P–640 High physical activity and ovarian reserve: A prospective study of normo-ovulatory professional athletes
Authors: Miller N , Pasternak Y , Dornstein C , Haiki. Herzberger E , Zada N , Hemi R , Wiser A 
Published: August 2021

Study question

Is high physical activity (HPA) associated with low ovarian reserve in normo-ovulatory, reproductive-age women?

Summary answer

HPA does not affect ovarian reserve negatively.

What is known already

HPA is associated with menstrual irregularities and subsequent potential infertility, probably through hypothalamic neuroendocrine pathways. However, it is not yet known whether HPA influences the ovarian reserves of normo-ovulatory, reproductive-age women.

Study design, size, duration

This observational, cross-sectional study compared 30 professional female athletes who were engaged in HPA for at least 3 years prior to study recruitment, with high International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores and 30 women who did not engage in physical activity. The study was conducted at a tertiary medical center from 2017–2020.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Physically active, normo-ovulatory women (n = 30), ages 20–35 years were recruited from The Wingate Institute, the Israeli National Institute for Sport Excellence. Non-physically active women (n = 30), matched by age and BMI to the HPA group, were recruited from the hospital staff. Both groups were evaluated for ovarian reserve markers on day 2–5 of the menstrual cycle, including follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B.

Main results and the role of chance

The average age of the athletes (HPA group) was 30.1±2.1 years and of the nonactive (control) group 31.6±3.8 years (p = 0.071). BMI of the 2 groups was similar (22.6±2.4 vs. 21.3±2.6; p = 0.075) for the HPA and control groups, respectively. Regarding ovarian reserve, no significant differences were observed between the HPA group and the control group with respect to FSH (p = 0.304), AFC (p = 0.27), AMH (0.507) or Inhibin B (p = 0.074). For the HPA group, older age at menarche was positively associated with AFC (p = 0.008) and AMH (p = 0.009) and not with FSH levels (p = 0.313). For the nonactive group, no significant association between age at menarche and FSH levels, AFC or AMH was found (p = 0.433, p = 0.274 and p = 0.163, respectively). Additionally, for the HPA group, duration of physical activity per week (hours) was not significantly associated with FSH levels, AFC or AMH (p = 0.619, p = 0.608 or p = 0.997, respectively).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Although we investigated the ovarian reserves of 30 women engaged in HPA, a larger cohort would provide more information. Information on diet and sleep habits was not evaluated and may result in some confounding. Moreover, it would be more informative if we also followed these women regarding fecundability and fertility.

Wider implications of the findings: This study demonstrated that HPA may not negatively affect ovarian reserve markers. These findings may provide reassurance for women who are engaged in HPA and attempting pregnancy. Further research needs s to be confuted.

Trial registration number

0247–16