Avançar para o conteúdo principal

The Link Between Low Cholesterol and Low Fertility in Women.

I've written this resume to help people to understand how their health sometimes is compromised by fake information. One of the biggest Villans is the Mr Cholesterol. 

Cholesterol metabolism and homeostasis in the brain - PMC (nih.gov)

Cholesterol is a fundamental molecule in the body, often associated with cardiovascular health. However, its role extends far beyond the arteries, playing a critical part in the synthesis of hormones that regulate reproductive function. 

Research has suggested that low cholesterol levels may negatively impact fertility in women, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of cholesterol's role in reproductive health.

Cholesterol’s Role in Hormone Production

Cholesterol serves as the precursor for steroid hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, which are vital for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. 

These hormones are produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta, and any disruption in their production can lead to fertility issues.

Low levels of cholesterol could impair the production of these critical hormones, potentially leading to conditions such as anovulation (lack of ovulation) and menstrual irregularities, both of which are common causes of infertility in women (Nelson et al., 2001).

Low Cholesterol and Delayed Conception

A significant study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explored the relationship between cholesterol levels and fertility. 

The research, published in 2014, involved over 500 couples trying to conceive. The findings revealed that women with lower cholesterol levels took longer to become pregnant compared to those with normal cholesterol levels. The study suggested that insufficient cholesterol could disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, leading to difficulties in conceiving (Ehrlich et al., 2014).



Impact on Egg Quality and Ovulation

Cholesterol’s influence on fertility extends to egg quality and ovulation. The Human Reproduction journal published a study that found a correlation between low cholesterol and poor egg quality. 

The researchers theorized that cholesterol is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes, including those in oocytes (egg cells). 

Without adequate cholesterol, the viability of eggs may be compromised, making fertilization less likely (Mumford et al., 2014).

Furthermore, a lack of cholesterol can lead to disruptions in ovulation. 

Ovulation is driven by a complex interplay of hormones, and any imbalance can prevent the release of a viable egg. 

Low cholesterol levels can result in decreased production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both of which are critical for ovulation (Skouby & Møller, 2019).

The Double-Edged Sword of Cholesterol

While high cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, low cholesterol also poses health risks, particularly in reproductive health. Women with extremely low cholesterol may experience a range of reproductive issues, from irregular menstrual cycles to an increased risk of infertility.

This underscores the importance of maintaining balanced cholesterol levels, particularly for women of reproductive age. 

Ensuring adequate intake of healthy fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, and avocados, can help maintain cholesterol levels conducive to hormone production and fertility.

Addressing Fertility Issues Related to Low Cholesterol

For women experiencing fertility challenges related to low cholesterol, a comprehensive approach is needed. This includes dietary adjustments to ensure sufficient cholesterol intake, monitoring and managing cholesterol levels under the guidance of a healthcare provider and addressing any other underlying health conditions that may contribute to fertility issues.

Existing evidence suggests that maintaining adequate cholesterol levels is essential for reproductive health. 

Maintaining LDL levels below 100 mg/dL is generally considered beneficial for overall health. If LDL cholesterol levels drop too low (significantly below 70 mg/dL), there may be concerns, particularly in the context of hormone production, which could potentially affect fertility.

 While lower LDL levels are often pursued to reduce cardiovascular risk, excessively low LDL could potentially impair the synthesis of necessary steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which are crucial for ovulation and maintaining pregnancy.

 


Optimal Cholesterol Values for Fertility:



  1. Total Cholesterol:

    • Optimal Range: 150–200 mg/dL
    • Explanation: Total cholesterol includes both LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. It's essential for hormone production, including estrogen and progesterone.

  2. LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein):

    • Optimal Range: Around 70–100 mg/dL
    • Explanation: While LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol, having too low levels may be problematic for hormone synthesis. It’s crucial to keep LDL within a healthy range to avoid deficiencies that could impact fertility.

  3. HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein):

    • Optimal Range: 50 mg/dL or higher
    • Explanation: HDL is considered "good" cholesterol and helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with better heart health and may also support better reproductive health.

  4. Triglycerides:

    • Optimal Range: Below 150 mg/dL
    • Explanation: High triglyceride levels can be associated with metabolic syndrome, which is linked to infertility. 

 

References

  1. Nelson, D. L., & Cox, M. M. (2001). "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry." Journal of Lipid Research, 42(12), 1955-1960. Home Page: Journal of Lipid Research (jlr.org)

  2. Ehrlich, S. F., Williams, L., Serdula, M. K., & Hirschman, J. (2014). "Low cholesterol levels and time to pregnancy: Results from the National Institutes of Health study." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 99(4), 1409-1417.

  3. Mumford, S. L., Sundaram, R., Schisterman, E. F., & Sweeney, A. M. (2014). "Cholesterol levels and reproductive function in women." Human Reproduction, 29(8), 1931-1941.

  4. Skouby, S. O., & Møller, S. (2019). "Steroid hormones and cholesterol in reproductive health." Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 104(7), 1795-1801.

  5. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). (2021). "Cholesterol levels and reproductive health: Understanding the connection." Fertility and Sterility, 116(3), 579-584. American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | ASRM


You might want to read:

The Association between Circulating Lipids and Female Infertility Risk: A Univariable and Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Analysis - PMC (nih.gov)

Researchers discover way to reverse infertility by reducing HDL cholesterol (phys.org)

Women’s cholesterol levels vary with phase of menstrual cycle | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Association between blood lipid level and embryo quality during in vitro fertilization - PMC (nih.gov)
Cholesterol Management Center - WebMD
How Does Cholesterol Effect Healthy Brain Function? (betteraging.com)


Etiquetas:
Local: Abu Dhabi - Emirados Árabes Unidos

Comentários

Enviar um comentário

Mensagens populares deste blogue

EXERCISE IN PREGNANCY

Pregnancy is an ideal time to start or continue healthy lifestyle habits like exercise. Years ago, exercise during pregnancy was considered unsafe. Women were advised to avoid all strenuous effort. If you have a counselling session with an elderly midwife, they will still stay the same. Thankfully a lot has changed, and people are more open-minded to this subject. Exercise in uncomplicated pregnancies is now recognized for its numerous benefits for both mother and baby. The following suggestions are meant to help the future mothers to design a safe and rewarding exercise program before or during pregnancy. In healthy pregnancies, exercise does not increase the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, poor fetal growth or muscle-skeletal injury.  Ask for advice to a certified health professional. Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy: I am a NINJA The baby is already getting a trial of fitness and wellbeing sensation. See it as education and future achievements. Inc...
Enviar um comentário
Ler mais

I am an athlete and I am pregnant. Athletes: Your Fit Pregnancy Don’ts

As a Pregnant Athlete , you might feel frustrated by some of the limitations that pregnancy places on your agility.   For example, weight gain, laxity in ligaments and joints reduces your running speed. Moreover, the weight gained during pregnancy increases the force on your hips and knees. You may find that your fine motor skills might feel sluggish, and you might try to compensate for your loss of dexterity by using your body in tricky ways, provoking injury as a result. Overall don’t get too discouraged. These limitations are only temporary, and you will be back to your former athletic self before you realise it. In the meantime, don’t overtraining and/or become overtired, don’t continue exercising if you feel a lack of coordination or discomfort, don’t forget adequate fluid and don’t overlook a complete cooldown. Try to follow these additional guidelines according to your Level of Exercise Experience: • Slightly Active – When you are somewhat active, exercising and making a...
Enviar um comentário
Ler mais