Sugar Can Lower Female Fertility

Excessive sugar consumption can reduce fertility and make it difficult to get pregnant

Too much sugar has many negative effects on the body. In addition to increasing the risks of obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, sugar can lower female fertility. Reproductive health can decline due the sugar-induced alterations to hormones, insulin resistance, immunity, and higher nutritional demands.

Altering hormones

Blood glucose levels spike following the consumption of sugar-rich food, creating a ‘sugar’ high. When levels drop, the body craves more sugar to boost energy levels. Falling into this cycle can over-stimulate the adrenal glands and disrupt hormone production. This can negatively affect fertility by unbalancing hormones and preventing ovulation.

Poor immune function

Immune function is compromised for up to four hours for every tablespoon of sugar consumed. Eating a sugar-rich diet can significantly compromise the immune system and increase susceptibility to illness. For women, this can mean greater susceptibility to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. These infections can lead to other health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which make conception difficult.

Insulin resistance

A high-sugar diet increases insulin production and can lead to insulin resistance. In addition to promoting type 2 diabetes and obesity, female fertility is also negatively affected. Many studies have shown that insulin resistance is one of the leading causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), significantly increasing the risk of miscarriage^[1]“Fica, S. et.al. (2008) Insulin resistance and fertility in polycystic ovary syndrome, Journal of Medicine and Life, Volume 1, Issue 4, (pp.415-22).”. Insulin resistance can stop the body from ovulating, disrupt the maturation process, and reduce the ability of the egg to effectively implant after conception.

Increased nutritional demands

Unhealthy sugar consumption increases nutritional demand on the body as it is forced to produce more insulin, cortisol and adrenalin. This can lead to a deficiency in vital nutrients. Research shows that often female fertility problems are linked to nutritional deficiencies. Oxidative stress can cause a range of problems from miscarriages to preeclampsia^[2]“Burton, G. (2004) Placental Oxidative Stres: From Miscarriage to Preeclampsia, Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, Volume 11, Issue 6, (pp.342-52).”. Key vitamins such as vitamin C and E are essential for fighting oxidative stress, along with other important amino acids. If these nutrients are in short supply, reproductive health will suffer.

Sugar can lower female fertility through direct and indirect mechanisms. Making a conscious effort to decrease sugar consumption may improve fertility and better support overall health.