Introduction
It is inevitable that in the conversation around reproductive health, ovarian aging always comes up. Knowing that age impacts ovarian function, women often wonder about what can be done to delay ovarian aging or if it's even possible. Furthermore, apart from age, what other factors come into play, dictating the function of our ovaries? While age remains a critical determinant—in Western medical literature, the age often cited as a benchmark is 35 years old—a deeper exploration reveals a tapestry of factors interwoven with genetics, lifestyle, and health habits.
Genetics
Genetics have an influence on our ovarian reserve and reproductive timeline. Dr Zara Chan tells us, "Somebody whose mom or older sister who started menopause at a younger age may also menopause at an earlier age. Some people have genetic conditions that predispose them to early ovarian failure." Genetic predispositions can significantly impact the onset of menopause, with familial patterns often mirroring earlier menopausal ages across generations.
Lifestyle
Not surprisingly, your overall health and lifestyle play a big part as well. In high-functioning societies, characterized by elevated stress levels and disrupted sleep patterns, women may witness a toll on ovarian health. Surprisingly, recent research sheds light on the role of melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone, in preserving ovarian reserve. Adequate melatonin levels, fostered by quality sleep hygiene, offer a glimmer of hope in safeguarding ovarian health and fertility potential.
Stress, in its various manifestations, such as mental, emotional, and physical, negatively impact ovarian health, with implications extending to egg quality and reproductive success. Smoking and excessive alcohol further compromise ovarian function, worsening the decline in ovarian reserve. Both are pro-inflammatory substances that cause our various bodily functions to age faster.
New technologies and treatments
Advanced technologies and treatments have begun to shape the landscape of fertility assistance. Among these innovations is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, a kind of regenerative medicine that utilizes and enhances the inherent growth factors present in our blood cells to aid in the repair of damaged tissue. PRP is gaining traction not only in gynecology and fertility, but other medical disciplines as well. PRP therapy involves injecting plasma rich in platelets directly into the ovaries before IVF treatment. Initial research suggests promising outcomes, with improved Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels and reduced Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels indicating potential enhancements in ovarian reserve. Ultrasound examinations also reveal an increase in follicle count post-treatment. However, while these findings are encouraging, further research is needed to ascertain the efficacy of PRP therapy in enhancing egg quality and subsequent embryo development, ensuring its viability as a mainstream clinical intervention for fertility support.
Assisted reproductive technologies for fertility preservation
Nowadays, more women are turning to egg and embryo freezing to preserve younger eggs for later pregnancies. Women who choose to freeze their eggs without medical reasons (e.g., cancer) who do so in their 20s or early 30s may feel less pressure to have children right away. Essentially, egg freezing can be seen as stopping time's aging effect on eggs.
Final Thoughts
In essence, understanding the multifaceted nature of ovarian aging is crucial in making informed choices about the many fertility treatment options we have. While age serves as a cornerstone, genetics, lifestyle choices, advancing technology, and their interplay offer lots of things to take into account in your fertility journey. As we unravel the intricacies of ovarian aging, a holistic approach encompassing medical checkups, genetic counseling, lifestyle modifications, and advancements in reproductive technologies help to improve pregnancy outcomes.
