Female infertility can result from physical problems, hormone problems, and lifestyle or environmental factors.

Infants born to mothers who have used corticosteroids for a long time may have hormone problems.

A good physical exam can detect varicocoeles - described below - and give clues to hormone problems.

Physical causes may include conditions like diabetes, heart disease, nerve disorders or hormone problems.

I was once consulted by a retired executive who was certain he had a hormone problem.

"I don't think this is a hormone problem, metabolism, or depression," I said.

"What we have is either a lady with a hormone problem-- don't get too close."

Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period of time may have hormone problems.

About 20 percent of all cases of infertility among women can be traced to these and related hormone problems.

Relieving stress through acupuncture may also even out hormone problems that cause infertility.