If these hormones are disrupted, hormone therapy can be used for treatment.

Procedure and duration

To begin with, the patient undergoes a very precise cycle analysis. This involves looking at how the hormone composition changes over the course of the cycle and determining what dose of hormones is recommended to support the cycle. Based on the treatment method, the decision will be made as to whether the patient will be treated with tablets or injections.

If hormone injections are chosen, the patient will be instructed on how to use the injections at home. An ultrasound scan is usually scheduled at the start of the cycle (i.e. the first day of the period) so that the number of follicles can be checked.

During this visit, blood is also drawn to check the hormone balance. Over the course of the cycle, additional ultrasound examinations are carried out once every few days so that egg cell growth can be monitored. Once ovulation is anticipated, the doctor treating the couple will advise them to have sexual intercourse.
Alternatively, at this stage, assisted fertilization can also be carried out, such as via sperm transfer.

As can be seen from the procedure, classic hormone therapy is designed to last for one cycle, which is 28 days. Most couples, however, need several tries before the fertilized egg successfully implants. This means that hormone therapy lasts around 3 - 6 months on average.

What are the success rates of fertility treatment with hormones?

Success rates are highly dependent on the couple's age, the male's semen quality and the exact cause of infertility. Although the chances of success vary between 10 and 20% depending on the source, they are significantly lower for women over 40. It is therefore important not to be discouraged immediately after a failed hormone therapy, but rather to continue the therapy for several months.

Are there risks and long-term effects of hormone therapy?

As hormone therapy supplies the body with additional hormones, side effects can occur. They include hot flushes, visual problems, abdominal pain, bloating and breast tenderness.

The precise side effects to be expected vary from therapy to therapy. If the side effects are more serious, your doctor may suggest alternative treatment methods. Furthermore, the regular blood tests help to prevent overdoses or correct them if necessary.
Long-term effects of hormone therapy are being researched and have not yet been fully confirmed scientifically.

How much does hormone treatment for the desire to have children cost?

The cost of therapy ranges between 800 and 1200 euros per cycle, depending on the method and clinic. If further therapies are used, such as in vitro fertilization or other forms of artificial insemination, it can cost up to 8000 euros per cycle. However, the majority of patients do not have to pay the costs alone, as they receive contributions from their health insurance provider.

Which doctors and clinics are specialists?

Hormone therapy is usually provided in special fertility clinics or fertility practices. This is where gynaecologists work who have specialized in the treatment of fertility patients. They offer the expertise and the necessary equipment to perform hormone therapy and fertility treatment.
If you're in need of a doctor, you expect the best medical care possible. So of course patients are curious to find out what clinic to go to. As there is no objective way to answer this question and a legitimate doctor would never claim to be the best, patients must rely on a doctor's experience. Let us help you find an expert for your condition. All listed doctors and clinics have been reviewed by us for their outstanding specialization in the field of hormone treatment for the desire to have children and are looking forward to your inquiry or wish for treatment.