At ERH Associates, we often see individuals navigating concerns related to periods, hormones, and fertility. Understandably, it can be confusing to know whether to see a reproductive health endocrinologist or a fertility specialist—especially as the terminology varies internationally. (In the United States, fertility doctors are often referred to as “reproductive endocrinologists,” which can add to the confusion.)

This article aims to clarify how these roles differ in the New Zealand context—and help you find the right support based on your current needs.

🧠 Reproductive Health Endocrinologists: Experts in Hormonal Health

At ERH Associates, our team is led by endocrinologists—doctors who specialise in hormones. Within reproductive health, our focus is on diagnosing and treating the hormonal causes of menstrual irregularities, such as:

• Infrequent or absent periods (which may be due to conditions like PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, or hypothalamic amenorrhoea)
• PMS and PMDD
• Perimenopause, menopause, and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

We work with you to identify the root cause of hormonal symptoms and support your overall reproductive health. While this may help improve natural fertility in some cases, we do not provide fertility treatments such as ovulation induction or IVF.

👶 Fertility Specialists: Experts in Assisted Reproduction

If your menstrual cycles are regular but you’re experiencing difficulty conceiving—or if you’ve been trying to conceive without success and may need medical assistance—a fertility specialist is the next step.

Fertility specialists (such as those at Fertility Associates) are trained as gynaecologists with additional expertise in fertility care. They can:

• Investigate fertility delay in the context of regular cycles
• Offer assisted reproductive treatments such as ovulation induction, IUI, and IVF
• Assess and manage structural or gynaecological issues like fibroids or endometriosis
• Explore options for egg freezing, donor sperm, or surrogacy

Fertility specialists can also evaluate symptoms like frequent bleeding or pelvic pain, which may signal underlying gynaecological conditions impacting fertility.

🤝 Shared Care for POI (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency)

In some situations, such as POI (premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause before age 40), care is often shared between both specialists:

• Fertility doctors support with options like IVF or egg freezing
• Reproductive endocrinologists investigate the underlying cause and provide long-term hormone replacement guidance

🩺 How to Access Fertility and Hormonal Support

You can self-refer to Fertility Associates by booking a free nurse consultation directly via their website—a great first step to explore your options and begin the conversation.

🌿 Need assessment for irregular or absent periods?

Ask your GP for a referral to ERH Associates (Endocrine and Reproductive Health) for specialist input.

🌿 Need help with PMS, PMDD, or Menopause/Perimenopause?

At ERH Associates, we offer a self-referral Women’s Health Service for those seeking support with hormonal symptoms—whether or not you’re currently trying to conceive. Our specialist GPs and endocrinologists provide:

• Hormonal assessments
• Support for symptom relief
• Long-term planning for reproductive and menopausal health

No referral is needed to see our women’s health GPs for straightforward concerns like PMS, PMDD, or perimenopause/menopause.

For more complex cases (e.g., PMDD with psychiatric comorbidities, or menopause with significant risk factors), we recommend getting a GP referral so we have a complete picture of your health history.

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👉 Explore the ERH Associates Women’s Health Service
www.erhassociates.co.nz