Fertility treatment and services

Cushing’s Syndrome and Infertility

Is Cushing’s disease or syndrome causing fertility issues? You can speak to one of our fertility doctors at Chawla Nursing Home & Maternity Hospital for a professional evaluation. We can help you determine the best way to reverse the effects of excess cortisol on your reproductive health. 

Cushing’s syndrome has many symptoms, including irregular menses in women and low libido in men. The condition can also result in other health issues if not treated early enough. Here’s a look at how Cushing’s syndrome affects reproductive health:

What is Cushing’s Syndrome?

Cushing’s syndrome results from abnormal levels of the hormone cortisol in the body. The adrenal glands produce cortisol hormone to help your body and brain cope with stressful situations. Normal amounts of cortisol are also vital for maintaining blood pressure and heart function and converting food to energy. 

Other functions of cortisol include controlling the immune system, raising blood sugar levels and supporting bone formation. The body can make excessive cortisol due to high levels of stress. You may also receive cortisol from external sources like medication. Excessive levels of cortisol can result in Cushing’s syndrome, which manifests in various symptoms. 

Common signs of Cushing’s syndrome include weight gain, fatty deposits, moon-shaped/ round face, menstrual irregularities, and pink/purple stretch marks on the skin. Cushing’s syndrome also causes skin bruises, slow-healing injuries, excessive hair growth, fatigue, loss of concentration, weak muscles, stress and depression.

How Cushing’s Syndrome Affects Reproductive Health

High levels of cortisol can affect the reproductive system of men and women. In women, Cushing’s syndrome can disrupt the ovaries and impact the menstruation cycle. Some women develop amenorrhea, a condition in which menstruation completely stops. Menstrual irregularities and amenorrhea can occur when the high levels of adrenal gland hormones suppress pituitary hormones (LH and FSH).

LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) are vital in stimulating follicular growth and ovulation. Suppression of these pituitary hormones will affect normal reproductive functions. Irregular periods, high levels of stress and other symptoms can make it difficult for women to conceive. Cushing’s syndrome can also affect men’s reproductive health – erectile dysfunction and a decrease in libido are common side effects. 

The high levels of adrenal steroids like cortisol can suppress the testes’ ability to produce enough testosterone. Men with Cushing’s syndrome may also have low sperm mortality and other infertility issues. Reproductive health issues are some of the early signs of Cushing’s syndrome in women and men. Other symptoms of excess cortisol, such as muscle weakness, stress and depression, may also compound the problem.  

Work With a Trustworthy Fertility Doctor

Many patients struggling with fertility due to Cushing’s can fully recover and regain healthy reproductive functions; however, they need a reputable fertility clinic like Chawla Nursing Home & Maternity Hospital to help them get there. Working with a fertility doctor is a great decision for patients with Cushing’s syndrome who are interested in conceiving.

Our goal is to complete a comprehensive evaluation and devise custom treatment plans. We are passionate about and committed to providing quality fertility treatmens. Chawla Nursing Home & Maternity Hospital, Jalandhar also offers emotional support, encouragement, and personalized approaches. 

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF CUSHING’S SYNDROME

Cushing’s syndrome affects individuals differently. Some of the common symptoms and signs are:

- Acne

- Bruises heal slowly

- Depression

- Excessive hair growth

- Fatigue

- Fatty deposits on upper back, around the neck, etc.

- High blood pressure

- High blood sugar levels

- Increased thirst and urination

- Lack of concentration

- Menstrual irregularities

- Poor short-term memory

- Round and moon-shaped face

- Thinning skin bruises easily

- Stress

- Weak muscles

Women experiencing Cushing’s syndrome may have a disruption in their menstruation, causing it to become irregular or stop altogether. This can impact a woman’s ability to conceive.

DIAGNOSIS

There are many conditions that have the same symptoms as Cushing’s syndrome, so it can be difficult to diagnose. Sometimes getting an accurate diagnosis can take a long period of time as other conditions are ruled out.

There are tests your doctor will perform to determine the levels of cortisol in your blood and urine. These tests can show if the body is producing excessive cortisol. Imaging tests may be performed to check the adrenal glands and pituitary or other areas for tumors.

TREATMENT

When a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan can be put in place. The goal of any treatment is to lower the levels of cortisol in the body. Your doctor will determine what treatment will be most effective based on the cause of the syndrome. Depending on the cause and subsequent treatment, the chances of conception could increase when cortisol levels are reduced.

The doctors at Chawla Nursing Home will work with you to maximize your chances of becoming pregnant. Contact us today, and schedule an appointment for a consultation.