Endocrinology of reproductive function and pregnancy at high altitudes

Abstract

Reproductive function and therefore fertility, both in women and men, are affected by the high altitude environment. Hypobaric hypoxia affects functionality of the hypothalamus–hypophysis–gonads axis, sperm quality, cyclic ovulatory activity, and quality of preovulatory follicles, oocytes, corpora lutea, and embryos. Hence, chances for obtaining pregnancy are diminished in humans and animals living at high altitudes. The occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction is around 3-fold higher than that at low altitude. Most of these deficiencies are related not only to hypoxia but also to increased oxidative stress. Hence, supplementation with antioxidant agents may constitute a useful strategy.