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Updated: May 20, 2026
10:48
In Vitro Growth of Mouse Preantral Follicles Under Simulated Microgravity
Published on: December 17, 2017
Ovarian Reproductive and Endocrine Function Investigated in Microgravity Environment
Noemi Monti1, Emanuele Galante1, Alessandro Querqui1
1Department BeSSA - Wellbeing, Health and Environmental Sustainability - National Space Biomedicine Laboratory, Systems Biology Group, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|May 18, 2026
Summary
Microgravity may disrupt female reproductive health by altering ovarian hormones and impairing follicular development. Further research is needed to understand these effects on fertility during long-term space missions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Space Physiology
Background:
- Long-term space missions expose astronauts to microgravity, impacting human physiology.
- Female reproductive health in microgravity is understudied, particularly concerning estrogen's role in fertility and ovarian function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microgravity on the female reproductive system.
- To clarify the impact of altered estrogen availability on fertility and ovarian function.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing cell/tissue cultures in real and simulated weightlessness.
- Performing molecular assessments of key reproductive parameters.
Main Results:
- Microgravity may disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
- Evidence suggests microgravity downregulates aromatase activity, reducing estrogen synthesis and impairing follicular development.
Conclusions:
- Microgravity poses a potential risk to female fertility and ovarian function.
- Further investigation using molecular assessments in weightlessness models is crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks.
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