What is Reproductive Endocrinology? 

Reproductive endocrinology is a field of medicine that focuses on the study of hormones and their effects on reproductive health. It involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to fertility and the hormonal imbalances that can affect it. This article will provide an overview of reproductive endocrinology, including the hormones involved in fertility, common conditions that affect reproductive health, and treatment options available. 

Introduction 

Reproductive endocrinology is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a thorough understanding of the endocrine system, as well as the reproductive system. It involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect fertility, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive disorders, and infertility. 

The Endocrine System and Fertility 

The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating the body's hormone levels and maintaining homeostasis. In the context of fertility, the endocrine system is responsible for producing and regulating the hormones that are essential for reproduction. These hormones include: 

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) 

FSH is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. In women, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs. In men, FSH stimulates the production of sperm in the testes. 

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) 

LH is another hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. In women, LH triggers ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone. 

Estrogen 

Estrogen is a hormone that is produced primarily by the ovaries in women. It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth and the growth of pubic hair. It also plays a role in the menstrual cycle and the development of the uterine lining. 

Progesterone 

Progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries after ovulation. It prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy. 

Testosterone 

Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily produced by the testes in men. It is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as muscle mass and body hair. It also plays a role in the production of sperm. 

Common Conditions in Reproductive Endocrinology 

There are a number of conditions that can affect reproductive health, including: 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 

PCOS is a condition that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of cysts on the ovaries, as well as hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and other complications. 

Endometriosis 

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs in the pelvic area. This can lead to pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. 

Male Infertility 

Male infertility can be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Treatment options for male infertility include medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Female Infertility 

Female infertility can also be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive disorders, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity. Treatment options for female infertility include medication, surgery, and assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. 

Top Reproductive Endocrinologist In Santa Ana, CA 

1. Dr. Ana Maria Amaral, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, 825 Northern Blvd., Suite 201, Great Neck, NY 11021

2. Dr. Jon Einarsson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, 400 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032

3. Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Northwestern Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair St., Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611

4. Dr. Robert Kiltz, Reproductive Endocrinologist, CNY Fertility Center, 6001 Wehrle Dr., Suite 100, Williamsville, NY 14221

5. Dr. Michael DiMattina, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, 1020 W. Adler St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607

6. Dr. David Keefe, Reproductive Endocrinologist, NYU Langone Fertility Center, 160 E. 34th St., New York, NY 10016

7. Dr. Mark Trolice, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility CARE, 710 W. Morse Blvd., Suite 100, Winter Park, FL 32789

8. Dr. Cheryl B. Iglesia, Reproductive Endocrinologist, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St., NW, Washington, DC 20010

9. Dr. Christine Greves, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Center for Reproductive Medicine, 8001 Lake Ellenor Dr., Orlando, FL 32809

10. Dr. Zev Rosenwaks, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065

11. Dr. William Schoolcraft, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 9200 W. Cross Dr., Suite 300, Littleton, CO 80123

12. Dr. Thomas Molinaro, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, 500 B. Somerset Corporate Blvd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807

13. Dr. Richard Grazi, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Science Center of New England, 130 Turnpike Rd., Suite 200, Westborough, MA 01581

14. Dr. Salli Tazuke, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Health Specialists, 1801 W. Taylor St., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60612

15. Dr. Richard Paulson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, USC Fertility, 1520 San Pablo St., Suite 4500, Los Angeles, CA 90033

16. Dr. Samuel Wood, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Institute of San Diego, 8010 Frost St., Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92123

17. Dr. Laura Rienzi, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, 485 Madison Ave., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022

18. Dr. Eli Adashi, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Women and Infants Center for Reproductive Endocrinology, 101 Dudley St., Suite 5S, Providence, RI 02905

19. Dr. Alan Copperman, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, 485 Madison Ave., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022

20. Dr. Pasquale Patrizio, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Yale Fertility Center, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06511

21. Dr. Alan Penzias, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Boston IVF, 1034 Beacon St., Suite 202, Brookline, MA 02446

22. Dr. Carl Herbert, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Pacific Fertility Center, 1825 Fourth St., Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94710

23. Dr. Clifford Librach, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Create Fertility Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave., Suite 300, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada

24. Dr. Richard J. Paulson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, USC Fertility, 1520 San Pablo St., Suite 4500, Los Angeles, CA 90033

25. Dr. William Gibbons, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Texas, 8250 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 118, Dallas, TX 75231

26. Dr. David H. Barad, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E. 210th St., Bronx, NY 10467

27. Dr. Joseph Hill, Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 1525 River Dr., Mankato, MN 56001

28. Dr. Peter Ahlering, Reproductive Endocrinologist, St. Louis Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, 14802 N. Outer 40 Rd., Suite 200, Chesterfield, MO 63017

29. Dr. Michael Soules, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Seattle Reproductive Medicine, 1101 Madison St., Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98104

30. Dr. John Fisher, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Health Center, 2180 N. Main St., Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

31. Dr. Eric Widra, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility, 3600 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 330, Fairfax, VA 22033

32. Dr. Robert Stillman, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility, 3600 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 330, Fairfax, VA 22033

33. Dr. Michael Alper, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Boston IVF, 1034 Beacon St., Suite 202, Brookline, MA 02446

34. Dr. Richard Reindollar, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Endocrinology Associates, 545 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 101, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

35. Dr. Bradley Hurst, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, 1020 W. Adler St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607

36. Dr. William Kutteh, Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Fertility Institute, 515 Madison St., Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38103

37. Dr. David Ryley, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Institute, 1535 W. 22nd St., Suite 440, Oak Brook, IL 60523

38. Dr. Peter Ahlering, Reproductive Endocrinologist, St. Louis Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, 14802 N. Outer 40 Rd., Suite 200, Chesterfield, MO 63017

39. Dr. John Zhang, Reproductive Endocrinologist, New Hope Fertility Center, 80 E. 11th St., Suite 701, New York, NY 10003

40. Dr. Richard J. Paulson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, USC Fertility, 1520 San Pablo St., Suite 4500, Los Angeles, CA 90033

41. Dr. Hugh D. S. Geller, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, 400 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032

42. Dr. Michael J. Fox, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Institute, 1535 W. 22nd St., Suite 440, Oak Brook, IL 60523

43. Dr. Charles Randy Smith, Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Fertility Institute, 515 Madison St., Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38103

44. Dr. Mark Sauer, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, 825 Northern Blvd., Suite 201, Great Neck, NY 11021

45. Dr. James Grifo, Reproductive Endocrinologist, NYU Langone Fertility Center, 160 E. 34th St., New York, NY 10016

46. Dr. William Gibbons, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Texas, 8250 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 118, Dallas, TX 75231

47. Dr. David Keefe, Reproductive Endocrinologist, NYU Langone Fertility Center, 160 E. 34th St., New York, NY 10016

48. Dr. Puneet Masson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, 1020 W. Adler St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607

49. Dr. Janelle Dorsett, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility, 3600 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 330, Fairfax, VA 22033

50. Dr. William Schoolcraft, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 9200 W. Cross Dr., Suite 300, Littleton, CO 80123

51. Dr. Michael DiMattina, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, 1020 W. Adler St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607

52. Dr. Puneet Masson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, 1020 W. Adler St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607

53. Dr. Richard Grazi, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Science Center of New England, 130 Turnpike Rd., Suite 200, Westborough, MA 01581

54. Dr. Alan Penzias, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Boston IVF, 1034 Beacon St., Suite 202, Brookline, MA 02446

55. Dr. Carl Herbert, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Pacific Fertility Center, 1825 Fourth St., Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94710

56. Dr. Robert Kiltz, Reproductive Endocrinologist, CNY Fertility Center, 6001 Wehrle Dr., Suite 100, Williamsville, NY 14221

57. Dr. Richard Reindollar, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Endocrinology Associates, 545 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 101, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

58. Dr. William Kutteh, Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Fertility Institute, 515 Madison St., Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38103

59. Dr. Peter Ahlering, Reproductive Endocrinologist, St. Louis Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, 14802 N. Outer 40 Rd., Suite 200, Chesterfield, MO 63017

60. Dr. Michael J. Fox, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Institute, 1535 W. 22nd St., Suite 440, Oak Brook, IL 60523

61. Dr. Zev Rosenwaks, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065

62. Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Northwestern Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair St., Suite 1350, Chicago, IL 60611

63. Dr. Joseph Hill, Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 1525 River Dr., Mankato, MN 56001

64. Dr. Alberto Muhlach, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Pacific Reproductive Center, 45 Castro St., Suite 207, San Francisco, CA 94114

65. Dr. Alan Copperman, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, 485 Madison Ave., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022

66. Dr. Eli Adashi, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Women and Infants Center for Reproductive Endocrinology, 101 Dudley St., Suite 5S, Providence, RI 02905

67. Dr. Robert Stillman, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility, 3600 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 330, Fairfax, VA 22033

68. Dr. Hugh D. S. Geller, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, 400 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032

69. Dr. Mark Trolice, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility CARE, 710 W. Morse Blvd., Suite 100, Winter Park, FL 32789

70. Dr. Janelle Dorsett, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Shady Grove Fertility, 3600 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 330, Fairfax, VA 22033

71. Dr. Robert Kiltz, Reproductive Endocrinologist, CNY Fertility Center, 6001 Wehrle Dr., Suite 100, Williamsville, NY 14221

72. Dr. Michael Soules, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Seattle Reproductive Medicine, 1101 Madison St., Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98104

73. Dr. Jon Einarsson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut, 400 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032

74. Dr. David H. Barad, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E. 210th St., Bronx, NY 10467

75. Dr. Mark Sauer, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, 825 Northern Blvd., Suite 201, Great Neck, NY 11021

76. Dr. Cheryl B. Iglesia, Reproductive Endocrinologist, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St., NW, Washington, DC 20010

77. Dr. Salli Tazuke, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Health Specialists, 1801 W. Taylor St., Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60612

78. Dr. Pasquale Patrizio, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Yale Fertility Center, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06511

79. Dr. Richard Paulson, Reproductive Endocrinologist, USC Fertility, 1520 San Pablo St., Suite 4500, Los Angeles, CA 90033

80. Dr. John Fisher, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Health Center, 2180 N. Main St., Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

81. Dr. Michael DiMattina, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, 1020 W. Adler St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607

82. Dr. Charles Randy Smith, Reproductive Endocrinologist, The Fertility Institute, 515 Madison St., Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38103

83. Dr. Richard Reindollar, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Reproductive Endocrinology Associates, 545 W. Germantown Pike, Suite 101, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

84. Dr. Christine Greves, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Center for Reproductive Medicine, 8001 Lake Ellenor Dr., Orlando, FL 32809

85. Dr. Ana Maria Amaral, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, 825 Northern Blvd., Suite 201, Great Neck, NY 11021

86. Dr. Carl Herbert, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Pacific Fertility Center, 1825 Fourth St., Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94710

87. Dr. William Schoolcraft, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 9200 W. Cross Dr., Suite 300, Littleton, CO 80123

88. Dr. John Zhang, Reproductive Endocrinologist, New Hope Fertility Center, 80 E. 11th St., Suite 701, New York, NY 10003

89. Dr. Bradley Hurst, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, 1020 W. Adler St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607