The effects of aging bodies and fitness levels
By age 37, a woman's egg supply has dropped to about 25,000. Since the hormones among our egg reserves maintain our ovarian function, the dwindling supply decreases the chances of conception as we age.
Along with quantity, the quality of eggs diminishes as well. Eggs are produced in the ovaries through cell division, and as a woman ages, there's a greater chance of mistakes occurring during the division process –- some eggs end up with an abnormal number of chromosomes. These chromosomal abnormalities can mean a higher risk of an embryo not being implanted in the uterus, of having a baby with Down syndrome, or of having a miscarriage
According to Librach, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is one in 350 at age 35, one in 100 at age 40, and one in 35 at age 45 -– a significant rise. In spite of the odds, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of conceiving.
How your fitness level affects fertility
Being over- or underweight can hinder ovulation, and obesity has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and less success with fertility treatments. Since extra pounds can drive up your estrogen levels, reducing the secretion of FSH, which suppresses ovulation, losing five to 10 pounds can improve ovulation by lowering your estrogen hormone levels, says Librach.
However, he cautions against an overly rigorous workout regimen. "You don't want to be doing excessive amounts of exercise, such as marathon running, since it can affect the hypothalamic function of the brain, which can affect your hormones," notes Librach.
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Along with quantity, the quality of eggs diminishes as well. Eggs are produced in the ovaries through cell division, and as a woman ages, there's a greater chance of mistakes occurring during the division process –- some eggs end up with an abnormal number of chromosomes. These chromosomal abnormalities can mean a higher risk of an embryo not being implanted in the uterus, of having a baby with Down syndrome, or of having a miscarriage
According to Librach, the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is one in 350 at age 35, one in 100 at age 40, and one in 35 at age 45 -– a significant rise. In spite of the odds, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of conceiving.
How your fitness level affects fertility
Being over- or underweight can hinder ovulation, and obesity has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and less success with fertility treatments. Since extra pounds can drive up your estrogen levels, reducing the secretion of FSH, which suppresses ovulation, losing five to 10 pounds can improve ovulation by lowering your estrogen hormone levels, says Librach.
However, he cautions against an overly rigorous workout regimen. "You don't want to be doing excessive amounts of exercise, such as marathon running, since it can affect the hypothalamic function of the brain, which can affect your hormones," notes Librach.
Click to continue...
Page 2 of 5
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