Male Hormone Causes of Infertility
Though less common than anatomic causes of infertility, hormone imbalances are often the cause of fertility issues in men with abnormal semen analyses. If you’ve had an abnormal semen analysis, particularly if the sperm concentration was less than 10 million/mL, you should have an endocrine evaluation.
A basic hormone test for male infertility will measure Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone, two keys to sperm production. If further testing is needed based on these results, your doctor may evaluate your Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin (PRL), and thyroid hormones levels.
Because your hormone levels fluctuate from high to low throughout the day, timing of the hormone test for male infertility is important. Testosterone naturally peaks in the morning, so a morning blood test will be important to accurately measure your hormone levels. The results of this blood test along with your semen analysis, physical exam, and personal history, will give your doctor a clear picture of your fertility.
Symptoms of Male Hormonal Imbalance
Noticeable signs of infertility in men are often associated with hormone imbalances, as anatomic causes often go unnoticed unless examined by a doctor. If you experience the following symptoms, it may be time to have a hormone test for male infertility.