Reproductive endocrinology [en-doh-kruh-NOL-uh-jee] is a medical specialty for infertility, menopause, and other issues with reproductive hormones. Reproductive endocrinologists are OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) doctors with special training to help both men and women with problems related to reproductive hormones.

Sometimes, this specialty is called reproductive endocrinology and infertility because much of their work focuses on helping women to become pregnant and carry a baby to term.

A reproductive endocrinologist can help with any condition or need related to female hormones. These include:

• Infertility. When you have trouble getting pregnant, the doctor asks questions and uses tests to find out what might be the cause. The doctor will then recommend treatments based on the cause.
• Fertility preservation. You can save sperm, eggs, or embryos (fertilized eggs) when you have a condition, treatment, or experience that will affect your fertility. For example, a person who needs cancer treatment might decide to have her eggs or embryos frozen before treatment.
• Frequent miscarriages. Some women can get pregnant but have trouble carrying the baby to term.
• Endometriosis. Endometriosis [en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sis] is when the lining that builds up inside a woman’s uterus (womb) starts growing in other places outside the uterus. Each month, a woman’s hormones give the message to get rid of this lining, which happens during a woman’s monthly period. A woman with endometriosis can have a lot of pain during her period as the body tries to get rid of the lining from both inside and outside the uterus.
• Menstrual problems. Some women have irregular or heavy periods or who don’t have periods when they should.
• Menopause. Some women need help managing the hormone changes that come with menopause and making decisions about hormone replacement.
• Sexual development. Sometimes, people need hormone treatment for their sexual development.