Regulating a reproductive hormone may help those with infertility issues, according to a new study. Further still, those who undergo chemotherapy or would like an alternative to traditional contraception may benefit from hormone regulation as well.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have determined that the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) can be regulated by the amount of signaling it is allowed to have to its dedicated receptors. This is important for those who are struggling to conceive, as low levels of AMH are usually a factor contributing to infertility, according to Flo.
AMH also determines the quantity but not the quality of follicles in the ovaries as well as when ovulation will happen as well, according to the publication.
The study, which was published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that by regulating AMH, those who suffered from infertility, specifically PCOS, might finally have a way to regulate their menstrual cycles. This is a breakthrough of sorts, as to date, according to MedicalXpress, there is no cure for PCOS and its origins are unknown.
Not only does PCOS cause issues with fertility, but the condition can also lead to sleep apnea, diabetes, cardiovascular, and cancer risks as well, according to UChicagoMedicine. As such, getting the hormonal disorder under control not only benefits those who struggle to have babies but benefits the overall health of women as well.
Regulating AMH may also be helpful in "protecting" follicles of those who are undergoing chemotherapy. Because of this, it is possible that the once fragile follicles that can become damaged during chemotherapy can potentially be saved.
As a result, those who are currently expected to have fertility issues due to chemotherapy damaging their reproductive system have the potential to stop the reproductive process in its tracks, according to UC News, and protect the ovary instead. This would mean that chemotherapy would no longer be a catalyst when it comes to fertility issues.
This same process would give those who want alternatives to traditional contraceptives an opportunity to stop the reproductive process with just one shot versus having to take pills or having an IUD implanted, according to MedicalXpress.
Using AMH as a contraceptive is something that researchers will be trying out on the feral cat population at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, according to the publication, to attempt to slow the growth of the cat colony. If successful, surgery would not be required for the cats, and a single, non-invasive shot would be all that would be necessary to stop further kittens from being born.
Source: MedicalXpress, UC News, Flo, UChicagoMedicine, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences