Infertility is a growing health problem across the world affecting millions of couples who desire to have a baby. However, female infertility is given much recognition and attention and male infertility is overlooked. Male infertility is equally significant and the number of cases are rising worldwide. Hormone imbalances are one of the main factors amongst many causes leading to male infertility.
But, modern medicine has made numerous options available to overcome infertility. One such option is regenerative medicine. To understand how regenerative medicine can help in overcoming hormonal imbalances and ultimately infertility, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher and Founder of StemRx Hospital and Research Centre.
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance in Male Infertility
Hormones play an essential role in regulating the male reproductive systems.Dr Mahajan said, “Key hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) facilitate production and maturation of sperms and so when they are imbalanced, a lot is at stake rendering one infertile such as oligospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia.”
Numerous components as per Dr Mahajan add up to hormonal imbalances among men including:
Diseases: Disorders like hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia or thyroid dysfunction disrupt the natural balance in hormones.
Lifestyle choices: Obesity, stress and exposure to environmental toxins have associated with interfering with hormones’ performances.
Medicines: Hormones may also be disrupted by certain drugs like anabolic steroids or treatments for chronic diseases.
Also read: Regenerative Medicine: A Ray Of Hope For Couples With Recurrent Implantation Failure
Regenerative Medicine
According to a study, regenerative medicine is an applied science that deals with repairing damaged tissues and organs by using the body's own healing mechanisms. To treat males who are unable to conceive due to hormone abnormality stem cells offer great hopes through regenerative medicine techniques.
Stem cell therapy is one of the most promising frontiers in regenerative medicine. Stem cells are unique since they can differentiate into various types of cells such as hormone producing ones. According to Dr Mahajan, “We can possibly reinstate normal hormonal balance in men with hormone imbalances by using stem cells. For instance, MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) can be used to regenerate damaged testicular tissue thus improving testosterone production and sperm quality correspondingly.”
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is also an innovative method that is being embraced by regenerative medicine practitioners. PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood and it contains growth factors that induce repair and regeneration of tissues. Dr Mahajan says, “The testes’ function could be improved through PRP therapy while at the same time boosting natural processes for Hormone production.” This can lead to improved sperm parameters and increased fertility potential.
Hormonal Modulation
Among other areas of interest, regenerative medicine examines the use of bioidentical hormones to correct deficiencies and imbalances therein. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to endogenous human hormones hence reducing the possibilities of adverse effects. “Bioidentical hormone replacement can be individualized according to a person’s suite of imbalance in order to restore equilibrium as well as optimizing reproduction,” said Dr Mahajan.
Conclusion
Male infertility is often brought about by a major hormonal imbalance that is generally ignored. To tackle this problem, regenerative medicine has the potential to take advantage of natural healing capabilities of the body. It is hoped that through advancing research and increased availability of novel treatment options, men grappling with infertility will find new ways to become parents. The significance of Dr. Pradeep Mahajan’s thoughts emphasize on integrating regenerative medicine in comprehensive treatment approaches which can open up avenues for reproductive health, towards a better future.