Summary:
- A depleting CoQ10 level in a female, particularly one in her late 30s, can result in oxidative stress and the production of free radicals that cause various pathological conditions involving the reproductive system.*
- Various research studies have established the beneficial effects of CoQ10 for supporting a healthy menstrual cycle.*
- Tesseract’s CoQ10 Pro® is a proprietary CoQ10 nutritional supplement developed for optimal bioavailability and absorption in the body.
In a woman, a lower level of estrogen as she ages is considered a potential cause for oxidative stress that can adversely influence her reproductive lifespan. This is because the production of free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), can play a role in pathological conditions that involve the female reproductive tract.
A gradual decline in the body’s natural production of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is usually observed in females in their late 30s and appears to occur simultaneously with the age-related decline in reproductive health. Research shows that the antioxidant properties of CoQ10 can protect the reproductive system from the adverse effects of oxidative stress.*
Below, we discuss the beneficial effects of CoQ10 on the menstrual cycle and why you should include a CoQ10 nutritional supplement in your diet.
The Beneficial Effects of CoQ10 on Menstrual Cycle*
The menstrual cycle is a critical determinant of your reproductive health that prepares your body for a possible pregnancy.
Your menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period and ends at the beginning of your next period. Although the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, an average menstrual cycle usually lasts between 24 and 38 days.
The menstrual cycle is driven by a woman’s hormones and is categorized in the following phases:
- Follicular phase (Pre-ovulation): Takes place from days 6-14 when the level of the hormone estrogen increases, which makes the lining of the uterus grow and thicken. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) causes the follicles in a woman’s ovaries to grow. One of these developing follicles will form a fully mature egg or ovum during days 10-14.
- Ovulation: A sudden spike in luteinizing hormone (LH) prompts the ovary to release its egg on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. This is called ovulation.
- Luteal phase (Post-ovulation): This phase lasts between days 15-28, when the egg leaves an ovary and travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The rising level of the hormone progesterone prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, then it attaches itself to the uterine wall. If not, then the estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which leads to the thick lining of the uterus being shed from day 1 to day 5 of the menstrual cycle.
The aging of egg cells is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction that is associated with reduced cellular energy levels. The diminished expression of those enzymes responsible for CoQ10 production has been observed in developing egg cells or oocytes of older females in both mice and humans. The following table highlights the research studies establishing the role of CoQ10 on the menstrual cycle and how CoQ10 influences female hormonal levels.
| CoQ10 and Menstrual Cycle | |
| Promoting the development of competent follicles: CoQ10 supplementation has been found1 to significantly enhance follicular fluid oxidative metabolism and oocyte quality, especially in women over 35 years old.* | |
| Restoring oocyte mitochondrial functions: Impaired mitochondrial performance created by suboptimal CoQ10 level can drive age-associated oocyte deficits. CoQ10 supplementation promotes2 a more favorable environment for oocyte development, restoring oocyte mitochondrial functions, during reproductive aging.* | |
| Supporting enhanced production of LH and FSH: In a clinical study on female individuals in the 20 – 40 years age group who displayed an absence of menstrual periods, CoQ10 supplementation was found3 to enhance the secretion of LH and FSH.* The rise in these hormone levels after daily supplementation of 150 mg of CoQ10 in the form of ubiquinol is attributed to the antioxidant properties of CoQ10 to limit oxidative stress.* |
Furthermore, serum CoQ10 levels have been found4 to be significantly lower during the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase of the same menstrual cycle, emphasizing the beneficial effects of CoQ10 on the menstrual cycle.*
Including a CoQ10 Supplement in Your Diet
While considering including a CoQ10 supplement in your diet, it is worth noting that CoQ10 has poor bioavailability and absorption. Although various approaches have been implemented to enhance CoQ10’s solubility and absorption, nano-formulated complexes have shown superior results compared to oral formulations featuring uncomplexed CoQ10.
Tesseract’s CoQ10 Pro® is a unique CoQ10 supplement that uses proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology to ensure the optimal absorption of CoQ10 at the desired point in the intestinal tract. With enhanced bioavailability, CoQ10 Pro® makes the daily intake level of CoQ10 much lower than previously required to support your reproductive health.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in the proprietary science of proven nutrients and unrivaled smart delivery, making them the most effective for supporting women’s health, particularly cardiovascular health and endocrine health
Citations:
1Giannubilo SR, et al. CoQ10 supplementation in patients undergoing IVF-ET: The relationship with follicular fluid content and oocyte maturity.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 7,10 141. 13 Oct. 2018, doi:10.3390/antiox7100141
2Ben-Meir A, et al. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging Cell vol. 14,5 (2015):887-95. doi:10.1111/acel.12368
3Thakur AS, et al. Effect of ubiquinol on serum reproductive hormones of amenorrhic patients.” Indian journal of clinical biochemistry vol. 31,3 (2016):342-348. doi:10.1007/s12291-015-0542-9
4Palan R, et al. Effects of menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive use on serum levels of lipid-soluble antioxidants. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology vol. 194,5 (2006):e35-38. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2005.11.032
