“To treat males who are [dealing with infertility] due to hormone abnormality, stem cells offer great hopes through regenerative medicine techniques,” says a doctor.
Infertility caused by hormonal imbalance is not only seen in women, but also men. And while a lot of attention is given to female infertility, male infertility needs to be addressed, too. Doctors say that infertility in men contributes to almost 50 per cent of all cases. But, there have been advancements made in regenerative medicine, which can better handle this complex issue. According to Dr Pradeep Mahajan, expert in regenerative medicine, certain innovations can ‘transform’ the treatment of hormonal imbalance that can cause infertility in men. Read on to find out more.
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance In Male Infertility
Dr Mahajan says hormones play an essential role in regulating the male reproductive system. Key hormones like testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) facilitate production and maturation of sperms. When they are imbalanced, it can render one infertile.
What Components Add Up To Hormonal Imbalances Among Men?
The following factors are key:
- Diseases: Disorders like hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia or thyroid dysfunction can disrupt the natural balance of hormones in men.
- Lifestyle choices: Obesity, stress and exposure to environmental toxins are known to interfere with the performance of hormones.
- Medicines: Hormones may also be disrupted by certain drugs like anabolic steroids or treatments for chronic diseases, the doctor explains.
Role Of Regenerative Medicine In Treating Hormonal Imbalance
The doctor states that regenerative medicine deals with repairing damaged tissues and organs by using the body’s own healing mechanisms. “To treat males who are [dealing with infertility] due to hormone abnormality, stem cells offer great hopes through regenerative medicine techniques.”
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is one of the ‘most promising frontiers’ in regenerative medicine. “We can possibly reinstate normal hormonal balance in men 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,” the expert says.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy is another innovative method. 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 function of the testes could be improved through PRP therapy, while boosting natural processes for hormone production.
Hormonal Modulation
Regenerative medicine also examines the use of ‘bioidentical hormones’ to correct deficiencies and imbalances. “Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to endogenous human hormones; hence it reduces the possibilities of adverse effects. Bioidentical hormone replacement can be individualised according to a person’s suite of imbalance to restore equilibrium as well as to optimise reproduction,” says the doctor.
He concludes by saying that through advanced research and increased availability of novel treatment options, men grappling with infertility will be able to find new ways to become fathers.
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