Hi Andrea,
Increased amounts of body fat can contribute to infertility through several mechanisms.
Adipose tissue (fat) secretes multiple hormones, and so, participates in the hormonal signaling in the body. Leptin is one of those hormones and inadequate and excessive levels can disrupt normal ovulation. Also, as adipose tissue increases, insulin levels increase which can create a PCOS like environment, and also disrupt ovulation. PCOS, of polycystic ovarian syndrome, is partly manifested as hyperandrogenism, or excessive levels of androgen hormones, which creates a poor environment for the developing oocytes, or eggs.
Women who are overweight can undergo IVF, but have decreased success rates and higher miscarriage rates.
Even 10% decrease in body weight can have a significant impact, and improve fertility. Excercise alone, even if there is not a large weight loss is also helpful. If you believe you are overweight, then try to get moderate levels of excercise, about 40 minutes of excercise which makes you moderately short of breath, 4-5 x /week.
Also, following a well balanced diet, such as Weight Watchers is also a helpful strategy.
Best of luck, and hope to meet you soon.
L. April Gago MD
1 comment:
Hi Dr. Gago,
15 years back I was diagnosed with a very mild form of Adrenogenitalis Syndrome (late on Set) and the symptoms I am experiencing are very similar to the ones you described above. My doctor in germany performed an ACTH test and said I could conceive with proper medication. Back then I was quite young and did not think about taking my patient files with me and now I cannot access them anymore. Here in the US no gynecologist I went to ever heard of this condition or the test. I have been trying to conceive for over a year now and my gyn does not seem to be interested in finding out why it is not working. Do gyns usually help figure out why there are problems in conceiving or do I need to see a fertility specialist?
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