The regulation of female fertility is helped by the presence and activity of male sex hormones such as testosterone, a new US study has found.
It is thought the male sex hormones control follicle growth and development, preventing the deterioration of follicles that contain growing eggs. In order to function normally, females need certain levels of male hormones or androgens, in their body, the study suggests.
Published in the journal Molecular Endocrinology, the study says irregular levels of androgen in the ovaries of female mice were a significant cause of infertility. More effective ways to regulate androgens and combat infertility in humans may be possible by understanding how male hormones impact upon ovulation in mice.
"The need for certain levels of male hormones in the female body and the strong influence these hormones have is often underappreciated," said a researcher at the University of Rochester Medical Centre.
"Our findings open up a new line of research into how we can regulate male sex hormones, specifically in the ovaries, to improve fertility."
Copyright Press Association 2010
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