Dr Maxwell Adeyemi

Physical activities such as swimming, running, walking and dancing provides numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. But physical activity can be useful or harmful depending on the exercise regimen parameters: type, intensity, duration, aim, or structure. Physical activities promote health and quality of life, but excessive or strenuous exercise exposure can have detrimental side effects, among them fertility concerns in both males and females.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. There are various factors that influence fertility - age, health issues, reproductive organ issues, hormonal imbalances, sexually transmitted illnesses, and any form of fibroid or uterine growths are all examples.

Some lifestyle factors such as inadequate rest and sleep, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine may contribute.

Physical activity and infertility

According to some studies, many sportswomen may suffer reproductive dysfunction or menstruation issues, and girls who engage in strenuous activity often experience delayed onset of menses, cessation of menstruation, and long intervals between menstrual cycles. Infertility caused by high-intensity exercise may be reversed by reducing physical activity and increasing body fat.

Impact of extreme work outs on female

Increased level of cortisol: Prolonged exercise raises cortisol levels while decreasing thyroid hormone levels. Studies shows that even after 24 hours of recovery post-exercise, cortisol levels remained elevated and thyroid hormones suppressed. High cortisol levels and low thyroid hormone levels have both been related to poor adrenal health, which in turn has a direct impact on thyroid function and how the body handles stress in the long run, all of which can have a detrimental impact on overall hormonal balance and fertility.

Athletic hypothalamic amenorrhoea: Exercise-related ovarian dysfunction, also known as neuroendocrine dysfunction, can develop in athletes. Athletic hypothalamic amenorrhoea is the delay or cessation in the menstrual cycle in athletes. Exercise causes our brain to release chemicals such as beta endorphins and catecholamine. The release of these hormones rises with greater physical activity. A high level of these hormones interferes with the function of oestrogen and progesterone, which might lead to infertility in the long run.

Decline in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH): This is a condition in which menstruation ceases for several months due to a hypothalamic issue. The hypothalamus is the brain's reproduction control centre. After ovulation, it generates GnRH, which triggers the synthesis of other hormones required for egg maturation and ovulation, such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones then tell the ovaries to make oestrogen. Oestrogen thins cervical mucus and, in conjunction with progesterone from LH