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Kristensen ML, Waldstrøm M, Laursen ASD, Eriksen K, Ulrichsen SP, Hatch EE, Wise LA, Rothman KJ, Sørensen HT, Mikkelsen EM. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and fecundability: a prospective cohort study. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1835-1843. [PMID: 38906838 PMCID: PMC11291938 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) associated with reduced fecundability, defined as the probability of conceiving per menstrual cycle? SUMMARY ANSWER Overall, we observed no meaningful association between CIN and fecundability, regardless of surgical status, although a recent diagnosis of moderate or severe CIN might be associated with slightly reduced fecundability for 2 years after diagnosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY About 15% of couples experience infertility. Few studies have examined the influence of CIN on fertility, and the results have been inconsistent. No study has investigated the association between fecundability and pathologist-reported CIN diagnoses, particularly with respect to the recency of the specific CIN diagnoses. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective cohort study included 9586 women trying to conceive. The women were enrolled from 1 June 2007 to 3 February 2020. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women were invited to complete a baseline questionnaire and bimonthly follow-up questionnaires for up to 12 months or until pregnancy occurred. Data on cervical cytologies and biopsies were retrieved from The National Pathology Registry (DNPR), which holds records of all cervical specimens examined in Denmark. Women were categorized based on their most severe diagnosis of CIN: no lesion, other cervical changes, mild CIN (CIN1), or moderate/severe CIN (CIN2+) with or without surgery. To investigate the association between CIN and fecundability, we computed fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a proportional probabilities regression model. We adjusted for age at study entry, partner age, body mass index, smoking status, timing of intercourse, parity, education, number of sexual partners, and household income. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Compared with no lesion, the adjusted FRs (95% CI) for the association between CIN and fecundability were: other cervical lesions, 0.97 (0.91-1.04); CIN1, 1.04 (0.96-1.13); CIN2+ no surgery, 1.00 (0.82-1.22); and CIN2+ with surgery 0.99 (0.89-1.10). The FRs (95% CI) for a recent diagnosis (<2 years) of CIN were 0.98 (0.86-1.11) for other cervical lesions; 1.13 (0.99-1.29) for CIN1; 0.89 (0.62-1.26) for CIN2+ no surgery and 0.91 (0.75-1.10) for CIN2+ with surgery compared with the no lesion group. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the analyses, we adjusted for several covariates related to the women. However, we had little information on the male partners which could lead to unmeasured confounding as fecundability is a couple-based measure of fertility. Furthermore, a CIN diagnosis may not be constant as it may regress or progress spontaneously; therefore, it is possible that we have misclassified some women, especially women categorized as having normal cells or CIN1. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results contribute important knowledge to women who are concerned about their future fertility after receiving a CIN diagnosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by The Danish Cancer Society (R167-A11036-17-S2). The overall cohorts were funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01-HD086742 and R03-HD094117). The authors report no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette L Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Waldstrøm
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie D Laursen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Katrine Eriksen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sinna P Ulrichsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Henrik T Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Cao Y, Zhao X, Dou Z, Gong Z, Wang B, Xia T. The correlation between menstrual characteristics and fertility in women of reproductive age: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)00547-8. [PMID: 38936536 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Menstruation serves as an indicator of women's reproductive well-being and plays a pivotal role in their fertility; nevertheless, there remains an ongoing debate regarding the epidemiological evidence linking menstrual characteristics as well as fertility. OBJECTIVE To explore the correlation between menstrual characteristics and fertility in women of reproductive age. DATA SOURCES A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane libraries to identify research articles published up until February 9, 2024. STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS We included all studies in which the relationship between menstrual characteristics and pregnancy rates among women of reproductive age was investigated. We excluded studies involving the administration of oral contraceptives, the application of assisted reproductive technologies, and individuals with a documented history of infertility or partners with a known history of infertility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Clinical pregnancy and miscarriage. RESULT(S) This meta-analysis was composed of nine studies involving a total of 399,966 women, and the evidential quality derived from these studies was deemed to be high with a low risk of bias. Compared with a normal menstrual cycle length (25-32 days), the impact of a short (<25 days) or long (>32 days) menstrual cycle on a woman's pregnancy was relatively insignificant ([odds ratio {OR}, 0.81; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.65-1.01; I2, 68%]; [OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.75-1.06; I2, 60%], respectively); however, a change in cycle length may increase the risk of miscarriage ([relative risk, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.11-3.15; I2, 0]; [relative risk, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.07, 2.57; I2, 43%], respectively). In comparison to women experiencing menarche at a typical age (12-14 years), those with a late age at menarche (>14 years) exhibited a decreased likelihood of pregnancy (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.91-0.93; I2, 0%); and compared with women experiencing a normal duration of menstrual bleeding (4-7 days), those with a short duration of menstrual bleeding (<4 days) exhibited reduced fertility potential (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.84-0.88; I2, 29%). CONCLUSION(S) Short and long menstrual cycle lengths may elevate women's susceptibility to spontaneous abortion, whereas late age at menarche as well as short duration of menstrual bleeding appear to be linked to diminished fertility among women of reproductive age. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023487458 (9 December 2023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Dou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Gong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Baojuan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
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Pulcastro H, Ziv-Gal A. Parabens effects on female reproductive health - Review of evidence from epidemiological and rodent-based studies. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108636. [PMID: 38876430 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Parabens have been used as antimicrobial preservatives since the 1920s. The prevalent use of parabens increases their detection in the environment and in women's biological samples including reproductive tissues. Recent studies suggest parabens may alter endocrine function and thus female reproductive health may be affected. In this literature review, we summarize findings on parabens and female reproduction while focusing on epidemiological and rodent-based studies. The topics reviewed include paraben effects on cyclicity, pregnancy, newborn and pubertal development, reproductive hormones, and ovarian and uterine specific outcomes. Overall, the scientific literature on paraben effects on female reproduction is limited and with some conflicting results. Yet, some epidemiological and/or rodent-based experimental studies report significant findings in relation to paraben effects on cyclicity, fertility, gestation length, birth weight, postnatal development and pubertal onset, hormone levels, and hormone signaling in reproductive tissues. Future epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to better understand paraben effects on female reproduction while focusing on human related exposures including mixtures, physiologic concentrations of parabens, and multi-generational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pulcastro
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ayelet Ziv-Gal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Mengelkoch S, Cunningham K, Gassen J, Targonskaya A, Zhaunova L, Salimgaraev R, Hill SE. Longitudinal associations between women's cycle characteristics and sexual motivation using Flo cycle tracking data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10513. [PMID: 38714675 PMCID: PMC11076276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60599-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In the current research, we used data from a sample of 16,327 menstrual cycle tracking app users to examine the association between menstrual cycle characteristics and sexual motivation tracked over 10 months of app use. Guided by past work that finds links between menstrual cycle characteristics related to conception risk and sexual motivation, we found that (a) between-women, shorter (r = - 0.04, p = 0.007), more regular cycles predicted small increases in sexual motivation (r = - 0.04, p = 0.001); (b) within-women, shorter cycles predicted greater sexual motivation that month (r = - 0.04, p < 0.001) and (c) the next month (βs: - 0.10 to - 0.06, ps < 0.001), but (d) changes in sexual motivation did not reliably precede changes in cycle length (βs: - 0.01 to 0.02, ps > 0.15). Within-woman analyses also revealed that (e) shorter cycles were followed by more frequent reports of fatigue (β = - 0.06, p < 0.001), insomnia (β = - 0.03, p < 0.001), and food cravings (β = - 0.04, p < 0.001). Together, results suggest that menstrual cycles characteristics and sexual motivation may covary together in ways that reflect changing investments in reproduction. Small effect sizes and lack of experimental control warrant cautious interpretations of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer Mengelkoch
- Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7076, USA.
| | - Katja Cunningham
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA
| | - Jeffrey Gassen
- Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-7076, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sarah E Hill
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA
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Wang Z, Asokan G, Onnela JP, Baird DD, Jukic AMZ, Wilcox AJ, Curry CL, Fischer-Colbrie T, Williams MA, Hauser R, Coull BA, Mahalingaiah S. Menarche and Time to Cycle Regularity Among Individuals Born Between 1950 and 2005 in the US. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2412854. [PMID: 38809557 PMCID: PMC11137638 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Early menarche is associated with adverse health outcomes. Trends toward earlier menarche have been observed in the US, but data remain limited on differences by sociodemographic factors and body mass index (BMI). Time from menarche to cycle regularity is another understudied early-life characteristic with health implications. Objectives To evaluate the temporal trends and disparities in menarche and time to regularity and explore early-life BMI as a mediator. Design, Setting, and Participants This ongoing cohort study enrolled participants from an ongoing mobile application-based US cohort from November 14, 2019, to March 20, 2023. Exposures Birth year (categorized as 1950-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, and 2000-2005). Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcomes were age at menarche and time to regularity, which were self-recalled at enrollment. In addition, early (aged <11 years), very early (aged <9 years), and late (aged ≥16 years) age at menarche was assessed. Results Among the 71 341 female individuals who were analyzed (mean [SD] age at menarche, 12.2 [1.6] years; 2228 [3.1%] Asian, 3665 [5.1%] non-Hispanic Black, 4918 [6.9%] Hispanic, 49 518 [69.4%] non-Hispanic White, and 8461 [11.9%] other or multiple races or ethnicities), 5223 were born in 1950 to 1969, 12 226 in 1970 to 1979, 22 086 in 1980 to 1989, 23 894 in 1990 to 1999, and 7912 in 2000 to 2005. The mean (SD) age at menarche decreased from 12.5 (1.6) years in 1950 to 1969 to 11.9 (1.5) years in 2000 to 2005. The number of individuals experiencing early menarche increased from 449 (8.6%) to 1223 (15.5%), the number of individuals experiencing very early menarche increased from 31 (0.6%) to 110 (1.4%), and the number of individuals experiencing late menarche decreased from 286 (5.5%) to 137 (1.7%). For 61 932 participants with reported time to regularity, the number reaching regularity within 2 years decreased from 3463 (76.3%) to 4075 (56.0%), and the number not yet in regular cycles increased from 153 (3.4%) to 1375 (18.9%). The magnitude of the trend toward earlier menarche was greater among participants who self-identified as Asian, non-Hispanic Black, or other or multiple races (vs non-Hispanic White) (P = .003 for interaction) and among participants self-rated with low (vs high) socioeconomic status (P < .001 for interaction). Within a subset of 9865 participants with data on BMI at menarche, exploratory mediation analysis estimated that 46% (95% CI, 35%-61%) of the temporal trend in age at menarche was explained by BMI. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of 71 341 individuals in the US, as birth year increased, mean age at menarche decreased and time to regularity increased. The trends were stronger among racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals of low self-rated socioeconomic status. These trends may contribute to the increase in adverse health outcomes and disparities in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gowtham Asokan
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jukka-Pekka Onnela
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anne Marie Z. Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Allen J. Wilcox
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Michelle A. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brent A. Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Wang Z, Jukic AMZ, Baird DD, Wilcox AJ, Li H, Curry CL, Fischer-Colbrie T, Onnela JP, Williams MA, Hauser R, Coull BA, Mahalingaiah S. Irregular Cycles, Ovulatory Disorders, and Cardiometabolic Conditions in a US-Based Digital Cohort. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e249657. [PMID: 38700861 PMCID: PMC11069087 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism, is a common ovulatory disorder. Having an irregular cycle is a potential marker for cardiometabolic conditions, but data are limited on whether the associations differ by PCOS status or potential interventions. Objective To evaluate the association of PCOS, time to regularity since menarche (adolescence), and irregular cycles (adulthood) with cardiometabolic conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used a large, US-based digital cohort of users of the Apple Research application on their iPhone. Eligibility criteria were having ever menstruated, living in the US, being at age of consent of at least 18 years (or 19 years in Alabama and Nebraska or 21 years in Puerto Rico), and being able to communicate in English. Participants were enrolled between November 14, 2019, and December 13, 2022, and completed relevant surveys. Exposures Self-reported PCOS diagnosis, prolonged time to regularity (not spontaneously establishing regularity within 5 years of menarche), and irregular cycles. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was self-reported cardiometabolic conditions, including obesity, prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism measured using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to estimate prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and 95% CIs. Effect modification by lifestyle factors was also estimated. Results The study sample (N = 60 789) had a mean (SD) age of 34.5 (11.1) years, with 12.3% having PCOS and 26.3% having prolonged time to regularity. Among a subset of 25 399 participants who completed the hormonal symptoms survey, 25.6% reported irregular cycles. In covariate-adjusted logistic regression models, PCOS was associated with a higher prevalence of all metabolic and several cardiovascular conditions, eg, arrhythmia (POR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.20-1.55), coronary artery disease (POR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.95-4.29), heart attack (POR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23-2.54), and stroke (POR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.21-2.24). Among participants without PCOS, prolonged time to regularity was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.46), hypertension (POR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19), arrhythmia (POR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.35), and TIA (POR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01-1.73), and having irregular cycles was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.69), high cholesterol (POR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30), arrhythmia (POR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.43), and TIA (POR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.06-2.26). Some of these associations were modified by high vs low body mass index or low vs high physical activity. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that PCOS and irregular cycles may be independent markers for cardiometabolic conditions. Early screening and intervention among individuals with irregular menstrual cycles may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Marie Z. Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Allen J. Wilcox
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Huichu Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Jukka-Pekka Onnela
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle A. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brent A. Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Warp ML, Grindstad T, Magnus MC, Page CM, Håberg SE, Morken NH, Romundstad LB, Hanevik HI. Early or late menarche is associated with reduced fecundability in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:812-821. [PMID: 38323524 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is age at menarche associated with fecundability? SUMMARY ANSWER Both early (<11 years) and late (>15 years) menarche is associated with decreased fecundability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Previous studies on age at menarche and fecundability have been inconclusive. Women with early or late menarche are at increased risks of gynaecological and autoimmune diseases that may affect their ability to conceive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 67 613 pregnant women, participating in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study between 1999 and 2008, with self-reported information on age at menarche and time to pregnancy. We included planned pregnancies that were conceived either naturally or with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We calculated fecundability ratios (FRs) with 95% CIs representing the cycle-specific probability of conception by categories of age at menarche. FRs were adjusted for participants' pre-pregnancy body mass index, highest completed or ongoing education level, and age at initiation of trying to conceive. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed a 7% lower probability of conceiving during any given menstrual cycle up to 12 cycles in women with early or late menarche. Among women with menarche >15 years, the adjusted FR was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90-0.97), and among women with menarche <11 years, the adjusted FR was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89-0.99), when compared to women with menarche between 12 and 14 years. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study-population consisted of women pregnant in their second trimester, excluding those with persistent infertility. Recall of age at menarche and time to pregnancy may be inaccurate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Both early (<11 years) and late (>15 years) menarche was associated with decreased fecundability. Women experiencing early menarche or late menarche may be counselled accordingly. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway, and by Telemark Hospital Trust, Porsgrunn, Norway and was partly supported by the Research Council of Norway through its centres of excellence funding scheme (project number 262700) and the Research Council of Norway (project no. 320656). The project was co-funded by the European Union (ERC, BIOSFER, 101071773). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. M.C.M. has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 947684). The authors report no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Warp
- Telemark Hospital Trust, Fertility Department Soer, Porsgrunn, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - T Grindstad
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - M C Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - C M Page
- Department of Physical Health and Ageing, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - S E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - N-H Morken
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - L B Romundstad
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim, Norway
| | - H I Hanevik
- Telemark Hospital Trust, Fertility Department Soer, Porsgrunn, Norway
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Li H, Curry CL, Fischer-Colbrie T, Onnela JP, Williams MA, Hauser R, Coull BA, Jukic AMZ, Mahalingaiah S. Seasonal variations of menstrual cycle length in a large, US-based, digital cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114308. [PMID: 38103472 PMCID: PMC10872302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huichu Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jukka-Pekka Onnela
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA
| | - Michelle A Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA
| | - Anne Marie Z Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, Durham, 27709, NC, USA
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 02115, MA, USA.
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Li J, Deng T, Rao W, Liao H, Wang Y, Guo N, Du Y, Guo Q, Zeng Q, Liu C, Li Y. Phthalate metabolites in urine and follicular fluid in relation to menstrual cycle characteristics in women seeking fertility assistance. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108362. [PMID: 38064925 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates have been shown to disrupt the estrous cycle in animal studies. However, epidemiological research investigating their associations with menstrual cycle characteristics is limited. OBJECTIVE To explore the relationships between phthalate exposure and menstrual cycle characteristics among women seeking fertility assistance. METHODS We determined the levels of eight phthalate metabolites in both follicular fluid (FF) and urine specimens collected from 441 women in the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort, using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Information about menstrual cycle parameters was obtained through a questionnaire. The impacts of individual and joint exposure to phthalates on menstrual cycle characteristics were assessed using multivariable linear regression, Poisson regression, and quantile g-computation approaches. RESULTS After adjusting for relevant covariates, we found that per log10-unit increase in mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) level in urine specimens was associated with a decrease of 0.20 days (95 % CI: -0.37, -0.03) in bleeding duration. We also observed that mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) and the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (∑DEHP) concentrations in FF samples were inversely related to cycle length [β = -1.92 (95 % CI: -3.10, -0.75) and -1.87 (95 % CI: -3.56, -0.19), respectively]. However, we generally observed null associations between phthalate metabolites and irregular cycle, dysmenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, or cycle length variation. Furthermore, we also found that phthalate metabolite mixtures in FF and urine were generally unrelated to menstrual cycle characteristics. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that some DEHP metabolites in FF and urine are inversely associated with menstrual cycle length and menstrual bleeding duration in women attending a fertility center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Taoran Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Wentao Rao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Hongmei Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Na Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qingchun Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
| | - Yufeng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China.
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Din HN, Singh-Carlson S, Corliss HL, Hartman SJ, Strong D, Madanat H, Su HI. Perceived and Objective Fertility Risk Among Female Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2337245. [PMID: 37819662 PMCID: PMC10568355 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.37245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Fertility is important to many survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer, yet data on this population's fertility perceptions and their alignment with objective infertility risk are scant. Objective To assess whether estimated treatment gonadotoxicity and posttreatment menstrual pattern are associated with higher infertility risk perception. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included female young adult survivors of cancer diagnosed between ages 15 and 39 years were recruited between March 25, 2015, and September 24, 2018, from 2 state cancer registries, social media, and clinician referrals to participate in a study of posttreatment ovarian function. Data analysis occurred between March 1 and September 1, 2022. Exposures Participants reported their menstrual pattern. Estimated treatment gonadotoxicity was ascertained through medical record review. Main Outcomes and Measures Participants reported infertility risk perception and were categorized as increased risk (feeling less fertile or unable to become pregnant) or no increased risk (feeling more or as fertile) compared with female individuals their age. Objective infertility risk was determined by estimated gonadotoxicity, menstrual pattern, and ovarian reserve testing of self-collected dried blood spots. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with perceived infertility and underestimation or overestimation of infertility risk. Results This study included 785 female participants with a mean (SD) age of 33.2 (4.8) years at enrollment and 25.9 (5.7) years at diagnosis. Most participants self-identified their race and ethnicity as White (585 [74.5%]) and non-Hispanic (628 [78.7%]). Most participants (483 [61.5%]) perceived a higher risk of infertility compared with female participants their age. Prior exposure to moderate- or high-gonadotoxicity treatments was associated with higher odds of perceiving increased infertility risk compared with exposure to low-gonadotoxicity treatments (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.73 [95% CI, 1.87-3.97] and 15.39 [95% CI, 5.52-42.96], respectively). Amenorrhea and irregular cycles were associated with higher odds of perceiving increased infertility risk (AOR, 3.98 [95% CI, 2.13-7.41] and 1.69 [95% CI, 1.19-2.40], respectively). Perceived infertility risk had minimal agreement with objective risk (κ = 0.19). Multiparity (AOR, 4.17 [95% CI, 2.61-6.64]) was associated with increased odds of underestimation, while older age (AOR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.89-0.98]), endocrine comorbidity (AOR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.18-0.69]), and prior infertility (AOR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.07-0.38]) were associated with lower odds of underestimation. Multiparity (AOR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.27-0.86]), breast cancer (AOR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.20-0.73]), and skin cancer (AOR, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.11-0.51]) were associated with lower odds of overestimation. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, survivors of AYA cancer had high rates of perceiving increased infertility risk but frequently overestimated or underestimated their risk. These findings suggest that counseling on infertility risk throughout survivorship may reduce misalignment between perceptions and actual risk, decrease fertility-related psychological distress, and inform family planning decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hena Naz Din
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | | | - Heather L. Corliss
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
- Center for Research on Sexuality and Sexual Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Sheri J. Hartman
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - David Strong
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Hala Madanat
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
- Division of Research and Innovation, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
- Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - H. Irene Su
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
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11
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Harris BS, Steiner AZ, Faurot KR, Long A, Jukic AM. Systemic inflammation and menstrual cycle length in a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:215.e1-215.e17. [PMID: 36244407 PMCID: PMC9877159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local inflammation plays an important role in normal folliculogenesis and ovulation, and conditions of chronic systemic inflammation, such as obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome, can disrupt normal follicular dynamics. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the association between systemic inflammation, as measured by C-reactive protein levels, and menstrual cycle length. STUDY DESIGN This study was a secondary analysis using data from Time to Conceive, a prospective time-to-pregnancy cohort study. The association between cycle length and C-reactive protein was analyzed using multivariable linear mixed and marginal models adjusted for age, race, education, body mass index, time since oral contraceptive use, alcohol, smoking, caffeine consumption, and exercise. Time to Conceive enrolled women aged 30 to 44 years with no history of infertility who were attempting to conceive for <3 months. Serum C-reactive protein levels were measured on cycle day 2, 3, or 4. Participants recorded daily menstrual cycle data for ≤4 months. RESULTS Main outcome measures included menstrual cycle length and follicular and luteal phase lengths. Multivariable analysis included 1409 cycles from 414 women. There was no linear association between C-reactive protein levels and menstrual cycle length. However, compared with <1 mg/L, a C-reactive protein level >10 mg/L was associated with >3 times the odds (adjusted odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.67-8.11) of long cycles (defined as ≥35 days). When evaluating follicular phase length, a C-reactive protein level of >10 mg/L was associated both with follicular phases that were 1.7 (95% confidence interval, 0.23-3.09) days longer and with >2 times the odds of a long follicular phase (adjusted odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.74). CONCLUSION There is a potential pathophysiological association between systemic inflammation and menstrual cycle changes. Further studies are needed to determine if systemic inflammation alters the menstrual cycle or if long menstrual cycles are a marker for elevated systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Harris
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
| | - Anne Z Steiner
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Keturah R Faurot
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anneliese Long
- Department of Anthropology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anne Marie Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
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Messina M, Duncan A, Messina V, Lynch H, Kiel J, Erdman JW. The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals. Front Nutr 2022; 9:970364. [PMID: 36034914 PMCID: PMC9410752 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.970364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Soy is a hotly debated and widely discussed topic in the field of nutrition. However, health practitioners may be ill-equipped to counsel clients and patients about the use of soyfoods because of the enormous, and often contradictory, amount of research that has been published over the past 30 years. As interest in plant-based diets increases, there will be increased pressure for practitioners to gain a working knowledge of this area. The purpose of this review is to provide concise literature summaries (400-500 words) along with a short perspective on the current state of knowledge of a wide range of topics related to soy, from the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein to the impact of isoflavones on breast cancer risk. In addition to the literature summaries, general background information on soyfoods, soy protein, and isoflavones is provided. This analysis can serve as a tool for health professionals to be used when discussing soyfoods with their clients and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Messina
- Soy Nutrition Institute Global, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alison Duncan
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Heidi Lynch
- Kinesiology Department, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Kiel
- Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Medifast Inc., Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John W. Erdman
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Beckman Institute, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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13
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Zhang Y, Jukic AMZ, Song H, Zhang L, Yang F, Wu S, Yin D, Jiang H. Serum Vitamin D Concentrations, Time to Pregnancy, and Pregnancy Outcomes among Preconception Couples: A Cohort Study in Shanghai, China. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153058. [PMID: 35893912 PMCID: PMC9330297 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of vitamin D in reproductive health is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), among preconception couples, on fecundity, and the associations between 25(OH)D concentrations before and during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS 200 preconception couples attempting to conceive were recruited and were followed-up until childbirth. Time to pregnancy was collected via telephone every two months or obtained via a questionnaire during pregnancy. Blood samples were collected to measure serum 25(OH)D levels from both partners at enrollment and from women during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS Couples had higher conception rates within six months (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.72, 95% CI: 1.16, 11.9) and reduced time to pregnancy (adjusted fecundability ratio (aFR): 1.50, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.23) if male partners had sufficient 25(OH)D compared with insufficient 25(OH)D. Compared to pregnant women with insufficient 25(OH)D in the third trimester of pregnancy, sufficient 25(OH)D was associated with reduced odds of anemia (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.82), longer gestational age (β: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.01) and newborns' higher ponderal index (β: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.19). CONCLUSIONS Sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels among preconception men or during pregnancy were associated with better reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.)
- Vital Statistics Department, Songjiang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Anne Marie Z. Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Heqing Song
- School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.)
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- Shanghai Jiading Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Shanghai 201812, China; (L.Z.); (F.Y.); (S.W.); (D.Y.)
| | - Fengyun Yang
- Shanghai Jiading Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Shanghai 201812, China; (L.Z.); (F.Y.); (S.W.); (D.Y.)
| | - Shoule Wu
- Shanghai Jiading Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Shanghai 201812, China; (L.Z.); (F.Y.); (S.W.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dongxiao Yin
- Shanghai Jiading Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Shanghai 201812, China; (L.Z.); (F.Y.); (S.W.); (D.Y.)
| | - Hong Jiang
- School of Public Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (Y.Z.); (H.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-021-64179976
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14
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Hong X, Yin J, Wang W, Zhao F, Yu H, Wang B. The current situation and future directions for the study on time-to-pregnancy: a scoping review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:150. [PMID: 35752834 PMCID: PMC9233796 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As problems associated with infertility and population aging increase, there is a growing interest in the factors that cause a decline in human fertility. Time-to-pregnancy (TTP) is a good indicator with which to reflect human fecundability. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of this topic. Methods Relevant qualitative and quantitative studies were identified by searching the Web of science and PubMed electronic databases. We included all literature, written in English, from inception to the 10th April 2021 providing the focus was on TTP. We conducted a narrative synthesis using thematic analysis. Results Traditional TTP-related study protocols include prospective and retrospective cohorts that provide a wealth of data to reveal potential influences on TTP. Thus far, a variety of factors have been shown to be associated with TTP in couples preparing for pregnancy, including basic demographic characteristics, menstrual status, chronic disease status, environmental endocrine disruptor exposure, and lifestyles. However, there are inevitable epidemiological bias in the existing studies, including recall bias, selection bias and measurement bias. Some methodological advances have brought new opportunities to TTP research, which make it possible to develop precision interventions for population fertility. Future TTP studies should take advantage of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-throughput sequencing technologies, and apply medical big data to fully consider and avoid possible bias in the design. Conclusion There are many opportunities and future challenges for TTP related studies which would provide a scientific basis for the “precise health management” of the population preparing for pregnancy. As the problems of infertility and population aging increase, there is a growing interest in the factors that cause a decline in human fertility. Time-to-pregnancy (TTP) is a good indicator with which to reflect human fecundability, and a longer TTP is known to reflect a reduction in fertility. Many original studies, with different designs, have used TTP to explore the factors that might influence fertility, including basic demographic characteristics, chronic disease status, environmental endocrine disruptor exposure, and lifestyles. However, much of the existing evidence is inconsistent and limited by various types of bias. This review provides a synopsis of recent TTP studies, and highlights new opportunities and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Hong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiechen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhong Da Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No.87 Dingjiaqiao Rd, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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The role of soy and soy isoflavones on women's fertility and related outcomes: an update. J Nutr Sci 2022; 11:e17. [PMID: 35320928 PMCID: PMC8922143 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2022.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Soy is a key food in human nutrition. It is widely used in eastern traditional cuisine and it has recently diffused among self-conscious and vegetarian diets. The success of soy mainly depends on versatility and supposed healthy properties of soy foods and soy components. Meanwhile, the possible influence on endocrine system, in particular by isoflavones, raised concerns among some researchers. The present paper aims to conduct a review of available data on the effect of soy, soy foods and soy components on women's fertility and related outcomes. Eleven interventional studies, eleven observational studies and one meta-analysis have been selected from the results of queries. A weak, not clinically relevant effect has been highlighted on cycle length and hormonal status. However, a suggestive positive influence has been shown among women with fertility issues and during assisted reproductive technologies. Overall, soy and soy components consumption do not seem to perturb healthy women's fertility and can have a favourable effect among subjects seeking pregnancy. However, because of the paucity of studies exploring the impact of soy intake on women's fertility, as well as the limited population sample size, the frequently incomplete specimens’ collection to investigate all cycle phases and the insufficient characterisation of participants, the evidence is suggestive and it needs further in-depth research taking into account all these aspects.
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16
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Yland JJ, Wang T, Zad Z, Willis SK, Wang TR, Wesselink AK, Jiang T, Hatch EE, Wise LA, Paschalidis IC. Predictive models of pregnancy based on data from a preconception cohort study. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:565-576. [PMID: 35024824 PMCID: PMC8888990 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can we derive adequate models to predict the probability of conception among couples actively trying to conceive? SUMMARY ANSWER Leveraging data collected from female participants in a North American preconception cohort study, we developed models to predict pregnancy with performance of ∼70% in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Earlier work has focused primarily on identifying individual risk factors for infertility. Several predictive models have been developed in subfertile populations, with relatively low discrimination (AUC: 59-64%). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Study participants were female, aged 21-45 years, residents of the USA or Canada, not using fertility treatment, and actively trying to conceive at enrollment (2013-2019). Participants completed a baseline questionnaire at enrollment and follow-up questionnaires every 2 months for up to 12 months or until conception. We used data from 4133 participants with no more than one menstrual cycle of pregnancy attempt at study entry. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS On the baseline questionnaire, participants reported data on sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and behavioral factors, diet quality, medical history and selected male partner characteristics. A total of 163 predictors were considered in this study. We implemented regularized logistic regression, support vector machines, neural networks and gradient boosted decision trees to derive models predicting the probability of pregnancy: (i) within fewer than 12 menstrual cycles of pregnancy attempt time (Model I), and (ii) within 6 menstrual cycles of pregnancy attempt time (Model II). Cox models were used to predict the probability of pregnancy within each menstrual cycle for up to 12 cycles of follow-up (Model III). We assessed model performance using the AUC and the weighted-F1 score for Models I and II, and the concordance index for Model III. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Model I and II AUCs were 70% and 66%, respectively, in parsimonious models, and the concordance index for Model III was 63%. The predictors that were positively associated with pregnancy in all models were: having previously breastfed an infant and using multivitamins or folic acid supplements. The predictors that were inversely associated with pregnancy in all models were: female age, female BMI and history of infertility. Among nulligravid women with no history of infertility, the most important predictors were: female age, female BMI, male BMI, use of a fertility app, attempt time at study entry and perceived stress. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Reliance on self-reported predictor data could have introduced misclassification, which would likely be non-differential with respect to the pregnancy outcome given the prospective design. In addition, we cannot be certain that all relevant predictor variables were considered. Finally, though we validated the models using split-sample replication techniques, we did not conduct an external validation study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Given a wide range of predictor data, machine learning algorithms can be leveraged to analyze epidemiologic data and predict the probability of conception with discrimination that exceeds earlier work. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The research was partially supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (under grants DMS-1664644, CNS-1645681 and IIS-1914792) and the National Institutes for Health (under grants R01 GM135930 and UL54 TR004130). In the last 3 years, L.A.W. has received in-kind donations for primary data collection in PRESTO from FertilityFriend.com, Kindara.com, Sandstone Diagnostics and Swiss Precision Diagnostics. L.A.W. also serves as a fibroid consultant to AbbVie, Inc. The other authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Yland
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Correspondence address. Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. E-mail:
| | - Taiyao Wang
- Center for Information and Systems Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Philips Research North America, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zahra Zad
- Center for Information and Systems Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Systems Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sydney K Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tanran R Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tammy Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ioannis Ch Paschalidis
- Center for Information and Systems Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Systems Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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de Sanctis V, Soliman A, Tzoulis P, Daar S, Di Maio S, Millimaggi G, Kattamis C. Hypomenorrhea in Adolescents and Youths: Normal Variant or Menstrual Disorder? Revision of Literature and Personal Experience. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022157. [PMID: 35315382 PMCID: PMC8972894 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93i1.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Menstrual health affects a large number of women throughout reproductive life since adolescence. Knowledge of the duration and variation of the menstrual cycle is necessary for patient education and to identify deviations from normal to guide clinical evaluation. The average duration of menstrual flow is between 4 to 6 days, with anormal range from 2 up to 8 days ; the mean blood loss per menstrual cycle is 25- 30 mL. In general, descriptive data falling outside the normal range are considered to be indicative of menstrual disorders. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocate for clinicians to consider the menstrual cycle as a vital sign in adolescents, the identification of subjects with hypomenorrhea is neither well defined nor routinely practiced. In this paper we have summarized the published prevalence of hypomenorrhea (lighter and/or shorter menstrual bleeding) in adolescents and youths in different countries and report the personal experience in four adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo de Sanctis
- Coordinator of ICET-A Network (International Network of Clinicians for Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia and Adolescence Medicine) and Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ashraf Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Alexandria University Children’s Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ploutarchos Tzoulis
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Whittington Hospital, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shahina Daar
- Department of Haematology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Salvatore Di Maio
- Emeritus Director in Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital “Santobono-Pausilipon”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Christos Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to evaluate biological, life history, environmental, and lifestyle factors and exposures that cause variability in menstrual cycle length (MCL). RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature has detailed a number of factors that influence MCL, with particular emphasis placed on novel environmental exposures, such as air pollution and endocrine disrupting chemicals. SUMMARY MCL varies widely in response to intrinsic and extrinsic inputs and is a useful predictor of reproductive health and fecundability. VIDEO ABSTRACT http://links.lww.com/COE/A28.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariel L. Scalise
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Fertility evaluation of infertile women: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1255-1265. [PMID: 34607703 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic evaluation for infertility in women should be conducted in a systematic, expeditious, and cost-effective manner to identify all the relevant factors with an initial emphasis on the least invasive methods for detecting the most common causes of infertility. The purpose of this committee opinion is to provide a critical review of the current methods and procedures for the evaluation of in fertile women, and it replaces the document of the same name, last published in 2015 (Fertil Steril 2015;103:e44-50). This guidance is intended for any provider evaluating women for infertility.
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20
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Laru J, Nedelec R, Koivuaho E, Ojaniemi M, Järvelin MR, Tapanainen JS, Franks S, Tolvanen M, Piltonen TT, Sebert S, Morin-Papunen L. BMI in childhood and adolescence is associated with impaired reproductive function-a population-based cohort study from birth to age 50 years. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2948-2961. [PMID: 34364312 PMCID: PMC8643422 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the association between childhood and adolescent BMI and reproductive capacity in women? SUMMARY ANSWER Adolescent girls with obesity had an increased risk of infertility and childlessness in adulthood independently of their marital status or the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Girls with obesity (BMI (kg/m2)>95th percentile) more often exhibit menstrual irregularities and infertility problems as compared to those with normal weight, and premenarcheal girls with obesity have an increased risk of childlessness and infertility in adulthood. Follow-up studies on the relation between childhood and adolescence growth patterns and fertility or parity throughout the reproductive life span are limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective, population-based cohort study (the Northern Finland birth cohort 1966) was performed with 5889 women born in 1966 and followed from birth to age 50 years. Postal questionnaires at ages 31 and 46 years addressed questions on reproductive capacity evaluated by decreased fecundability, need for infertility assessment and treatment by 46 years of age. Childlessness and number of children by age 50 years were recovered from registers. Women who did not report ever having attempted to achieve pregnancy (n = 1507) were excluded. The final study population included 4382 women who attempted to achieve pregnancy before age 46 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data on BMI were collected by trained personnel at all stages. We assessed association with both prospectively measured BMI at various time points and with early adiposity phenotypes derived from linear mixed models including the timing and the BMI at adiposity peak (AP) and adiposity rebound (AR). Self-reported infertility assessments and treatments were assessed at ages 31 and 46 years. Data on deliveries were collected from the national birth register. Decreased fecundability was defined at age 31 years as time to achieve pregnancy over 12 months. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with adjustments for marital status, education level and smoking at age 31 years. Women with PCOS were excluded from stratification-based sensitivity analyses. Obesity at a specific age group was defined by having at least one BMI value above the 95th percentile during the related period. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE BMI at the age of AR (5-7 years) was not associated with fertility outcomes after adjustments, but girls with AR <5.1 years had a higher risk of remaining childless compared to girls with AR over 5.1 years (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.45 (1.10-1.92)). At ages 7-10 and 11-15 years, obesity was associated with decreased fecundability (adjusted OR 2.05 (1.26-3.35) and 2.04 (1.21-3.44), respectively) and a lower number of children. At age 11-15 years, both overweight and obesity were associated with a higher risk of childlessness (adjusted OR 1.56 (1.06-2.27), 1.77 (1.02-3.07), respectively), even after excluding women with PCOS. Underweight at age 11-15 years was associated with an increased risk for infertility treatment (adjusted OR 1.55 (1.02-2.36)) and a tendency for an increased risk for infertility assessment (adjusted OR 1.43 (0.97-2.10)) after excluding women with PCOS. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION Despite a high participation rate throughout the follow-up, some growth data for children over the different age groups were missing. Infertility outcomes were self-reported. A potential over-diagnosis of obesity may have reduced the significance of the association between childhood obesity and fertility outcomes, and the diagnosis of PCOS was self-reported. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study supports previous results showing that girls with obesity in late childhood and in adolescence displayed reduced fertility and an increased risk of remaining childless in adulthood, independently of marital history and PCOS in adulthood. These findings corroborate the body of evidence for a causal relation between early adiposity and the reproductive functions in women. We recommend reinforcing the prevention of obesity in school-age girls to reduce the risk of impaired reproductive functions. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) NFBC1966 received financial support from University of Oulu Grant no. 65354, Oulu University Hospital Grant no. 2/97, 8/97, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs Grant no. 23/251/97, 160/97, 190/97, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki Grant no. 54121, Regional Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Finland Grant no. 50621, 54231. The Finnish Medical Foundation, the North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund, the Academy of Finland (project grants 315921, 104781, 120315, 129269, 1114194, 24300796), Center of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics and SALVE, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Biocenter Oulu, University Hospital Oulu and University of Oulu (75617), Jalmari ja Rauha Ahokkaan säätiö, The Finnish Medical Foundation, Medical Research Center Oulu, National Institute for Health Research (UK). M. R. J., S. S. and R. N. received funding by the Academy of Finland (#268336) and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (under Grant agreement no. 633595 for the DynaHEALTH action and GA 733206 for LifeCycle). The funders had no role in study design, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data, in the writing of the article and in the decision to submit it for publication. The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Grants
- 54121 Department of Health
- Medical Research Council
- University of Oulu
- Oulu University Hospital
- Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki
- Regional Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Finland
- The Finnish Medical Foundation, the North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund, the Academy of Finland
- Center of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics and SALVE, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Biocenter Oulu, University Hospital Oulu and University of Oulu
- Jalmari ja Rauha Ahokkaan säätiö
- The Finnish Medical Foundation, Medical Research Center Oulu, National Institute for Health Research (UK)
- Academy of Finland
- European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program
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Affiliation(s)
- J Laru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - R Nedelec
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - E Koivuaho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Ojaniemi
- Department of Children and Adolescents, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - M -R Järvelin
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - J S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Tolvanen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - T T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - S Sebert
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - L Morin-Papunen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
- Correspondence address. PEDEGO Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Kajaanintie 50, BOX 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland. Tel: +358 8 3154109; E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5987-7534
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21
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Younis JS, Iskander R, Fauser BCJM, Izhaki I. Does an association exist between menstrual cycle length within the normal range and ovarian reserve biomarkers during the reproductive years? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:904-928. [PMID: 32514566 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular menstrual cycling during the reproductive years is an indicator of spontaneous ovulation but sometimes falsely perceived as an indicator of preserved fertility. In contrast, menstrual cycle shortening, a physiologic occurrence preceding the menopausal transition, is not usually perceived as an indicator of decreased ovarian reserve in the general population. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The individual decrease in menstrual cycle length (MCL) might represent a sensitive biomarker of diminishing ovarian reserve. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the possible association between MCL in regularly cycling women (21-35 days) and ovarian reserve tests (ORT), fecundability in natural cycles and IVF outcomes. SEARCH METHODS An electronic database search employing PubMed, Web of Science, Trip, EBSCO, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane library was performed to identify research articles, only on human, published between January 1978 and August 2019. Search terms were pregnancy OR fertility OR fecundity OR fecundability, anti-Müllerian hormone OR AMH OR antral follicle count OR AFC OR ovarian reserve OR ovarian reserve test, in vitro fertilization OR ART OR assisted reproductive therapy OR assisted reproductive treatment OR assisted reproductive technology OR IVF OR ICSI, menstrual cycle length OR menstrual cycle characteristics. We combined these terms to complete the search. All prospective and retrospective studies exploring an association between MCL and proxies of ovarian reserve were included. The exclusions included studies of PCOS, ovarian failure, oral contraception treatment, prior chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy or ovarian surgery. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of studies that were eligible for meta-analysis. OUTCOMES Eleven studies were eligible for meta-analysis, including 12 031 women. The included studies had a low risk of bias. Short MCL (21-27 days) was associated with lower ORT values as compared to normal (28-31 days), long (32-35 days) and all other (28-35 days) MCL sets. The estimated weighted mean difference (WMD) of AMH level was -1.3 ng/mL (95% CI: -1.75 to -0.86, P < 0.001) between the short and normal MCL sets. The estimated WMD of AFC values was -5.17 (95% CI: -5.96 to -4.37, P < 0.001) between the short and normal MCL sets. The weighted overall odds ratio (OR) of fecundability in natural cycles between women with short versus normal MCL sets was statistically significant (overall OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.72-0.91, P < 0.001). In the IVF setting, fewer oocytes were retrieved in short MCL in comparison to normal, long and all other MCL sets, with an estimated WMD of -1.8 oocytes (95% CI: -2.5 to -1.1, P < 0.001) in the short versus normal MCL sets. The weighted overall OR of clinical pregnancy rate between women with short versus all other MCL sets was statistically significant (overall OR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.96, P = 0.02). Low levels of heterogeneity were found in most meta-analyses of MCL and qualitative ovarian reserve biomarkers, while heterogeneity was high in meta-analyses performed for quantitative measures. WIDER IMPLICATIONS MCL in regularly cycling women is closely related to ovarian reserve biomarkers during the reproductive years. A short MCL, as compared to normal, is significantly associated with lower ORT values, reduced fecundability and inferior IVF outcomes, independent of age. The results imply that short MCL may be a sign of ovarian aging, combining the quantitative and qualitative facets of ovarian reserve. Educational efforts ought to be designed to guide women with short MCL at a young age, who desire children in the future, to seek professional counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny S Younis
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baruch-Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.,Azrieili Faculty of Medicine, Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Rula Iskander
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baruch-Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel
| | - Bart C J M Fauser
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University of Utrecht and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ido Izhaki
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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22
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Messina M, Mejia SB, Cassidy A, Duncan A, Kurzer M, Nagato C, Ronis M, Rowland I, Sievenpiper J, Barnes S. Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational and clinical data. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:5824-5885. [PMID: 33775173 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1895054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Soybeans are a rich source of isoflavones, which are classified as phytoestrogens. Despite numerous proposed benefits, isoflavones are often classified as endocrine disruptors, based primarily on animal studies. However, there are ample human data regarding the health effects of isoflavones. We conducted a technical review, systematically searching Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (from inception through January 2021). We included clinical studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) that examined the relationship between soy and/or isoflavone intake and endocrine-related endpoints. 417 reports (229 observational studies, 157 clinical studies and 32 SRMAs) met our eligibility criteria. The available evidence indicates that isoflavone intake does not adversely affect thyroid function. Adverse effects are also not seen on breast or endometrial tissue or estrogen levels in women, or testosterone or estrogen levels, or sperm or semen parameters in men. Although menstrual cycle length may be slightly increased, ovulation is not prevented. Limited insight could be gained about possible impacts of in utero isoflavone exposure, but the existing data are reassuring. Adverse effects of isoflavone intake were not identified in children, but limited research has been conducted. After extensive review, the evidence does not support classifying isoflavones as endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Messina
- Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Sonia Blanco Mejia
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aedin Cassidy
- Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Alison Duncan
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mindy Kurzer
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chisato Nagato
- Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Martin Ronis
- Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, USA
| | - Ian Rowland
- Human Nutrition, University of Reading, Reading, England, UK
| | | | - Stephen Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama, Alabama, USA
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23
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Shea AA, Vitzthum VJ. The extent and causes of natural variation in menstrual cycles: Integrating empirically-based models of ovarian cycling into research on women’s health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ddmod.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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24
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Levine LD, Kim K, Purdue-Smithe A, Sundaram R, Schisterman EF, Connell M, Devilbiss EA, Alkhalaf Z, Radoc JG, Buck Louis GM, Mumford SL. Urinary Phytoestrogens and Relationship to Menstrual Cycle Length and Variability Among Healthy, Eumenorrheic Women. J Endocr Soc 2019; 4:bvz003. [PMID: 32047868 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Phytoestrogens may influence fecundability, although biological mechanisms remain elusive. Since it is hypothesized that phytoestrogens may act through influencing hormone levels, we investigated associations between phytoestrogens and menstrual cycle length, a proxy for the hormonal milieu, in healthy women attempting pregnancy. Design A population-based prospective cohort of 326 women ages 18 to 40 with self-reported cycles of 21 to 42 days were followed until pregnancy or for 12 months of attempting pregnancy. Methods Urinary genistein, daidzein, O-desmethylangolensin, equol, enterodiol, and enterolactone were measured upon enrollment. Cycle length was determined from fertility monitors and daily journals. Linear mixed models assessed associations with continuous cycle length and were weighted by the inverse number of observed cycles. Logistic regression models assessed menstrual regularity (standard deviation > 75th vs ≤ 75th percentile). Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, race, creatinine, exercise, supplements, lipids, lead, cadmium, cotinine, parity, alcohol, and other phytoestrogens. Results Individual phytoestrogens were not associated with cycle length, although total phytoestrogens were associated with shorter cycles (-0.042 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.080 to -0.003, per 10% increase). Each 1 nmol/L increase in enterolactone (odds ratio [OR] 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97) and total lignans (OR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.95) was associated with reduced irregularity, and each 1 nmol/L increase in genistein with irregularity (OR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.38). Conclusion Phytoestrogens were not meaningfully associated with cycle length but may be associated with menstrual regularity, among women with self-reported regular cycles. These results highlight differences between isoflavones and lignans and are reassuring for women attempting pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay D Levine
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Keewan Kim
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alexandra Purdue-Smithe
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Matthew Connell
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth A Devilbiss
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zeina Alkhalaf
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeannie G Radoc
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Sunni L Mumford
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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25
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Hahn KA, Wesselink AK, Wise LA, Mikkelsen EM, Cueto HT, Tucker KL, Vinceti M, Rothman KJ, Sorensen HT, Hatch EE. Iron Consumption Is Not Consistently Associated with Fecundability among North American and Danish Pregnancy Planners. J Nutr 2019; 149:1585-1595. [PMID: 31152673 PMCID: PMC6735943 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is an important public health problem with few known modifiable risk factors. Dietary factors including folic acid have been associated with improved fertility, but the association between iron and fertility is understudied. One study among US nurses found a 40% lower risk of ovulatory infertility with higher intake of nonheme iron and iron supplements. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which iron intake from diet and supplements reported on structured questionnaires is associated with fecundability. METHODS We conducted parallel analyses that used data from 2 prospective cohort studies of pregnancy planners from Denmark (Snart Foraeldre; n = 1693) and North America (PRESTO; n = 2969) during 2013-2018. Follow-up comprised menstrual cycles at risk until pregnancy or censoring for fertility treatment, stopped trying to conceive, withdrawal, loss to follow-up, or 12 cycles of attempt. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% CIs, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS We found little association between dietary heme iron intake and fecundability in either cohort. The FR for nonheme iron intake (≥11 mg/d compared with <9 mg/day) was 1.11 for Snart Foraeldre participants (95% CI: 0.92, 1.34) and 1.01 for PRESTO participants (95% CI: 0.89, 1.14). The FR for iron-containing supplements was 1.01 in Snart Foraeldre (95% CI: 0.90, 1.13) and 1.19 in PRESTO (95% CI: 1.03, 1.38). In PRESTO, but not Snart Foraeldre, stronger positive associations were found for nonheme iron intake and iron supplement use among women with heavy menses or short menstrual cycles. CONCLUSIONS Overall, dietary intake of iron was not consistently associated with fecundability, although there was some evidence for a positive association among women with risk factors for iron deficiency. We also found a small positive association between supplemental iron intake and fecundability among North American, but not Danish, pregnancy planners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Heidi T Cueto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Katherine L Tucker
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA,Public Health Section of the Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA,RTI Health Solutions, NC
| | | | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA,Address correspondence to EEH (E-mail: )
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26
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Berglund Scherwitzl E, Lundberg O, Kopp Kallner H, Rowland SP, Holte J, Trussell J, Gemzell Danielsson K, Scherwitzl R. Short- and long-term effect of contraceptive methods on fecundity. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2019; 24:260-265. [PMID: 31223036 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2019.1621999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of previously used contraceptive methods on women's short- and long-term fecundity. Use of hormonal contraception (HC) was compared with the use of a contraceptive mobile application (app). Methods: This real-life prospective observational study comprised 2874 women who were attempting to become pregnant using the Natural Cycles mobile app to monitor their fertility. The women registered to use the app between August 2014 and June 2016 with the intention of planning a pregnancy and had previously either used the same app to prevent pregnancy or had recently discontinued HC use. We calculated the average time to pregnancy (TTP) for all women who became pregnant during the study and performed Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis to examine the cumulative probabilities of pregnancy for all women in the study. Results: The average TTP was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1, 2.4) and 3.7 (95% CI 3.4, 3.9) cycles for women who had previously used Natural Cycles and HC, respectively. The time to reach 30% pregnancy probability for women previously on HC was 1.6 (95% CI 1.5, 1.8) times longer than for women previously using Natural Cycles. There was no significant difference in the 13 cycle cumulated pregnancy probability between the two groups. Conclusion: The results show that fertility awareness-based methods of contraception increase short-term pregnancy rates relative to HC, but have no effect on long-term pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helena Kopp Kallner
- b Department of Clinical Sciences at Danderyd Hospital , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden.,c Department of Women's and Children's Health , Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | | | - Jan Holte
- d Carl von Linné Clinic , Uppsala , Sweden.,e Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - James Trussell
- f Office of Population Research , Princeton University , Princeton , NJ , USA
| | - Kristina Gemzell Danielsson
- c Department of Women's and Children's Health , Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
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Bradley D, Landau E, Jesani N, Mowry B, Chui K, Baron A, Wolfberg A. Time to conception and the menstrual cycle: an observational study of fertility app users who conceived. HUM FERTIL 2019; 24:267-275. [PMID: 31094573 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1613680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the association between menstrual cycle characteristics (cycle length, cycle-length variability, and their interaction) and the amount of time it takes women to conceive using a robust multiple linear regression. Participants downloaded Ovia Fertility in 2015 indicated that they had just started trying to conceive, and reported conception within 12 months (n = 45,360, adjusted model n = 8835). The average time to conception among women in the adjusted model was 3.94 months (n = 8835). Women with normal cycle lengths (27-29 days) conceived more quickly than women with cycle lengths of 25-26 days (+0.41 months; p < 0.001), 30-31 days (+0.27 months; p < 0.01), 32-33 days (+0.44 months; p < 0.001), and 34+ days (+0.75 months; p < 0.001). Women with regular cycle-length variability (<9 days between cycles) conceived more quickly than women with irregular variability (+0.72 months; p < 0.001). Results of the interaction analysis indicated that, among women with regular cycle-length variability, those with normal cycle length had shorter time to conception than women with either short or long cycle length. The interaction between cycle length and cycle-length variability provided enhanced insights into the amount of time it takes to conceive, compared to either indicator alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin Landau
- a Clinical Research , Ovia Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Noreen Jesani
- b Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | | | - Kenneth Chui
- d Public Health and Community Medicine , School of Medicine at Tufts University , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Alex Baron
- a Clinical Research , Ovia Health , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Adam Wolfberg
- a Clinical Research , Ovia Health , Boston , MA , USA.,e Newton Wellesley Hospital , Newton , MA , USA
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Johnson S, Schiffner J, Freundl G, Bachmann N, Gnoth C. Luteinising hormone profiles in conception and non-conception natural cycles. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2019; 24:140-147. [PMID: 30931648 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2019.1590697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess whether luteinising hormone (LH) surge characteristics influenced the likelihood of conceiving naturally. METHODS This was a single-cycle, home-based, observational, case-controlled study. Volunteers collected daily urine samples for one menstrual cycle. LH was measured and the basal levels, surge day, peak day, peak concentration and magnitude of LH surges were examined. Predictive models using sociodemographic data, LH surge characteristics, and sociodemographic data combined with LH profile properties, were evaluated. RESULTS The surge profile did not differ between cycles with early or late ovulation and was not affected by age or body mass index (BMI). The mean LH surge day was day 16 for both groups. Mean LH surge and concentrations did not differ between groups (surge concentration 54.8 IU/l vs. 58.2 IU/l and peak concentration 82.0 IU/l vs. 81.6 IU/l for pregnant vs. non-pregnant volunteers, respectively). Non-pregnant volunteers were more likely, however, to have a raised or a reduced basal LH on day 6 or have an atypical LH profile. Sociodemographic characteristics were significant predictors of pregnancy, and sociodemographic variable-based models had the greatest predictive ability for conception, providing up to 65% predictive accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Sociodemographic variables can be used to predict the likelihood of a woman conceiving naturally. Provided an LH surge is present, its profile does not relate to the likelihood of spontaneous pregnancy. The conception rate was significantly lower, however, in women with elevated or reduced basal levels of LH, suggesting that follicular maturation needs an optimal basal level of LH in natural conception cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Schiffner
- b green-ivf , Grevenbroich Endocrinology and IVF-Center , Grevenbroich , Germany
| | - Guenter Freundl
- b green-ivf , Grevenbroich Endocrinology and IVF-Center , Grevenbroich , Germany
| | - Nina Bachmann
- b green-ivf , Grevenbroich Endocrinology and IVF-Center , Grevenbroich , Germany.,c Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , University of Cologne , Grevenbroich , Germany
| | - Christian Gnoth
- b green-ivf , Grevenbroich Endocrinology and IVF-Center , Grevenbroich , Germany.,c Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , University of Cologne , Grevenbroich , Germany
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Ernst A, Lauridsen LLB, Brix N, Arah OA, Olsen J, Olsen LH, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Parental time to pregnancy, medically assisted reproduction and pubertal development in boys and girls. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:724-732. [PMID: 30753468 PMCID: PMC6443115 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does parental fertility, measured by time to pregnancy (TTP), or use of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) affect pubertal development in the offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER Neither TTP nor type of MAR treatment had clinically relevant implications for mean age at achieving individual pubertal milestones or overall timing of puberty in boys and girls. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Parental TTP and MAR have been associated with impaired semen quality in adult sons. Timing of puberty reflects earlier signals of reproductive health, but it remains unclear whether parental fertility or MAR affects pubertal development, especially in the growing generation of children conceived by IVF or ICSI. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this study, 15 819 children born by mothers in the Danish National Birth Cohort from 2000 to 2003 participated in a nationwide puberty cohort (participation rate = 70%). Parental TTP and use of MAR were reported by mothers in early pregnancy and children’s pubertal development data was self-recorded in web-based questionnaires from 11 years of age and 6 monthly throughout puberty (2012–2018). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Pubertal development in children (of planned pregnancies, n = 13 285) born by untreated subfecund (TTP: 6–12 months) (n =2038), untreated severely subfeund (TTP: >12 months) (n = 1242), treated subfecund (n = 230) and treated severely subfecund (n = 1234) parents were compared to children born to more fertile parents (TTP: ≤5 months). We estimated mean monthly differences in mean age at achieving individual pubertal milestones (i.e. age at menarche, voice break, first ejaculation and Tanner stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 for breast or genital development and pubic hair growth) and a combined indicator of timing of puberty. Further, we compared mean age at achieving the individual pubertal milestones in children born by use of IVF or ICSI (n = 480) with children born by controlled ovarian stimulation or ovulation induction with or without intrauterine insemination (n = 902). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found tendencies towards slightly later mean age at male pubertal timing and slightly earlier mean age at female pubertal timing among children born by untreated subfecund, treated subfecund, untreated severely subfecund and treated severely subfecund parents. There were no specific patterns with increasing TTP, use of MAR nor type of MAR treatment, and the magnitude of the mean differences for individual milestones and overall timing of puberty were small, i.e. 0.9 months (95% CI: −1.0; 2.8) for first ejaculation and −0.5 months (95% CI: −2.0; 1.0) months for age at menarche in boys and girls, respectively, born by treated severely subfecund parents when compared with children born by more fertile parents. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Non-differential misclassification of the self-reported information on parental TTP and pubertal development in the offspring may serve as an alternative explanation of the findings, possibly biasing the estimates towards the null. The information on pubertal development was collected from around 11 years of age and onwards. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study adds to the growing body of literature suggesting only limited harmful effects of parental subfecundity and MAR on offspring’s long-term growth and development. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Danish Council for Independent Research [DFF 4183-00152]; and the Faculty of Health at Aarhus University. The authors have no financial relationships or competing interests to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - L L B Lauridsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - N Brix
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - O A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,California Center for Population Research, UCLA, 337 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Center for Health Policy Research, UCLA, 337 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J Olsen
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - L H Olsen
- Department of Urology, Section for Paediatric Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 35, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - C H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Intake of Sugar-sweetened Beverages and Fecundability in a North American Preconception Cohort. Epidemiology 2019; 29:369-378. [PMID: 29384791 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000000812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary factors, including sugar-sweetened beverages, may have adverse effects on fertility. Sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with poor semen quality in cross-sectional studies, and female soda intake has been associated with lower fecundability in some studies. METHODS We evaluated the association of female and male sugar-sweetened beverage intake with fecundability among 3,828 women planning pregnancy and 1,045 of their male partners in a North American prospective cohort study. We followed participants until pregnancy or for up to 12 menstrual cycles. Eligible women were aged 21-45 (male partners ≥21), attempting conception for ≤6 cycles, and not using fertility treatments. Participants completed a comprehensive baseline questionnaire, including questions on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during the previous 4 weeks. We estimated time-to-pregnancy from follow-up questionnaires completed every 2 months by the female partner. We calculated adjusted fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to intake of sugar- sweetened beverages using proportional probabilities regression. RESULTS Both female and male intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with reduced fecundability (FR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.70, 0.94 and 0.78; 95% CI = 0.63, 0.95 for ≥7 sugar-sweetened beverages per week compared with none, for females and males, respectively). Fecundability was further reduced among those who drank ≥7 servings per week of sugar-sweetened sodas (FR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59, 0.95 for females and 0.67, 95% CI = 0.51, 0.89 for males). CONCLUSIONS Sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly sodas and energy drinks, were associated with lower fecundability, but diet soda and fruit juice had little association.
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Wildenschild C, Riis AH, Ehrenstein V, Hatch EE, Wise LA, Rothman KJ, Sørensen HT, Mikkelsen EM. Fecundability among Danish women with a history of miscarriage: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023996. [PMID: 30670515 PMCID: PMC6347866 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between history of miscarriage and fecundability (the cycle-specific probability of conception). DESIGN Nationwide prospective cohort study using web-based questionnaires. SETTING Denmark, 2007-2012. PARTICIPANTS 977 women attempting to conceive, not using fertility treatment, and with a reproductive history of only miscarriage or only live birth. EXPOSURE AND OUTCOME MEASURES Information on previous pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, came from self-report or from relevant registries. Participants were followed for up to 12 months or until they reported a pregnancy, stopped trying to conceive or started fertility treatment, whichever came first. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate cumulative probabilities of conception for women whose reproductive history included only miscarriage or only live birth. Using proportional probabilities regression modelling, we computed fecundability ratios (FR) with 95% CI comparing women with a history of only miscarriage with women with a history of only live birth. RESULTS After adjustment for potential confounders, the cumulative probabilities of conception within 12 cycles of follow-up were 85% (95% CI 81% to 89%) for women with a history of 1 miscarriage, 85% (95% CI 73% to 92%) for women with a history of ≥2 miscarriages and 88% (95% CI 87% to 89%) for women whose reproductive history included only live birth. Adjusted FRs were 0.87 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.07) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.36 to 1.17) for women with a history of 1 and ≥2 miscarriages, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that women with a history of miscarriage may have slightly reduced fecundability compared with women with a history of only live birth. The reduction in fecundability was greater for women with repeated miscarriages, although the estimates were imprecise. Despite a potential delay in conception, women with previous miscarriage may have similar probability of pregnancy by 12 cycles of attempts to women with proven fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders H Riis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Vera Ehrenstein
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Henrik T Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Laisk T, Kukuškina V, Palmer D, Laber S, Chen CY, Ferreira T, Rahmioglu N, Zondervan K, Becker C, Smoller JW, Lippincott M, Salumets A, Granne I, Seminara S, Neale B, Mägi R, Lindgren CM. Large-scale meta-analysis highlights the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the genetic regulation of menstrual cycle length. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:4323-4332. [PMID: 30202859 PMCID: PMC6276838 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal menstrual cycle requires a delicate interplay between the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary. Therefore, its length is an important indicator of female reproductive health. Menstrual cycle length has been shown to be partially controlled by genetic factors, especially in the follicle-stimulating hormone beta-subunit (FSHB) locus. A genome-wide association study meta-analysis of menstrual cycle length in 44 871 women of European ancestry confirmed the previously observed association with the FSHB locus and identified four additional novel signals in, or near, the GNRH1, PGR, NR5A2 and INS-IGF2 genes. These findings not only confirm the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the genetic regulation of menstrual cycle length but also highlight potential novel local regulatory mechanisms, such as those mediated by IGF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triin Laisk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Estonian Genome Center, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Viktorija Kukuškina
- Estonian Genome Center, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Duncan Palmer
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha Laber
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Center for Health for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chia-Yen Chen
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Teresa Ferreira
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Center for Health for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Nilufer Rahmioglu
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Krina Zondervan
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Christian Becker
- Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Margaret Lippincott
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ingrid Granne
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Stephanie Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin Neale
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Reedik Mägi
- Estonian Genome Center, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Cecilia M Lindgren
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Center for Health for Health Information and Discovery, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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Nillni YI, Wesselink AK, Hatch EE, Mikkelsen EM, Gradus JL, Rothman KJ, Wise LA. Mental health, psychotropic medication use, and menstrual cycle characteristics. Clin Epidemiol 2018; 10:1073-1082. [PMID: 30214312 PMCID: PMC6118267 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s152131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine the influence of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and psychotropic medication use on prospectively assessed menstrual cycle regularity and length. Participants and methods Data were obtained from Pregnancy Study Online, a prospective cohort study of pregnancy planners from North America. At baseline, women reported information on demographics, anthropometrics, lifestyle, and medical history, including their use of psychotropic medications. They also completed the Major Depression Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. Every 8 weeks for up to 12 months or until conception, women completed follow-up questionnaires to assess changes in psychotropic medication use, perceived stress, and menstrual cycle characteristics (ie, cycle regularity and length). Women who completed at least one follow-up questionnaire from 2013 to 2018 (n=3,346) were included in the primary analyses. A total of 5,439 women were included in secondary analyses utilizing baseline data only. Primary analyses estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CIs using log-binomial regression models. Results Women with severe depressive symptoms at baseline, regardless of psychotropic medication use, had an 80% greater prevalence of irregular cycles during follow-up than women with no or low depressive symptoms (PR =1.80, 95% CI =1.48–2.19). Perceived stress was also associated with the prevalence of irregular cycles during follow-up (PR =1.33, 95% CI =1.14–1.55). Psychotropic medication use was not appreciably associated with menstrual characteristics after controlling for history of diagnosed depression and/or anxiety. Depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and psychotropic medication use showed little association with menstrual cycle length. Conclusion Higher levels of depressive symptoms and perceived stress were associated with irregular menstrual cycles, but not appreciably associated with menstrual cycle length. Use of psychotropic medications was not meaningfully associated with cycle regularity or length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael I Nillni
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA, .,National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA,
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jaimie L Gradus
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA, .,National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA, .,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Reljič M, Knez J. Predicted luteal phase length has no influence on success of vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer in natural cycle. J Ovarian Res 2018; 11:63. [PMID: 30068370 PMCID: PMC6090911 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-018-0436-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study evaluated the influence of menstrual cycle length, menstrual cycle variability and predicted luteal phase length on the success of vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer in natural menstrual cycle using progesterone for luteal phase supplementation. Methods Consecutive women undergoing vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer in natural menstrual cycle between January 2013 and December 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Patients’ characteristics, clinical data and data about menstrual cycle length in the last year were collected from our database. Predicted luteal phase length (LPL) was defined as the period starting at ovulation (one day after positive urinary LH test) and ending on the last day before predicted menses, based on women’s usual, minimal and maximal menstrual cycle length data. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors significantly associated with live-birth. Results A total of 1195 FETs (frozen-thawed embryo transfers) resulted in 457 (38.24%) clinical pregnancies, 82 (17.94%), miscarriages and 371 live births (31.04%). There were no statistically significant differences in menstrual cycle length, menstrual cycle variability, day of LH surge, day of FET and predicted LPL between FET cycles resulting in live birth and those not resulting in live birth. In the multivariate logistic regression model, only women’s age (OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90–0.96), transfer of morphologically optimal blastocysts (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.59–2.94) and endometrium thickness (OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.17) were important independent prognostic factors for live birth. Conclusion Menstrual cycle length, menstrual cycle variability and predicted LPL do not seem to be an important factor influencing live birth after FET in natural cycles with progesterone supplementation. Results of our study suggest that FET should not be cancelled if LH surge is detected before or after the predicted period in natural cycle with progesterone supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reljič
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Clinic for Gynecology and Perinatology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia.
| | - J Knez
- Department for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Clinic for Gynecology and Perinatology, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
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Zhang Q, Wang YY, Zhang Y, Zhang HG, Yang Y, He Y, Xu JH, Zhao J, Peng ZQ, Ma X. The influence of age at menarche, menstrual cycle length and bleeding duration on time to pregnancy: a large prospective cohort study among rural Chinese women. BJOG 2017; 124:1654-1662. [PMID: 28128508 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relations among age at menarche (AAM), menstrual cycle length, menstrual bleeding duration and time to pregnancy in a large cohort of rural Chinese women. DESIGN A prospective cohort study. SETTING Local family-planning service agencies and maternal/child care service centres. POPULATION A total of 391 320 rural women of reproductive age who participated in the National Free Pre-pregnancy Checkups and were planning to conceive were enrolled. METHODS Menstrual characteristics were collected via face-to-face interviews. The Cox proportional hazards model were used to estimate the fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals for each measure relative to its reference category. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time to pregnancy. RESULTS Women with an AAM later than 14 years of age were less likely become pregnant compared with women with AAM at 13-14 years of age (FR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92-0.94). Those with menstrual cycle lengths >29 days were less likely to come pregnant (FR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90-0.92) compared with the reference cycle length of 27-29 days. Women with bleeding durations of <4 (FR 0.88; 95% CI 0.86-0.91) or >5 days (FR 0.91; 95% CI 0.90-0.91) showed lower FRs compared with those reporting 4-5 days of bleeding. The associations were independent of maternal age, ethnicity, education level, occupation, tobacco use, alcohol use and body mass index. CONCLUSION A later onset of menarche, longer menstrual cycle length, both shorter (<4 days) and longer (>5 days) bleeding duration were associated with a lower FR and longer time to pregnancy in rural Chinese women. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT A later menarche, longer cycle, shorter or longer bleeding duration were associated with lower fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zhang
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Y Y Wang
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - H G Zhang
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Y Yang
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Y He
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - J H Xu
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - J Zhao
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Z Q Peng
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - X Ma
- Section of Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Crawford NM, Pritchard DA, Herring AH, Steiner AZ. Prospective evaluation of luteal phase length and natural fertility. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:749-755. [PMID: 28065408 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of a short luteal phase on fecundity. DESIGN Prospective time-to-pregnancy cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Women trying to conceive, ages 30-44 years, without known infertility. INTERVENTION(S) Daily diaries, ovulation prediction testing, standardized pregnancy testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Subsequent cycle fecundity. RESULT(S) Included in the analysis were 1,635 cycles from 284 women. A short luteal phase (≤11 days including the day of ovulation) occurred in 18% of observed cycles. Mean luteal phase length was 14 days. Significantly more women with a short luteal phase were smokers. After adjustment for age, women with a short luteal phase had 0.82 times the odds of pregnancy in the subsequent cycle immediately following the short luteal phase compared with women without a short luteal phase. Women with a short luteal length in the first observed cycle had significantly lower fertility after the first 6 months of pregnancy attempt, but at 12 months there was no significant difference in cumulative probability of pregnancy. CONCLUSION(S) Although an isolated cycle with a short luteal phase may negatively affect short-term fertility, incidence of infertility at 12 months was not significantly higher among these women. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01028365.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Crawford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - David A Pritchard
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Amy H Herring
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anne Z Steiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Wise LA, Wesselink AK, Mikkelsen EM, Cueto H, Hahn KA, Rothman KJ, Tucker KL, Sørensen HT, Hatch EE. Dairy intake and fecundability in 2 preconception cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2017; 105:100-110. [PMID: 27903519 PMCID: PMC5183724 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.116.138404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal studies have shown that a high intake of galactose, a breakdown product of lactose, increases ovarian toxicity. Few epidemiologic studies, to our knowledge, have examined the association between dairy intake and fertility, and they have had conflicting findings. OBJECTIVE We prospectively evaluated dairy intake in relation to fecundability among women who were planning for pregnancy. DESIGN Data were derived from preconception cohort studies in Denmark (Snart Foraeldre) and North America [PRESTO (Pregnancy Study Online)] in which women completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire 10 d after enrollment. The dietary intake of dairy foods and their constituents was calculated based on reported frequencies, mean serving sizes, and standard recipes for mixed foods. Outcome data were updated every 8 wk for 12 mo or until reported conception. Analyses were restricted to 2426 women attempting pregnancy for ≤6 cycles at study entry. Fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% CIs were estimated with the use of proportional probabilities regression models adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS FRs for total dairy intake (≥18 compared with <7 servings/wk) were 1.37 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.78) among 1126 Snart Foraeldre participants and 1.04 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.38) among 1300 PRESTO participants (pooled FR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.31). The elevated FR for total dairy intake among Snart Foraeldre participants was limited to milk consumption and found only among women aged <30 y. There was no clear association between low- or high-fat dairy intake and fecundability in either cohort. Although there was little evidence of an association between dietary intake of calcium, potassium, magnesium, or vitamin D and fecundability, a greater consumption of phosphorus and lactose was associated with slightly higher fecundability in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Associations between dairy intake and fecundability were generally small and inconsistent across cohorts. Our findings do not support the hypotheses that a greater consumption of high-fat dairy improves fertility or that a greater consumption of lactose or low-fat dairy harms fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA;
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Heidi Cueto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristen A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA;,RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC; and
| | - Katherine L Tucker
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
| | - Henrik Toft Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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Mikkelsen EM, Riis AH, Wise LA, Hatch EE, Rothman KJ, Cueto HT, Sørensen HT. Alcohol consumption and fecundability: prospective Danish cohort study. BMJ 2016; 354:i4262. [PMID: 27581754 PMCID: PMC5007353 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.i4262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate to what extent alcohol consumption affects female fecundability. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Denmark, 1 June 2007 to 5 January 2016. PARTICIPANTS 6120 female Danish residents, aged 21-45 years, in a stable relationship with a male partner, who were trying to conceive and not receiving fertility treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Alcohol consumption was self reported as beer (330 mL bottles), red or white wine (120 mL glasses), dessert wine (50 mL glasses), and spirits (20 mL) and categorized in standard servings per week (none, 1-3, 4-7, 8-13, and ≥14). Participants contributed menstrual cycles at risk until the report of pregnancy, start of fertility treatment, loss to follow-up, or end of observation (maximum 12 menstrual cycles). A proportional probability regression model was used to estimate fecundability ratios (cycle specific probability of conception among exposed women divided by that among unexposed women). RESULTS 4210 (69%) participants achieved a pregnancy during follow-up. Median alcohol intake was 2.0 (interquartile range 0-3.5) servings per week. Compared with no alcohol consumption, the adjusted fecundability ratios for alcohol consumption of 1-3, 4-7, 8-13, and 14 or more servings per week were 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.03), 1.01 (0.93 to 1.10), 1.01 (0.87 to 1.16) and 0.82 (0.60 to 1.12), respectively. Compared with no alcohol intake, the adjusted fecundability ratios for women who consumed only wine (≥3 servings), beer (≥3 servings), or spirits (≥2 servings) were 1.05 (0.91 to1.21), 0.92 (0.65 to 1.29), and 0.85 (0.61 to 1.17), respectively. The data did not distinguish between regular and binge drinking, which may be important if large amounts of alcohol are consumed during the fertile window. CONCLUSION Consumption of less than 14 servings of alcohol per week seemed to have no discernible effect on fertility. No appreciable difference in fecundability was observed by level of consumption of beer and wine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anders H Riis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 617857, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 617857, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 617857, USA RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 USA
| | - Heidi T Cueto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Henrik Toft Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 617857, USA
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Association between paraben exposure and menstrual cycle in female university students in Japan. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 63:107-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Wesselink AK, Wise LA, Hatch EE, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Stanford JB, McKinnon CJ, Mahalingaiah S. Menstrual cycle characteristics and fecundability in a North American preconception cohort. Ann Epidemiol 2016; 26:482-487.e1. [PMID: 27449569 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between menstrual cycle characteristics in early life and adulthood and fecundability. METHODS Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) is an Internet-based preconception cohort study of pregnancy planners from the United States and Canada. During the preconception period, we enrolled 2189 female pregnancy planners aged 21-45 years who had been attempting conception for ≤6 cycles. Women self-reported menstrual cycle characteristics via an online baseline questionnaire, and pregnancy status was ascertained through bimonthly follow-up questionnaires. Proportional probabilities models were used to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Compared with usual menstrual cycle lengths of 27-29 days, cycle lengths of <25 (FR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.54-1.22) and 25-26 days (FR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.75-1.14) were associated with reduced fecundability. Compared with women who reached menarche at the age of 12-13 years, those who reached menarche at <12 years had reduced fecundability (FR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76-0.99). Women whose cycles never regularized after menarche (FR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.81-1.06) had slightly reduced fecundability compared with women whose cycles regularized within 2 years of menarche. Bleed length and heaviness of bleeding were not appreciably associated with fecundability. CONCLUSIONS Menstrual cycle characteristics, specifically cycle length and age at menarche, may act as markers of fertility potential among pregnancy planners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joseph B Stanford
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Craig J McKinnon
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Crawford NM, Pritchard DA, Herring AH, Steiner AZ. Prospective evaluation of the impact of intermenstrual bleeding on natural fertility. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:1294-1300. [PMID: 26820771 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of an episode of intermenstrual bleeding on the probability of conception in a menstrual cycle (fecundability). DESIGN Prospective, time-to-pregnancy cohort study. SETTING Community-based cohort. PATIENT(S) Women trying to conceive, ages 30 to 44 years, without known infertility. INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Current cycle and subsequent cycle fecundability. RESULT(S) A total of 549 women provided 1,552 complete cycles for analysis. Intermenstrual and luteal bleeding were reported in 36% and 34% of cycles, respectively. Ninety-three percent of all intermenstrual bleeding was luteal. Cycles in which women had intermenstrual bleeding or luteal bleeding were statistically significantly less likely to result in conception (fecundability ratio [FR] 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.34; and FR 0.22; 95% CI, 0.14-0.33). Women with an episode of intermenstrual and luteal bleeding had a statistically significant increase in the probability of pregnancy in the subsequent cycle (FR 1.61; 95% CI, 1.15-2.25; and FR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.52-2.87, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) Intermenstrual bleeding statistically significantly decreases the odds of conceiving in that cycle but does not appear to negatively impact a woman's immediate future reproductive potential. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01028365.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Crawford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - David A Pritchard
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Amy H Herring
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anne Z Steiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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The relationship between age at menarche and infertility among Chinese rural women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 194:68-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Hahn KA, Hatch EE, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Brogly SB, Sørensen HT, Riis AH, Wise LA. History of oral contraceptive use and risk of spontaneous abortion. Ann Epidemiol 2015; 25:936-41.e1. [PMID: 26452607 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the association between pregravid oral contraceptive (OC) use and spontaneous abortion (SAB). METHODS In an Internet-based preconception cohort study of 4862 Danish pregnancy planners, we used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between OC use and SAB. We controlled for maternal age, physical activity, parity, education, alcohol and caffeine consumption, body mass index, and smoking. RESULTS Compared with women who discontinued OCs >1 year before conception, HRs were 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.77-1.17), 0.99 (95% CI = 0.82-1.19), and 0.80 (95% CI = 0.60-1.06) for women who discontinued OCs 7-12, 2-6, and 0-1 months before conception, respectively. Compared with less than 4 years of OC use, HRs for 4-7, 8-11, and 12 years or more of OC use were 1.05 (95% CI = 0.80-1.37), 0.92 (95% CI = 0.71-1.19), and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.65-1.19), respectively. Dose of estrogen and generation of progestin were not materially associated with SAB risk. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that pregravid OC use is associated with an increase in SAB. Use within 1 month of conception was associated with a slightly lower risk of SAB, but this may be due to increased reproductive fitness in women who conceive quickly after discontinuation of OCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Susan B Brogly
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Henrik T Sørensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anders H Riis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA
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Cueto HT, Riis AH, Hatch EE, Wise LA, Rothman KJ, Sørensen HT, Mikkelsen EM. Folic acid supplementation and fecundability: a Danish prospective cohort study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2015; 70:66-71. [PMID: 26081493 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2015.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation reduces the risk of neural tube defects and has been associated with ovulatory function. However, only two studies have associated supplementation with multivitamins (MVs) that contained FA with increased pregnancy rates. We aimed to examine the association between FA supplementation (obtained either through single FA tablets or through MVs) and fecundability. SUBJECTS/METHODS A prospective cohort study of 3895 Danish women who were planning a pregnancy between 2007 and 2011. We estimated fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in relation to FA supplementation (either through single FA tablets or MV) using a proportional probabilities regression model, with adjustment for potential socio-demographic, reproductive and lifestyle confounders. In stratified analyses, we also estimated FR with 95% CI in relation to FA supplementation for women with regular and irregular cycles, respectively, and for women with short (<27 days), medium (27-29 days) and long cycles (⩾30 days), respectively. RESULTS FA supplementation was associated with increased fecundability (FR=1.15, 95% CI=1.06-1.25), compared with non-use. The adjusted FRs for FA supplement use relative to non-use were 1.35 (95% CI=1.12-1.65) and 1.11 (95% CI=1.01-1.22) for women with irregular and regular cycles, respectively, and 1.36 (95% CI=0.95-1.95), 1.10 (95% CI=0.98-1.22) and 1.24 (95% CI=1.10-1.41) for women with short (<27 days), medium (27-29 days) and long cycles (⩾30 days), respectively. CONCLUSIONS FA supplementation was associated with increased fecundability, and this association appeared to be stronger among women with irregular cycles and among women with either short or long cycle length.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Cueto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A H Riis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - E E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K J Rothman
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - H T Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Folic acid supplement use and menstrual cycle characteristics: a cross-sectional study of Danish pregnancy planners. Ann Epidemiol 2015; 25:723-9.e1. [PMID: 26123570 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the association between folic acid (FA) supplementation obtained through either single FA tablets or multivitamins (MVs) and menstrual cycle characteristics among 5386 women aged 18-40 years, enrolled in an Internet-based study of Danish women attempting pregnancy during 2007-2011. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, we used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of FA supplementation with menstrual cycle regularity; short (<27 days), long (30-33 days), and very long (≥34 days) cycle lengths; and duration and intensity of menstrual bleeding. RESULTS Compared with nonuse, FA supplementation was associated with reduced odds of short cycle length (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94) and a trend toward increased odds of very long cycle length (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.87-1.68) compared with cycle length of 27-29 days. The inverse association with short cycle length was stronger among 18- to 30-year-old women (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53-0.87), nulliparous women (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.52-0.84), and women who used both FA and MVs (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.95). We found no clear association between FA supplementation and cycle regularity and duration and intensity of menstrual bleeding. CONCLUSIONS FA supplementation was inversely associated with short menstrual cycle length. This association was strongest among women aged 18-30 years, nulliparous women, and women who used both FA and MVs.
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Hahn KA, Wise LA, Rothman KJ, Mikkelsen EM, Brogly SB, Sørensen HT, Riis AH, Hatch EE. Caffeine and caffeinated beverage consumption and risk of spontaneous abortion. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1246-55. [PMID: 25788567 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is caffeine and caffeinated beverage consumption associated with the risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB)? SUMMARY ANSWER While preconceptional caffeine consumption was not materially associated with an increased risk of SAB, consumption during early pregnancy was associated with a small increased risk of SAB, although the relation was not linear. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Caffeine has been hypothesized as a risk factor for SAB since the 1980s; however, results from previous studies have been conflicting. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective cohort study included 5132 Danish women planning pregnancy and enrolled from 2007 to 2010. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were women who conceived after entry into the Snart-Gravid cohort and who were aged 18-40, in a stable relationship with a male partner, and did not use fertility treatments to conceive. Women reported their daily caffeine and caffeinated beverage consumption on questionnaires before conception and during early pregnancy. All exposure measurements were prospective with respect to outcome ascertainment. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of SAB for categories of caffeine consumption in milligrams (mg) per day and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional hazards regression models with gestational weeks as the time scale. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were 732 women (14.3%) who were identified as having a SAB. In the preconceptional period, caffeine consumption was not materially associated with SAB risk (HR comparing ≥300 with <100 mg/day: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.33). In early pregnancy, the HRs for 100-199, 200-299 and ≥300 mg/day of caffeine consumption were 1.62 (95% CI: 1.19, 2.22), 1.48 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.13) and 1.23 (95% CI: 0.61, 2.46), respectively, compared with that for <100 mg/day. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The observed results may be affected by non-differential exposure misclassification, reverse causation and residual confounding. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the largest study to date of prospectively measured, preconception caffeine consumption and risk of SAB. We were able to reduce the likelihood of differential left truncation bias and recall bias present in other analyses. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Snart-Gravid was funded by the NICHD (R21-050264). Dr. Hahn's work was funded in part by the BU Reproductive, Perinatal, and Pediatric Epidemiology Training Grant NIH #T32HD052458. There are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - L A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - K J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC 12194 USA
| | - E M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - S B Brogly
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - H T Sørensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A H Riis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - E E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Wise LA, Mikkelsen EM, Sørensen HT, Rothman KJ, Hahn KA, Riis AH, Hatch EE. Prospective study of time to pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:1065-1073.e2. [PMID: 25707334 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between time to pregnancy (TTP) and adverse birth outcomes. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) A total of 3,521 singletons born to women aged 18-40 years at cohort entry. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Selected birth outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks' gestation), low birth weight (<2,500 g), small for gestational age, large for gestational age, and placental disorders, ascertained from the Danish Medical Birth Registry and Danish National Registry of Patients. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using log-binomial regression, with adjustment for potential confounders and fertility treatment. RESULT(S) Multivariable RRs for PTB in relation to TTP of 3-5, 6-11, and ≥12 vs. <3 cycles were 1.59 (95% CI 0.94-2.69), 0.85 (95% CI 0.48-1.50), and 1.57 (95% CI 0.93-2.65). The association was slightly stronger for spontaneous PTB (TTP ≥12 vs. <3 cycles: RR 1.69, 95% CI 0.84-3.42) than for medically indicated PTB (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.62-3.12). Longer TTPs (≥12 cycles) were associated with increased risks of low birth weight (RR 1.80, 95% CI 0.97-3.35), cesarean delivery (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.27-2.12), placental disorders (RR 2.21, 95% CI 1.07-4.56), ischemic placental disease (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.99-2.44), pre-eclampsia (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.79-2.65), and postpartum hemorrhage (RR 1.58, CI 1.14-2.19), and decreased risks of macrosomia (≥4,500 g; RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.35-1.13) and large for gestational age (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-1.00). Longer TTP showed little association with small for gestational age. CONCLUSION(S) In a prospective cohort study of Danish pregnancy planners, delayed conception was a marker for adverse birth outcomes, after accounting for fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Ellen M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Toft Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Kristen A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anders H Riis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Wildenschild C, Riis AH, Ehrenstein V, Hatch EE, Wise LA, Rothman KJ, Sørensen HT, Mikkelsen EM. A prospective cohort study of a woman's own gestational age and her fecundability. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:947-56. [PMID: 25678570 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the magnitude of the association between a woman's gestational age at her own birth and her fecundability (cycle-specific probability of conception)? SUMMARY ANSWER We found a 62% decrease in fecundability among women born <34 weeks of gestation relative to women born at 37-41 weeks of gestation, whereas there were few differences in fecundability among women born at later gestational ages. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY One study, using retrospectively collected data on time-to-pregnancy (TTP), and self-reported data on gestational age, found a prolonged TTP among women born <37 gestational weeks (preterm) and with a birthweight ≤1500 g. Other studies of women's gestational age at birth and subsequent fertility, based on data from national birth registries, have reported a reduced probability of giving birth among women born <32 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We used data from a prospective cohort study of Danish pregnancy planners ('Snart-Gravid'), enrolled during 2007-2011 and followed until 2012. In all, 2814 women were enrolled in our study, of which 2569 had complete follow-up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women eligible to participate were 18-40 years old at study entry, in a relationship with a male partner, and attempting to conceive. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and up to six follow-up questionnaires until the report of pregnancy, discontinuation of pregnancy attempts, beginning of fertility treatment, loss to follow-up or end of study observation after 12 months. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among women born <34 gestational weeks, the cumulative probability of conception was 12, 28 and 48% within 3, 6 and 12 cycles, respectively. Among women born at 37-41 weeks of gestation, cumulative probability of conception was 47, 67 and 84% within 3, 6 and 12 cycles, respectively. Relative to women born at 37-41 weeks' gestation, women born <34 weeks had decreased fecundability (fecundability ratio (FR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17-0.82). Our data did not suggest reduced fecundability among women born at 34-36 weeks of gestation or at ≥42 weeks of gestation (FR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.80-1.34, and FR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.96-1.33, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Data on gestational age, obtained from the Danish Medical Birth Registry, were more likely to be based on date of last menstrual period than early ultrasound examination, possibly leading to an overestimation of gestational age at birth. Such overestimation, however, would not explain the decrease in fecundability observed among women born <34 gestational weeks. Another limitation is that the proportion of women born before 34 weeks of gestation was low in our study population, which reduced the precision of the estimates. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS By using prospective data on TTP, our study elaborates on previous reports of impaired fertility among women born preterm, suggesting that women born <34 weeks of gestation have reduced fecundability. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The study was supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R21-050264), the Danish Medical Research Council (271-07-0338), and the Health Research Fund of Central Denmark Region (1-01-72-84-10). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wildenschild
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - A H Riis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - V Ehrenstein
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - E E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 617857, USA
| | - L A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 617857, USA Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, 1010 Commonwealth Ave, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - K J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 617857, USA RTI Health Solutions, 200 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - H T Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 617857, USA
| | - E M Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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Stability of proposed biomarkers of prenatal androgen exposure over the menstrual cycle. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2015; 6:149-57. [PMID: 25584807 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174414000646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal hormonal milieu is widely believed to shape health later in life; however, there are considerable methodological challenges associated with measuring the in utero hormonal environment. Two potential biomarkers of prenatal androgen exposure that can be measured postnatally have been proposed: anogenital distance (AGD) and the ratio of the second to fourth digits of the hand (2D:4D). Although both measures are widely used research tools, their use in adult women may be complicated by the dramatic fluctuations in reproductive hormones across the menstrual cycle. To determine whether there is cyclical variation in these biomarkers, we conducted a longitudinal study of 12 naturally cycling, nulliparous adult women. Trained examiners assessed two measures of AGD [anus to clitoris (AGD-AC) and anus to fourchette (AGD-AF)] and 2D:4D in both hands for the duration of three menstrual cycles, taking measurements during the follicular, peri-ovulatory and luteal phases of each cycle. Despite the small sample size, longer (more masculine) AGD was associated with lower (more masculine) digit ratios, as predicted by the literature. Using multi-level linear regression models, we found that AGD and 2D:4D measurements did not differ significantly across cycle phases. AGD-AF and digit ratios in both hands were associated with age at menarche, suggesting a possible common developmental trajectory. These results demonstrate that AGD and 2D:4D are stable across the menstrual cycle. In addition, research is needed to determine how reliably these measures reflect the in utero hormonal milieu.
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Nishihama Y, Yoshinaga J, Iida A, Konishi S, Imai H. [Menstrual cycle length and source of its variation in female university students majoring in nursing sciences]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2015; 70:139-148. [PMID: 25994346 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.70.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To acquire fundamental knowledge on menstrual cycle and its intraindividual variation in healthy Japanese female students and their association with biological attributes, lifestyle and food habit. METHODS We asked female students of a nursing school to keep a diary of their menstruation over 5 consecutive months and to fill a questionnaire on their biological attributes, lifestyle and consumption frequency of some food items during the period from November 2012 to January 2014. RESULTS The mean±standard deviation (SD) of cycle lengths of 180 women (20.4±0.9 yrs) was 34.2±10.5 days. Of these 180 women, 141 had a cycle length within the normal range (25-38 days) while 10 had a shorter cycle and 20 had a longer cycle. The intraindividual variations of the cycle, defined as "range" (difference between the longest and shortest cycles of an individual) and "SD" (SD of mean of multiple lengths within an individual), were 11.4±10.3 and 7.9±11.8 days, respectively. Of 177 women, 73 and 109 had normal range and SD (≤6 days), respectively. The mean age of women with long cycles was older than that of women with short cycle (Kruscal-Wallis test, p<0.05), and women with greater intraindividual variations were older than those with small variations (U-test, p<0.05). Subjects with menstrual pain had greater "SD" than did those without pain (Chi-square test, p<0.05). Neither lifestyle nor food habit was associated with the length and intraindividual variations of the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS The present results provided fundamental knowledge on the length and intraindividual variations of the menstrual cycle and the sources of these variations in female Japanese university students.
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