Rapamycin: A Breakthrough in Extending Women's Fertility

A recent study discussed in The Guardian has brought to light the promising potential of rapamycin, a drug that could extend women's fertility by up to five years and improve overall health and longevity.

Understanding Rapamycin

Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, is an immunosuppressant drug initially used to prevent organ transplant rejection. However, its potential extends far beyond its original use.

Rapamycin works by inhibiting the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, a crucial regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival. This inhibition can slow down cellular ageing processes, including those in the ovaries.

Rapamycin and Fertility

The Validating Benefits of Rapamycin for Reproductive Aging Treatment (Vibrant) study, co-led by Professor Yousin Suh and Associate Professor Zev Williams from Columbia University, focuses on how rapamycin impacts ovarian ageing.

The early results have been ground breaking, suggesting that rapamycin could decrease ovarian ageing by 20% without significant side effects.

How Rapamycin Impacts Fertility

Ovaries age faster than other organs in the female body, leading to a decline in both the quantity and quality of eggs. Women typically lose about 50 eggs per month, with only one reaching ovulation.

Rapamycin reduces this number to about 15 eggs per month by slowing the ovaries' metabolic rate, effectively decreasing the pace of ovarian ageing. This process helps preserve the ovarian reserve, extending the period during which women can conceive.

While extending the fertility window is crucial, ensuring the released eggs are of high quality is equally important for successful conception. The Vibrant study found that participants experienced improvements in overall health, which may also positively impact egg quality.

Participants have reported enhancements in memory, energy levels, and the quality of their skin and hair. These health benefits align with other studies suggesting that rapamycin can increase lifespan by 9-14% while revitalising the immune system and organs.

These improvements might contribute to better reproductive outcomes, although further studies are necessary to confirm these effects on egg quality specifically.

Enhancing Fertility

Alongside potential treatments like rapamycin, there are several lifestyle changes and practices that can help enhance fertility. These methods can support both regular reproductive cycles and improve egg health, ensuring the best possible chances for conception.

Nutrition

A balanced diet is critical for reproductive health. Specific nutrients are known to support regular reproductive cycles and enhance egg quality:

• Folic Acid: Essential for DNA synthesis and repair, folic acid supports overall reproductive health and reduces the risk of neural tube defects in early pregnancy. Sources include leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals. The NHS recommends supplementing folic acid during preconception. We recommend folate, the bioavailable form of folic acid.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids support hormone regulation and reduce inflammation, which can improve egg quality.
• Vitamin D: Critical for hormone production and reproductive health, vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight exposure, fatty fish, and fortified dairy products. The NHS recommends supplementing with Vitamin D for those trying to conceive.
• Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, help protect eggs from oxidative stress and damage.
• Iron: Essential for oxygen transport and cell division, iron can be found in lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals.
• Protein: Sufficient protein intake from sources like lean meats, beans, and legumes supports overall reproductive health and hormone production.

Supplements

In addition to a nutrient-rich diet, certain supplements can help support reproductive health and enhance egg quality:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Known for its role in energy production, CoQ10 may improve egg quality and mitochondrial function.
• Myoinositol: Often used to improve ovarian function, particularly in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), myoinositol can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve egg quality.
• Vitamin B6: Supports hormone regulation and can help balance progesterone levels, essential for a healthy menstrual cycle.
• Zinc: Important for cell division and hormone production, zinc can be found in supplements or foods like meat, shellfish, and legumes.
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): An omega-3 fatty acid important for cell membrane integrity and hormone production. DHA can be found in fish oil supplements and fatty fish. However, the UK and USA populations have some of the highest deficiencies in omega-3, so we recommend a supplement, especially if you do not regularly eat oily fish.
• Probiotics: A fertility friendly bacteria supplement can help to achieve a balanced endometrial-vaginal microbiota and prepare the optimal environment for preconception. 
• A Quality Prenatal Supplement: Ensures adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals that support reproductive health and prepare the body for pregnancy.

For those looking to support their egg health, we recommend Zita West Ultimate Egg Health Pack. It contains all of the supplements we recommend for supporting regular cycles and egg health.

Lifestyle Factors

Beyond diet and supplements, other lifestyle factors play a significant role in fertility:

• Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces stress, both of which are beneficial for fertility. However, excessive exercise can negatively impact reproductive health, so balance is key.
• Stress Management: High levels of stress can interfere with ovulation and overall fertility. Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress levels. Learn more about mindset and fertility here.
• Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility and should be avoided when trying to conceive.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Both underweight and overweight conditions can affect hormone levels and ovulation. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise can support fertility.

As research progresses, women may have more options and greater control over their reproductive health and ageing process. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle, these advancements could provide a holistic approach to extending fertility and improving overall wellbeing.