Environmental factors may be behind some of the problems faced by women in conceiving, reveals a new study. It goes on to suggest that air pollution could reduce the number of years women have to reproduce and lead to early menopause.
These findings were presented at The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and reported by The Guardian. The research focuses on a hormone called AMH that cells in the ovaries release. A study of these cells indicates how many viable eggs the ovaries can produce. While genetics, age, lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity have an impact, researchers also found a link to air pollution.
Higher levels of air pollution can impact a woman’s ability to reproduce, according to the study’s authors.
The authors studied around 1300 women for 10 years between 2007 and 2017 in Modina. They monitored the levels of PM 2.5 and PM10 levels and nitrogen dioxide levels in their houses. They found that AMH levels were lower in those who lived in high polluted areas.
Higher levels of AMH are linked to a longer reproductive cycle. Lower levels will have an impact on a woman’s ability to reproduce.
How long term is the impact of air pollution is still being studied.
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