The Hormone Foundation

Reproductive Endocrinology

The endocrine system plays a critical role in human reproduction and sexuality.  In men, the testes (testicles) produce testosterone, a hormone that brings about the physical changes that transform a boy into an adult male.  Throughout life, testosterone helps maintain muscle and bone mass, sperm production, and sex drive.  Women's ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones responsible for female development and maintaining pregnancy.

Changes in the levels of male and female hormones can be caused by a variety of factors, and can result in erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men, and can be a cause of infertility and low sex drive in both sexes. Women may havea menstrual cycle disorders that not only can make it harder to get pregnant but also, if prolonged, can lead to weak bones osteoporosis.

If you have a reproductive health problem, the first step towards resolving it is getting an accurate diagnosis. For that, you should consult a medical specialist such as an endocrinologist who is an expert in reproductive problems. After a diagnosis is made, your doctor will describe your treatment options. Many problems can be managed with the use of hormone supplementation therapy, as discussed in the sections on female and male reproductive health problems.

Hormone Foundation Resources

Bioidentical Hormones and Menopause

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Menopausal Symptoms

Endometriosis

Erectile Dysfunction

Gynecomastia

Infertility and Men

Infertility and Women

Klinefelter Syndrome

Low Testosterone and Men’s Health

Menopause and Bone Loss

Menopause Management: Treatment Options for Early Menopause

Menopause Management: Hormone Therapy and Alternative Treatments

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Premature Ovarian Failure

Vaginal Atrophy