- Researchers found that dwindling egg reserves responded positively to sunlight
- Experts say older ovaries need “optimal environmental” factors to function
According to scientists, exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can have a positive effect on fertility in women between 30 and 40 years old.
The ovaries of women in the late reproductive age range were found to secrete more of the hormone AMH, which is related to ovarian function, during the summer.
Researchers studied 2,235 Israeli women and found that those whose egg reserves were dwindling responded positively to sunlight.
Professor Carmit Levy of Tel Aviv University hailed the study as “pioneering” but said more research would be needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers studied 2,235 Israeli women and found that those whose egg reserves were dwindling responded positively to sunlight.
She said: ‘This is very encouraging news for women trying to have children later in life.
“We have yet to determine how much sunlight a woman needs to get these benefits, but I assume it will be minimal exposure, just enough to initiate vitamin D production.”
The study comes after a separate study in mice by the same team found that sun exposure increases metabolism and sex drive, enlarges the ovaries and extends the period of fertility.
“Humans are not the same as mice, but we are animals and our hairless nature makes us even more sensitive to solar radiation,” Dr. Levy said.
“Our research suggests that the female reproductive system is indeed more fertile in summer, but we still have no information on the mechanism or actual success rates.”
For women ages 20 to 29, no relationship was found between UV exposure and AMH level.
Researcher Ruth Percik said this may be because younger women have ample egg reserves and do not need “sun signals” to increase their fertility.
She said: ‘Women in their early reproductive years need fewer cues from the sun, which affects hormonal pathways that have not yet been sufficiently studied.
‘They are less affected or dependent on the forces of nature in the context of fertility.
«In contrast, older ovaries need optimal environmental factors to function.
‘In fact, this effect was even more pronounced among women aged 35 and older.
“Of course, there are caveats: Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation should always be done in moderation, and more research is needed to determine whether such exposure actually helps fertility and how much exposure is necessary.”
Other studies have shown that excessive sun exposure can damage the skin, eyes, and immune system.