Elevated FSH, low ovarian reserve, poor egg quality, all of these terms raise anxiety and fears about fertility, with increased levels of testing and a better understanding of our own fertility, doctors are diagnosing and suggesting women of any age can and are experiencing the above conditions.
Historically a woman’s age had predetermined the chances of conceiving, studies have shown that women over the age of 35 have a significantly lower chance of conceiving as well as higher chances of genetic concerns. More recently with improved testing abilities, women of a younger age (25-35), previously considered peak fertility are being told that they are pre-menopausal having a low ovarian reserve and therefore a lower egg quality all of which diminish chances of conceiving. Devastating news! So the question is, can egg quality and ovarian reserve be improved? The answer may lie in a supplement called CoQ10 also known as Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol (a form more readily absorbed by the body).
CoQ10 is a substance that is naturally found in our diet in small amounts, meat, fish and some vegetables. CoQ10 has been found to be the active ingredient that enables energy to be converted and used within our cells and as we age the amount of CoQ10 available within our bodies naturally decline. For this reason, with a diagnosis of poor ovarian reserve or early onset menopause researchers believe that the body is aging faster than normal possibly due to genetics or environmental factors or a combination of the two. CoQ10 allows the cells to process and use energy effectively; having enough of this substance available to all cells would essentially allow functions such as reproduction (growth and implantation of an embryo) a high energy process more likely to happen.
CoQ10 has traditionally been used to improve heart health to treat heart conditions as well as neurological conditions, it is also found to be a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants as we all know help to reverse the effects of free radical damage with in our body. Free radicals accumulate within our bodies as we age, these are simply a single atom or molecule that bounces around within our cells causing damage. Antioxidants remove free radicals from our cells, helping to keep our cells younger and healthier longer. Another theory researchers are working on is if in fact CoQ10 can improve egg quality by reversing cell damage and repairing DNA. A theory still being investigated.
There are little to no side effects to the use of CoQ10, the benefits far out way the possible risks of stomach upset or skin irritation. As a supplement that boosts energy efficiency, a powerful antioxidant and is heart healthy, the added potential benefit of improving egg quality and possibly reversing your reproductive age is a bonus. Please speak to your health care provider to determine the right dose, brand and form of CoQ10 for you.
Source: Inside Toronto: Tao of Wellness
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