Shift Work as a Potential Risk Factor for Lower Ovarian Reserve: A Study of Fertility Patients

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Chronobiology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Circadian dysregulation from shift work is linked to adverse reproductive outcomes.
• The impact of circadian disruption on ovarian reserve is not well understood.
• Investigating shift work's association with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if shift work is associated with lower AMH levels in women seeking fertility treatment.
• To assess the relationship between circadian dysregulation and ovarian reserve markers.
• To provide data on reproductive health for shift-working women.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 1135 women aged 20-39 undergoing fertility treatment.
• Exclusion criteria: single ovary, current cancer, prior chemotherapy.
• Comparison of AMH levels between daytime workers and shift workers (rotating, night, evening).

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in median AMH levels between daytime workers (17.20 pmol/L) and shift workers (17.10 pmol/L).
• Shift workers had a non-significant 25% higher odds of low AMH (<7 pmol/L) (OR 1.246, p=0.345).
• 11% of the cohort (n=121) were identified as shift workers.

Conclusions:

• Shift work was not significantly associated with lower AMH levels in this cohort.
• Findings may offer reassurance to women in shift work roles regarding ovarian reserve.
• Larger studies with detailed circadian disruption measures are needed for further insight.